jǔgelìzi: 举个例子 - To Give an Example, For Example

• Keywords: 举个例子, jǔ ge lìzi, for example in Chinese, how to say for example in Mandarin, give an example Chinese, Chinese example phrases, Chinese transition words, HSK 3, Chinese for beginners, 比如说, 例如
• Summary: Learn how to say “for example” in Chinese with the essential phrase 举个例子 (jǔ ge lìzi). This entry breaks down the characters, cultural context, and practical usage of this fundamental Mandarin expression. Discover how to use it in daily conversation, compare it with similar terms like `比如说 (bǐrú shuō)`, and master its use with over 10 clear example sentences designed for beginner and intermediate learners.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): jǔ ge lìzi
• Part of Speech: Verb Phrase / Transitional Phrase
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: To give an example; for instance.
• In a Nutshell: 举个例子 (jǔ ge lìzi) is the most direct and common way to say “Let me give an example” or “for example” in Mandarin Chinese. It's a versatile phrase that functions as a conversational tool to clarify a point, explain a concept, or provide evidence for a statement. It literally translates to “raise an example,” making it an active and memorable phrase.

• 举 (jǔ): To lift, to raise, or to hold up. Think of raising your hand to present an idea or an object for others to see.
• 个 (ge): The most common measure word in Chinese, equivalent to “a,” “an,” or “one.”
• 例 (lì): Meaning “example,” “instance,” or “precedent.”
• 子 (zi): A common noun suffix that makes the word sound complete. It doesn't add specific meaning here but is essential to the word `例子`.

When combined, 举个例子 (jǔ ge lìzi) literally means “to lift up one example.” This paints a clear picture of presenting a specific instance to help someone understand a broader idea.

While 举个例子 doesn't carry deep philosophical weight like terms such as `关系 (guānxi)`, its importance lies in its role in Chinese communication style. Chinese pedagogy and rhetoric often emphasize the use of concrete examples and stories to illustrate abstract principles. The act of “raising an example” is seen as a fundamental method for clear, effective, and persuasive communication. In Western communication, phrases like “for example” or “for instance” act as simple signposts. In contrast, the Chinese phrase 举个例子 is an active verb phrase—“I will give an example.” This reflects a subtle cultural preference for taking an active, demonstrative role in ensuring the listener understands. It’s less about passively pointing to an example and more about actively presenting it for inspection.

举个例子 is a neutral phrase that fits into almost any situation, from a formal classroom lecture to a casual chat with friends.

• In Education: Teachers constantly use this phrase. “这道题有点难，我来举个例子。” (This problem is a bit hard, let me give an example.)
• In Business: It's used in meetings and presentations to clarify data, strategies, or market trends. “我们的用户参与度很高。举个例子，上个季度我们的日活跃用户数增长了20%。” (Our user engagement is very high. For example, our daily active users grew by 20% last quarter.)
• In Daily Conversation: It's used to explain personal opinions, tell stories, or make a point more relatable. “他这个人很粗心。举个例子，他昨天又把钥匙忘在公司了。” (He is a very careless person. For example, yesterday he forgot his keys at the office again.)

It's a foundational tool for any learner who wants to move beyond simple statements and start explaining their thoughts more clearly.

