比如说 in 30 Seconds
- 比如说 (bǐrúshuō) is the standard conversational way to say 'for example' in Mandarin, helping you provide clarity and detail.
- It always sits before the example and after the category, never at the end of a sentence like English can.
- The word is composed of 'compare,' 'as if,' and 'speak,' giving it a friendly, explanatory tone suitable for all social levels.
- It is a key A2-level word that allows learners to expand their sentences and demonstrate a wider range of vocabulary.
The Chinese conjunction 比如说 (bǐrúshuō) is one of the most essential linguistic bridges in the Mandarin language, serving as a primary tool for clarification, illustration, and elaboration. At its core, it translates to "for example" or "for instance," but its usage carries a specific conversational warmth that distinguishes it from its more formal cousins. When you use 比如说, you are essentially telling your listener, "Let me make this general idea concrete by giving you a specific scenario or item." This word is a staple in everyday dialogue, classroom settings, and business presentations alike, acting as the connective tissue between an abstract concept and a tangible reality.
- Etymological Breakdown
- The term is composed of three characters: 比 (bǐ) meaning 'to compare' or 'like,' 如 (rú) meaning 'as if' or 'such as,' and 说 (shuō) meaning 'to speak.' Together, they literally suggest 'comparing by speaking' or 'speaking of such as.' The addition of '说' at the end makes it significantly more colloquial than the two-character '比如'.
- Semantic Range
- While primarily used for listing items (e.g., 'I like fruits, for example, apples'), it is equally powerful for introducing hypothetical scenarios or providing evidence for an argument. It helps the speaker narrow down a broad topic to something the listener can easily visualize.
- Social Context
- In Chinese culture, being indirect or general is common; however, 比如说 provides a polite way to offer specifics without sounding overly pedantic or demanding. It is often used to soften the tone of a suggestion.
我想去一些安静的地方，比如说图书馆或者公园。
Beyond simple lists, 比如说 is vital for pedagogical interactions. Teachers use it constantly to ground complex grammar rules in simple sentences. In a social setting, if someone asks you what kind of music you like, starting your answer with 比如说 allows you to avoid the pressure of naming your 'absolute favorite' and instead just offers a few instances of things you enjoy. This flexibility is key to the word's high frequency in the HSK and CEFR A2 levels. It transitions the learner from simple declarative sentences to more complex, descriptive discourse.
学习汉语有很多方法，比如说看电影和听歌。
Finally, it is worth noting the rhythm of the word. In Chinese, rhythm is essential for being understood. The 3-2-1 tone sequence (bǐ-rú-shuō) creates a descending then leveling melodic arc that naturally leads into the following example. It functions as a signpost, much like the English phrase 'such as,' ensuring that the listener is prepared for the shift from the general to the specific. Without such connectors, Chinese speech can feel fragmented or overly blunt to a native ear.
Using 比如说 (bǐrúshuō) correctly requires understanding its position within a sentence. Unlike English, where 'for example' can appear at the very beginning, middle, or even the end of a sentence, 比如说 has a more restricted, yet intuitive, placement in Mandarin. It almost always follows the general category it is describing and precedes the specific examples. This logical flow—General Category -> Connector -> Specifics—is the golden rule for using this word effectively.
- The Standard Pattern
- Structure: [General Statement/Noun] + (comma) + 比如说 + [Example 1, Example 2...]. For example: "中国有很多大城市，比如说北京、上海和广州。" (China has many big cities, for example, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.)
- Introducing a Clause
- It doesn't just introduce nouns; it can introduce entire actions or situations. "如果你想身体健康，你应该多运动，比如说每天去跑步。" (If you want to be healthy, you should exercise more, for example, going for a run every day.)
- Multiple Examples and 'Etc.'
- When listing multiple examples after 比如说, it is very common to end the list with '等等' (děngděng) or '什么的' (shénmede) to indicate 'and so on.' This makes the sentence sound more natural and complete.
