例子
lìzi
In Chinese, the English phrase "example" is translated as 例子 (lìzi).
例子 refers to a particular instance used to illustrate a general rule or point. When you want to say "to give an example" or "to cite an example," the standard way to express this is by using the verb 举 (jǔ), meaning "to lift" or "to raise," paired with the noun, as in 举例子.
Which one should you use?
While 例子 is the standard term, the word 例证 is used specifically in formal or academic contexts to mean an example that serves as evidence or proof.
How does it change in a sentence?
When counting examples, use the measure word 个 (gè). For example, to say "give an example," you would say 举个例子 (jǔ gè lìzi).
How do you pronounce it?
lìzi
Did you know?
- The character 子 (zǐ) in 例子 was originally a noun for 'son' or 'seed' but evolved into a common suffix used to turn abstract concepts into concrete nouns.
- Chinese has a specific term 反面例子 (fǎnmiàn lìzi), meaning 'reverse-side example', used specifically to describe a 'bad example' that others should avoid imitating.
- If you are describing a 'model' or a 'pattern' to follow, you might use the word 榜样 (bǎngyàng) instead of 例子. While 例子 is a neutral illustration, 榜样 carries a moral or inspirational connotation.
Examples in context
- 这个例子举得不好。It's a bad example.This sentence shows how to describe a bad example using 例子.Tatoeba #11698348 by Jokubas, translation #3564114 by CK
- 你可以给我举个例子吗？Can you give me an example?This sentence is useful for asking someone to provide an example using 例子.Tatoeba #8789261 by crescat, translation #490674 by darinmex
- 在浏览器端，耗时很长的操作都应该异步执行，避免浏览器失去响应，最好的例子就是 Ajax 操作。On the client side, very time-consuming operations should run asynchronously so as to avoid freezing the browser. The best example is the operation of Ajax.This sentence demonstrates using 例子 to describe the best case of a specific technical operation.Tatoeba #2152761 by sadhen, translation #2159658 by FeuDRenais2
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
浩然 is explaining a concept to 雨婷 in a classroom.
- 浩然 Haoran这个例子可以帮助你理解。Zhège lìzi kěyǐ bāngzhù nǐ lǐjiě.This example can help you understand.
- 雨婷 Yuting谢谢浩然，我明白了。Xièxiè Hàorán, wǒ míngbáile.Thank you, Haoran, I understand now.
- 浩然 Haoran你觉得这个例子难吗？Nǐ juédé zhège lìzi nán ma?Do you think this example is difficult?
- 雨婷 Yuting现在一点也不难了。Xiànzài yīdiǎn yě bù nánle.It is not difficult at all now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