• Example 1:
  • 我喜欢很多运动，举个例子，我喜欢打篮球和游泳。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ xǐhuān hěn duō yùndòng, jǔ ge lìzi, wǒ xǐhuān dǎ lánqiú hé yóuyǒng.
  • English: I like many sports; for example, I like playing basketball and swimming.
  • Analysis: A classic use case for introducing one or more examples to clarify a general statement.
• Example 2:
  • 你能给我举个例子吗？我还是不太懂。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ néng gěi wǒ jǔ ge lìzi ma? Wǒ háishì bú tài dǒng.
  • English: Can you give me an example? I still don't quite understand.
  • Analysis: Shows how to ask someone else to provide an example. This is incredibly useful for a language learner.
• Example 3:
  • 为了说明这个语法点，老师在黑板上举个例子。
  • Pinyin: Wèile shuōmíng zhè ge yǔfǎ diǎn, lǎoshī zài hēibǎn shàng jǔ ge lìzi.
  • English: In order to explain this grammar point, the teacher gave an example on the blackboard.
  • Analysis: Here, `举个例子` is used as a verb phrase within a larger sentence, showing its grammatical flexibility.
• Example 4:
  • 很多外国人都觉得汉字很难写。举个例子，“biáng”这个字。
  • Pinyin: Hěn duō wàiguó rén dōu juéde Hànzì hěn nán xiě. Jǔ ge lìzi, “biáng” zhè ge zì.
  • English: Many foreigners think Chinese characters are hard to write. For example, the character “biáng”.
  • Analysis: Perfect for introducing a very specific, powerful piece of evidence to support a claim.
• Example 5:
  • 让我来举个例子吧。
  • Pinyin: Ràng wǒ lái jǔ ge lìzi ba.
  • English: Let me give an example.
  • Analysis: A polite and common way to volunteer an example in a discussion or meeting. The `吧 (ba)` softens the tone.
• Example 6:
  • 电子支付在中国非常普遍，举个例子，连街边的小贩都用二维码收款。
  • Pinyin: Diànzǐ zhīfù zài Zhōngguó fēicháng pǔbiàn, jǔ ge lìzi, lián jiē biān de xiǎofàn dōu yòng èrwéimǎ shōukuǎn.
  • English: Electronic payment is extremely common in China. For example, even street vendors use QR codes to collect money.
  • Analysis: This illustrates how to use `举个例子` to provide a vivid, real-world example of a broader social phenomenon.
• Example 7:
  • 她总是帮助别人。举个例子，上周她花了整个下午帮我搬家。
  • Pinyin: Tā zǒngshì bāngzhù biérén. Jǔ ge lìzi, shàng zhōu tā huāle zhěnggè xiàwǔ bāng wǒ bānjiā.
  • English: She is always helping people. For instance, last week she spent the whole afternoon helping me move.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates using the phrase to support a statement about someone's character with a specific anecdote.
• Example 8:
  • 有些词在不同语境下意思完全不同。我们来举个例子。
  • Pinyin: Yǒuxiē cí zài bùtóng yǔjìng xià yìsi wánquán bùtóng. Wǒmen lái jǔ ge lìzi.
  • English: Some words have completely different meanings in different contexts. Let's take an example.
  • Analysis: A common phrase used by teachers or in textbooks to introduce an illustrative example.
• Example 9:
  • 这个问题很复杂，不能只举个例子就说明白。
  • Pinyin: Zhè ge wèntí hěn fùzá, bù néng zhǐ jǔ ge lìzi jiù shuō míngbai.
  • English: This issue is very complex; you can't make it clear just by giving one example.
  • Analysis: An interesting example showing the limitation of a single example, used in a negative construction.
• Example 10:
  • 举个例子来说，如果明天天气不好，我们的计划就得取消。
  • Pinyin: Jǔ ge lìzi lái shuō, rúguǒ míngtiān tiānqì bù hǎo, wǒmen de jìhuà jiù děi qǔxiāo.
  • English: To give an example, if the weather is bad tomorrow, our plan will have to be canceled.
  • Analysis: The structure `举个例子来说` is a slightly more formal way to say “To give an example” or “For argument's sake.”

• `举个例子` vs. `比如说 (bǐrú shuō)`:
  • These are often interchangeable, but there's a slight difference. `举个例子` feels more like presenting a single, distinct case. It's a full verb phrase: “I will raise an example.”
  • `比如说 (bǐrú shuō)` is more like “such as” or “like…” and is often used to introduce a list or a more casual, non-exhaustive example. It functions more like a conjunction.
  • Correct: 我喜欢水果，举个例子，苹果。 (I like fruit. For example, apples.)
  • Correct: 我喜欢水果，比如说苹果、香蕉和橙子。 (I like fruit, such as apples, bananas, and oranges.)
• Grammar Pitfall:
  • Learners sometimes try to embed it into a sentence like in English.
  • Incorrect: 我喜欢运动举个例子篮球。(I like sports for example basketball.)
  • Correct: 我喜欢运动，举个例子，篮球。(I like sports, for example, basketball.)
  • Remember, `举个例子` usually stands as its own clause, often separated by a comma.
• False Friend: “An Example to Follow”
  • In English, “example” can mean a role model (“He is a good example for the children”). This is a common point of confusion. The Chinese word for this concept is `榜样 (bǎngyàng)`, not `例子 (lìzi)`.
  • Incorrect: 他是我们的好例子。
  • Correct: 他是我们的好榜样。(He is our good role model.)

• 比如说 (bǐrú shuō): A very common, slightly more casual synonym for “for example” or “such as.”
• 例如 (lìrú): A more formal, written-style equivalent of “for example.” You will see this in academic papers and formal speeches.
• 例子 (lìzi): The noun for “example” or “case.” `举个例子` is the act of giving a `例子`.
• 举例 (jǔlì): A more concise, formal verb for “to give an example,” often used in written commands or descriptions (e.g., `举例说明` - illustrate with examples).
• 榜样 (bǎngyàng): A role model, an exemplar. An example of behavior to be emulated, not a neutral example for explanation.
• 说明 (shuōmíng): To explain or illustrate. `举个例子` is a common way `to 说明` a point.
• 比方说 (bǐfang shuō): Another colloquial synonym, very similar in usage to `比如说`.