我们公司有很多福利，比如说免费午餐、健身房，等等。
Another nuance is the use of the comma. In written Chinese, a comma almost always precedes 比如说 to separate the general statement from the specific instances. If the examples provided are short nouns, you use the 'dunhao' (顿号, 、) which is a specific Chinese comma for lists, rather than the standard comma (，). This distinction is a hallmark of high-level writing. Furthermore, 比如说 can be used to start a new sentence if it is responding directly to a previous question or statement, acting as a stand-alone introductory phrase.
A: 你觉得哪里好玩？ B: 比如说，你可以去成都看大熊猫。
In more complex sentences, 比如说 can also be paired with '就拿...来说' (jiù ná... lái shuō), which means 'take... for instance.' While 比如说 is the connector, '就拿...来说' frames the specific example as a case study. For a learner at the A2 level, sticking to the standard [General] + [比如说] + [Specific] pattern is the most effective way to communicate clearly and sound like a native speaker.
In the bustling streets of Beijing or the tech hubs of Shenzhen, 比如说 (bǐrúshuō) is a constant companion in conversation. It is not just a word; it is a rhetorical tool used by people from all walks of life. Whether a street food vendor is explaining the different fillings of a baozi or a CEO is detailing the company's expansion plans, this phrase provides the necessary structure to their thoughts. It is ubiquitous because it serves a fundamental human need: the need to clarify.
- In the Marketplace
- Shopping in China involves a lot of negotiation and explanation. You might hear a shopkeeper say: "这件衣服有很多颜色，比如说红的、蓝的、绿的。" This helps the customer visualize the options quickly without the shopkeeper needing to pull every single item off the shelf.
- In the Classroom
- Teachers are perhaps the most frequent users of 比如说. To explain an abstract concept like 'gravity' or 'culture,' they rely on examples. "文化有很多方面，比如说饮食文化、节日文化。" It is the bridge that makes learning possible.
- In Media and News
- Even in scripted media, talk shows, and news broadcasts, this word is used to break down complex statistics or policy changes into relatable examples for the general public.
现在的手机功能非常多，比如说拍照、付钱、打车。
You will also hear this word frequently in social gatherings. When friends are discussing travel plans, one might say, "我想去一些有历史的地方，比如说西安。" It serves as a soft way to make a suggestion. In Chinese social etiquette, being too direct can sometimes be seen as aggressive. Using 比如说 allows a speaker to offer an idea as just one 'example' of many possibilities, which leaves room for others to contribute their own ideas. This makes the conversation more collaborative and harmonious, a core value in Chinese interpersonal relationships.
如果你想家了，可以做点家乡菜，比如说饺子。
In professional settings, particularly in 'Brainstorming' (头脑风暴) sessions, this word is the fuel for creativity. Team members will throw out ideas starting with 比如说 to see what sticks. It lowers the barrier to entry for sharing thoughts because an 'example' doesn't have to be the final answer—it's just an exploration. Therefore, mastering this word is not just about grammar; it's about gaining the ability to participate in the natural flow of Chinese social and professional life.
While 比如说 (bǐrúshuō) is relatively straightforward, English speakers often fall into several common traps due to the differences in how 'for example' functions in English versus Mandarin. Recognizing these pitfalls early will significantly improve your fluency and make your Chinese sound more natural to native ears.
- Mistake 1: The 'End of Sentence' Trap
- In English, we can say "I like big cities, Tokyo for example." Beginners often translate this literally: "我喜欢大城市，东京比如说。" This is incorrect. In Chinese, the connector must come before the example: "我喜欢大城市，比如说东京。"
- Mistake 2: Confusing '比如说' with '像...一样'
- '比如说' is for giving examples. '像...一样' (xiàng... yīyàng) is for making comparisons (similes). Don't say "他跑得很快，比如说兔子" (He runs fast, for example a rabbit) when you mean "He runs as fast as a rabbit." Use 比如说 only when you are listing items that belong to a category.
