In 15 Seconds
- Used to introduce an example or clarify a complex point.
- Extremely versatile for both professional and casual daily conversations.
- Literally means 'to lift an example' for others to see.
Meaning
It is the most common way to say 'for example' or 'let me give you an example' when you want to clarify a point or illustrate a story.
Key Examples
3 of 6Explaining a rule to a friend
这个游戏很难，我给你举个例子吧。
This game is hard, let me give you an example.
In a professional meeting
关于这个计划，我想举个例子说明一下。
Regarding this plan, I'd like to give an example to illustrate.
Texting about a bad habit
他总是迟到，举个例子，昨天他晚了一个小时！
He is always late; for example, he was an hour late yesterday!
Cultural Background
The character '举' (jǔ) originally depicted hands lifting a ritual vessel. Using this phrase suggests you are 'elevating' a specific case to represent a larger truth, a common rhetorical move in Chinese logic.
The 'Say' Addition
Add '说' (shuō) at the end to make it '举个例子说' for a smoother transition into your explanation.
Don't Overuse
If you use it every sentence, you might sound like a repetitive textbook. Mix it up with '比如' (bǐrú).
In 15 Seconds
- Used to introduce an example or clarify a complex point.
- Extremely versatile for both professional and casual daily conversations.
- Literally means 'to lift an example' for others to see.
What It Means
举个例子 is your go-to tool for clarity. It literally means 'to lift an example.' Think of it as physically picking up a piece of evidence to show someone. It bridges the gap between a vague idea and a concrete reality. You use it when you see that 'confused puppy' look on a friend's face.
How To Use It
Drop it right before you explain your point. You can say 举个例子 followed by your scenario. Sometimes people add 说 at the end: 举个例子说. It works perfectly at the start of a sentence. It also works as a standalone transition. It is like the 'Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V' of conversational logic.
When To Use It
You can use this almost anywhere. Use it in a business meeting to explain a strategy. Use it while teaching a friend how to play a game. It is great for texting when a story gets too long. If you are arguing about where to eat, use it to list bad past experiences. It makes you sound organized and thoughtful.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if the example is already obvious. If you are holding an apple, don't say 'For example, this apple.' It can feel a bit repetitive if used every two sentences. Avoid it in extremely poetic or rhythmic literature. In very short commands, it might feel too wordy. Keep it for when explanation is actually needed.
Cultural Background
Chinese communication often relies on metaphors and historical allusions. 举个例子 is the modern, practical version of this tradition. The word 举 (jǔ) implies a sense of effort and presentation. It reflects a culture that values teaching through practical application. It became a staple of modern Mandarin as speech became more direct.
Common Variations
If you want to be fancy, use 譬如 (pìrú) or 例如 (lìrú). For a very casual vibe, just say 比方说 (bǐfāng shuō). In textbooks, you will often see 举例说明. If you are in a rush, 比如 is the shorter, faster cousin. All of them do the same heavy lifting for your conversation.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-register phrase suitable for almost any context. Be careful not to confuse it with '举手' (raise hand) just because they share the word '举'.
The 'Say' Addition
Add '说' (shuō) at the end to make it '举个例子说' for a smoother transition into your explanation.
Don't Overuse
If you use it every sentence, you might sound like a repetitive textbook. Mix it up with '比如' (bǐrú).
The Power of One
In Chinese culture, giving 'one' (个) example is often seen as more humble and effective than listing ten.
Examples
6这个游戏很难，我给你举个例子吧。
This game is hard, let me give you an example.
Softens the explanation with 'ba' at the end.
关于这个计划，我想举个例子说明一下。
Regarding this plan, I'd like to give an example to illustrate.
Uses 'illustrate' to sound more professional.
他总是迟到，举个例子，昨天他晚了一个小时！
He is always late; for example, he was an hour late yesterday!
Used to provide evidence for a complaint.
我真的很穷，举个例子，我的钱包里只有空气。
I'm really poor; for example, there's only air in my wallet.
Uses the phrase to set up a joke.
爱有很多种，举个例子，陪伴也是一种爱。
There are many kinds of love; for example, companionship is also a form of love.
Used to define an abstract concept.
我不喜欢吃辣的，举个例子，我不吃火锅。
I don't like spicy food; for example, I don't eat hotpot.
Clarifies personal preferences.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence.
如果你不明白，我可以为你___。
The standard expression for 'giving an example' is '举个例子'.
Complete the transition.
北京有很多好玩的地方，___，故宫就很美。
Here, the phrase is used to introduce the Forbidden City as a specific example of a fun place.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Giving Examples'
Used with close friends
比方说...
Everyday standard use
举个例子...
Speeches or writing
譬如/例如...
Where to use 举个例子
Classroom
Explaining a grammar point
Office
Presenting data trends
Dinner
Telling a funny story
Texting
Clarifying a meetup spot
Practice Bank
2 exercises如果你不明白，我可以为你___。
The standard expression for 'giving an example' is '举个例子'.
北京有很多好玩的地方，___，故宫就很美。
Here, the phrase is used to introduce the Forbidden City as a specific example of a fun place.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt literally means 'to lift an example.' The word 举 means to lift or raise, like raising your hand.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable, though in very formal writing you might prefer 例如 (lìrú).
Yes, 举例子 is also correct, but adding 个 makes it sound more natural and rhythmic in spoken Chinese.
比如 is shorter and slightly more casual, while 举个例子 is a full phrase that signals a longer explanation is coming.
Not usually. It is almost always used at the beginning of the example, like 举个例子，我昨天....
Not really a 'slang' version, but people often just say 比方说 (bǐfāng shuō) in very relaxed settings.
You can say 我给你举个例子 (Wǒ gěi nǐ jǔ gè lìzi), which is very common and friendly.
It is better to use 例如 or 以...为例 in formal academic essays, but 举个例子 is fine for blogs or letters.
It doesn't sound rude, but it might make you sound like you are lecturing someone if used excessively.
No, this phrase is universally understood and used across all Mandarin-speaking regions.
Related Phrases
比如
For example / such as
例如
For instance (more formal)
比方说
Let's say / for example
譬如
For example (literary/formal)
