el ejemplo
§ What 'el ejemplo' means
- Spanish Word
- el ejemplo (noun), CEFR A2
- English Definition
- A thing characteristic of its kind or illustrating a general rule.
§ How to use 'el ejemplo' in a sentence
'El ejemplo' is a masculine noun. This means you will use the masculine definite article 'el' before it. It translates directly to 'the example' in English. It's a straightforward word, but how you use it with prepositions can change its meaning slightly.
§ Basic usage: giving an example
The most common way to use 'el ejemplo' is when you want to give an example. You'll often see it with verbs like 'dar' (to give) or 'poner' (to put/place, but in this context, also 'to give').
¿Puedes darme un ejemplo?
Can you give me an example?
Voy a poner un ejemplo para que entiendan.
I'm going to give an example so you understand.
§ Using 'por ejemplo' (for example)
This is a very common phrase you'll hear and use. It's equivalent to 'for example' or 'for instance' in English.
Me gustan las frutas, por ejemplo, las manzanas y las peras.
I like fruits, for example, apples and pears.
Hay muchos problemas, por ejemplo, la contaminación.
There are many problems, for instance, pollution.
§ Being an example: 'de ejemplo'
When something or someone serves as an example, you can use the preposition 'de'.
Su actitud es un gran ejemplo de profesionalismo.
His attitude is a great example of professionalism.
Los padres deben servir de ejemplo a sus hijos.
Parents should serve as an example to their children.
§ Following an example: 'seguir el ejemplo'
If you want to say someone is following an example, you use the verb 'seguir' (to follow).
Él siguió el ejemplo de su padre.
He followed the example of his father.
§ Prepositions with 'ejemplo' summary
Here's a quick recap of the prepositions you'll most often see with 'el ejemplo':
- 'un ejemplo': an example (indefinite article)
- 'el ejemplo': the example (definite article)
- 'por ejemplo': for example/for instance
- 'de ejemplo': as an example, of example (to show what something is an example of)
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
Puedo darte un ejemplo?
Can I give you an example?
Este es un buen ejemplo de lo que no se debe hacer.
This is a good example of what not to do.
Ella siempre da el ejemplo con su trabajo duro.
She always sets the example with her hard work.
Por ejemplo, puedes empezar mañana.
For example, you can start tomorrow.
No sigas su mal ejemplo.
Don't follow his bad example.
Su comportamiento es un ejemplo para todos.
His behavior is an example for everyone.
Necesito un ejemplo más claro.
I need a clearer example.
Toma este caso como ejemplo.
Take this case as an example.
El profesor nos pidió un ejemplo.
The teacher asked us for an example.
Aprendemos con el ejemplo.
We learn by example.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasWhile both can mean 'example,' 'el ejemplo' usually refers to an illustrative instance or a model to follow. Think of it like, 'Give me an example of that word.' 'La muestra' often refers to a sample, like a sample of fabric or a blood sample. You'd say, 'un ejemplo de cómo hacerlo' (an example of how to do it) but 'una muestra de sangre' (a blood sample).
The most common way to say 'for example' is 'por ejemplo.' It's very straightforward to use. For instance: 'Hay muchos animales en la selva, por ejemplo, monos y jaguares.' (There are many animals in the jungle, for example, monkeys and jaguars.)
Yes, absolutely! You can use 'el ejemplo' to refer to a person who is a good model or inspiration. You'd say, 'Ella es un buen ejemplo para sus hermanos.' (She is a good example for her siblings.) Or, 'Su ética de trabajo es un ejemplo.' (His work ethic is an example.)
No, 'el ejemplo' is always masculine, even if you are talking about a feminine concept or a female person. The word itself is masculine. So it's always 'el ejemplo,' never 'la ejemplo.'
'Dar un ejemplo' means 'to give an example' or 'to set an example.' It's a very common phrase. For instance: 'El profesor dio un ejemplo de cómo conjugar el verbo.' (The professor gave an example of how to conjugate the verb.) Or, 'Los padres deben dar un buen ejemplo a sus hijos.' (Parents should set a good example for their children.)
Yes, one common idiom is 'tomar ejemplo de alguien,' which means 'to take a leaf out of someone's book' or 'to follow someone's example.' For example: 'Deberías tomar ejemplo de tu hermana; ella estudia mucho.' (You should follow your sister's example; she studies a lot.)
The plural of 'el ejemplo' is 'los ejemplos.' You just change the article and add an 's' to the end of the noun. For example: 'Hay muchos ejemplos de esa regla.' (There are many examples of that rule.)
While it can sometimes overlap, for a 'sample product' or a 'sample' in the sense of a small part of a larger whole for testing, you would more commonly use 'la muestra.' Think of 'el ejemplo' more for illustrative or educational purposes. For example, 'una muestra gratis' (a free sample).
'El ejemplo' is a neutral word and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's a standard vocabulary term. You'll hear it in classrooms, conversations, and professional settings.
Think about the English word 'exemplar' or 'exemplify.' They share a similar root and meaning. An 'ejemplo' is an exemplar, something that exemplifies a rule or idea. Also, remember that 'ejemplo' starts with 'e' and has the masculine article 'el.' For example: 'El ejercicio es un buen ejemplo de vida sana.' (Exercise is a good example of a healthy life.)
Teste-se 6 perguntas
Ella es un buen ___ para sus hermanos menores. (She is a good ___ for her younger siblings.)
In this context, 'ejemplo' (example) is the most appropriate word to convey that she sets a good precedent for her siblings.
Necesito un ___ de cómo usar esta máquina. (I need an ___ of how to use this machine.)
'Ejemplo' (example) is used to refer to a demonstration or illustration of how something works.
Este es un claro ___ de lo que no debemos hacer. (This is a clear ___ of what we shouldn't do.)
'Ejemplo' (example) is used here to indicate a specific instance that illustrates a point, in this case, what to avoid.
El profesor dio varios ___ para explicar el concepto. (The professor gave several ___ to explain the concept.)
When explaining a concept, a professor typically provides 'ejemplos' (examples) to make it clearer.
Su trabajo es un ___ perfecto de dedicación. (Her work is a perfect ___ of dedication.)
'Ejemplo' (example) is used to highlight a characteristic or quality, in this case, dedication.
Dame un ___ de cómo se usaría esta palabra en una oración. (Give me an ___ of how this word would be used in a sentence.)
Asking for an 'ejemplo' (example) is the natural way to request an illustration of word usage.
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Mais palavras de general
a causa de
A2For the reason of; owing to.
a condición de que
B2On condition that, provided that, or given that.
a dónde
A1To what place or destination?
a lo mejor
A2Maybe; perhaps.
a menos que
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a no ser que
B2Unless; should it not be that.
a pesar de
B1In spite of; despite.
a_pesar_de
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a propósito
B2By the way, on purpose; incidentally; or intentionally.
a raíz de
B2As a result of; following directly from.