- Mistake 3: Over-formalizing with '例如'
- While '例如' (lìrú) also means 'for example,' it is quite formal and mostly used in writing or formal speeches. Using '例如' in a casual chat with friends about what to eat for dinner can sound a bit stiff or robotic. Stick to 比如说 for daily life.
❌ 这种水果很甜，西瓜比如说。
✅ 这种水果很甜，比如说西瓜。
Another subtle mistake is forgetting to use the list-style comma (顿号, 、) when listing multiple nouns after 比如说. While this is a written rule, it reflects a pause in speech that is different from a standard comma pause. Furthermore, some learners forget that 比如说 can also be followed by a full sentence or a verb phrase. It isn't limited to just nouns. If you only use it for nouns, your speech might remain at a very basic level. Try to use it to introduce actions to sound more advanced.
❌ 我喜欢运动，比如说跑步，游泳。
✅ 我喜欢运动，比如说跑步、游泳。
Finally, avoid redundant phrasing. You don't need to say "比如说，像苹果这样" (For example, like apples this way). Just "比如说苹果" is sufficient. The word 比如说 already contains the meaning of 'like' or 'such as' (via the character '如'). Adding '像' (xiàng) before it is redundant and makes the sentence clunky. Simplicity is key to sounding like a proficient speaker.
While 比如说 (bǐrúshuō) is the workhorse of examples, Mandarin offers several other ways to introduce specific instances, each with its own flavor and register. Knowing when to use which one will elevate your Chinese from 'functional' to 'nuanced.'
- 比如 (bǐrú)
- This is the shorter, slightly more formal version of 比如说. While 比如说 sounds like you are actively 'speaking' the example, 比如 is more direct and is used frequently in both speech and writing. It is very common in textbooks.
- 例如 (lìrú)
- The formal standard. You will see this in newspapers, academic papers, and official documents. It literally means 'Example: As follows.' Avoid using this when chatting with friends at a bar, as it can sound overly stiff.
- 像 (xiàng)
- Meaning 'like' or 'such as.' This is the most informal way to give an example. It is often paired with '什么的' (shénmede) at the end: "我喜欢像苹果什么的。" (I like things like apples and so on.)
- 譬如 (pìrú)
- A more literary or 'bookish' version. It is less common in modern daily speech but appears in literature and formal speeches to add a touch of elegance or variety.
Comparison:
1. (Casual) 像苹果什么的。
2. (Standard) 比如说苹果。
3. (Formal) 例如苹果。
When dealing with 'negative' examples or 'exceptions,' you might use '比如...除外' (bǐrú... chúwài), meaning 'for example, except for...' However, for general illustrative purposes, 比如说 remains the king. Another alternative for introducing a case is '拿...做例子' (ná... zuò lìzi), which means 'take... as an example.' This is slightly longer and emphasizes the act of choosing that specific example. For instance: "拿北京做例子，这里的交通很忙。" (Take Beijing as an example; the traffic here is very busy.)
拿我比如说，我每天六点起床。
In summary, while there are many ways to say 'for example,' 比如说 is your best friend for conversational Mandarin. It provides a natural rhythm, is universally understood, and fits perfectly into the A2 learner's toolkit. As you progress to B1 and B2, you can start sprinkling in '例如' for your essays and '像' for your very close friends, but 比如说 will always be a reliable core component of your Chinese vocabulary.
Examples by Level
我喜欢水果，比如说苹果。
I like fruit, for example, apples.
Basic noun example.
他会说很多语言，比如说汉语。
He can speak many languages, for example, Chinese.
Using 比如说 to list a skill.
我有几个爱好，比如说看书。
I have a few hobbies, for example, reading.
Introducing a simple hobby.
桌子上有很多东西，比如说手机。
There are many things on the table, for example, a phone.
Describing items in a space.
我喜欢去北京，比如说长城。
I like going to Beijing, for example, the Great Wall.
Listing a specific place within a city.
天气很好，比如说今天。
The weather is good, for example, today.
Using a time word as an example.
妈妈买了很多菜，比如说白菜。
Mom bought many vegetables, for example, bok choy.
Listing a specific vegetable.
我们要学习，比如说写字。
We need to study, for example, writing characters.
Listing a specific study task.
我喜欢运动，比如说打篮球和游泳。
I like sports, for example, playing basketball and swimming.
Listing multiple verb phrases.
周末我常去公园，比如说景山公园。
On weekends I often go to parks, for example, Jingshan Park.
Specific proper noun as an example.
你应该多吃蔬菜，比如说西红柿。
You should eat more vegetables, for example, tomatoes.
Giving advice with an example.
我的朋友很聪明，比如说大卫。
My friends are very smart, for example, David.
Naming a person as an example.
我想买点喝的，比如说茶或者咖啡。
I want to buy something to drink, for example, tea or coffee.
Using 'or' (或者) within the examples.
中国菜很好吃，比如说饺子。
Chinese food is delicious, for example, dumplings.
General category to specific dish.
你可以坐公共交通，比如说地铁。
You can take public transport, for example, the subway.
Providing a practical suggestion.
他在学习很多东西，比如说用电脑。
He is learning many things, for example, using a computer.
Learning a specific skill.
在这个城市生活很贵，比如说房租很高。
Living in this city is expensive; for example, the rent is very high.
Introducing a full clause as a reason.
我们可以换个方式，比如说明天再谈。
We can change the way; for example, talk again tomorrow.
Suggesting an alternative action.
社交媒体有很多好处，比如说联系朋友更方便。
Social media has many benefits, for example, contacting friends is more convenient.
Detailing a benefit.
他经常乐于助人，比如说帮邻居提东西。
He is often helpful, for example, helping neighbors carry things.
Describing a personality trait with an action.
学习外语需要耐心，比如说每天坚持背单词。
Learning a foreign language requires patience, for example, persisting in memorizing words every day.
Explaining a requirement.
这种药有副作用，比如说会让人觉得困。
This medicine has side effects, for example, it makes people feel sleepy.
Describing a medical effect.
你可以尝试不同的菜系，比如说川菜或粤菜。
You can try different cuisines, for example, Sichuan or Cantonese cuisine.
Comparing specific sub-categories.
大自然很美，比如说秋天的红叶。
Nature is beautiful, for example, the red leaves in autumn.
Describing a specific natural phenomenon.
环保有很多具体做法，比如说减少使用一次性塑料。
There are many specific ways to protect the environment, for example, reducing the use of single-use plastics.
Introducing a complex policy or practice.
面试时要注意细节，比如说你的着装和谈吐。
Pay attention to details during an interview, for example, your attire and manner of speaking.
Professional advice.
经济全球化带来了挑战，比如说本地产业的竞争压力。
Economic globalization has brought challenges, for example, the competitive pressure on local industries.
Abstract economic concept.
他总是很细心，比如说他会记得每个人的生日。
He is always very thoughtful; for example, he remembers everyone's birthday.
Illustrating a character trait with evidence.
艺术有多种表现形式，比如说绘画、雕塑和建筑。
Art has many forms of expression, for example, painting, sculpture, and architecture.
Categorizing academic subjects.
你可以通过多种渠道了解新闻，比如说报纸、电视或网络。
You can learn the news through various channels, for example, newspapers, TV, or the internet.
Listing information sources.
这个项目面临一些困难，比如说资金不足和人手短缺。
This project faces some difficulties, for example, insufficient funds and a shortage of manpower.
Describing business obstacles.
我们要尊重不同的文化习俗，比如说饮食禁忌。
We should respect different cultural customs, for example, dietary taboos.
Sociocultural observation.
这种政策的实施需要考虑多方因素，比如说社会稳定和经济效益的平衡。
The implementation of this policy needs to consider multiple factors, for example, the balance between social stability and economic benefits.
Formal policy analysis.
文学作品往往反映了时代的特征，比如说鲁迅的小说。
Literary works often reflect the characteristics of the era, for example, Lu Xun's novels.
Literary criticism.
人工智能的发展引发了伦理争议，比如说隐私权和数据安全问题。
The development of AI has sparked ethical controversies, for example, issues of privacy rights and data security.
Technological ethics.
我们要警惕消费主义的陷阱，比如说为了面子而进行的过度消费。
We should be wary of the traps of consumerism, for example, excessive consumption for the sake of 'face'.
Social critique.
历史的发展具有偶然性，比如说某个关键人物的决策。
The development of history has an element of chance, for example, the decision of a key figure.
Philosophical/Historical observation.
语言的演变受到地理环境的影响，比如说方言的形成。
The evolution of language is influenced by the geographical environment, for example, the formation of dialects.
Linguistic analysis.
企业的成功取决于核心竞争力，比如说技术创新能力。
A company's success depends on its core competitiveness, for example, its capacity for technological innovation.
Business strategy.
心理健康同样重要，比如说学会如何应对压力。
Mental health is equally important, for example, learning how to cope with stress.
Psychological wellness.
这种哲学思想在现代社会依然具有深远的意义，比如说它对人与自然关系的重新审视。
This philosophical thought still holds profound significance in modern society, for example, its re-examination of the relationship between man and nature.
Profound philosophical discourse.
艺术的真谛在于共鸣，比如说一段跨越国界的旋律所激发的情感。
The essence of art lies in resonance, for example, the emotions sparked by a melody that transcends national borders.
Abstract aesthetic theory.
权力的制衡是现代政治基石，比如说立法、行政与司法三权的分立。
The checks and balances of power are the cornerstone of modern politics, for example, the separation of legislative, executive, and judicial powers.
Political science terminology.
人类文明的进步往往伴随着对旧有观念的突破，比如说日心说对地心说的取代。
The progress of human civilization is often accompanied by breakthroughs in old concepts, for example, the replacement of geocentrism by heliocentrism.
Scientific history.
法律的生命力在于实施，比如说对弱势群体权益的实际保障。
The vitality of law lies in its implementation, for example, the actual protection of the rights and interests of vulnerable groups.
Legal philosophy.
这种文学风格的独特性在于其叙事视角的转换，比如说通过不同角色的独白来构建现实。
The uniqueness of this literary style lies in the shifting of its narrative perspective, for example, constructing reality through the monologues of different characters.
Advanced literary analysis.
全球治理需要各国通力合作，比如说在气候变化问题上的共同承诺。
Global governance requires the full cooperation of all countries, for example, joint commitments on the issue of climate change.
International relations.
自我实现是一个动态的过程，比如说在不断挑战自我中发现新的可能性。
Self-actualization is a dynamic process, for example, discovering new possibilities through constantly challenging oneself.
Existential psychology.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Can you give an example? Used to prompt someone for specific
Summary
The word 比如说 is your best friend for making your Chinese sound natural and clear. Use it whenever you want to move from a general idea to a specific instance, like: '我喜欢运动，比如说游泳' (I like sports, for example, swimming).
- 比如说 (bǐrúshuō) is the standard conversational way to say 'for example' in Mandarin, helping you provide clarity and detail.
- It always sits before the example and after the category, never at the end of a sentence like English can.
- The word is composed of 'compare,' 'as if,' and 'speak,' giving it a friendly, explanatory tone suitable for all social levels.
- It is a key A2-level word that allows learners to expand their sentences and demonstrate a wider range of vocabulary.
Example
很多动物都可以冬眠，比如说熊。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More work words
充裕的
B2Abundant, ample, or sufficient in quantity.
事故
A2accident; mishap
依照
A2According to; in accordance with.
准确地
A2accurately, precisely
做到
A2to achieve; to accomplish
积极地
A2actively; enthusiastically
应变
B2Adaptive; capable of dealing with emergencies.
行政
A2Administration; the management of affairs.
过后
A2Afterwards; at a later or subsequent time.
赞同
A2To approve of, to endorse; to agree with or support.
