예
ye[je̞(ː)]
The English phrase 'example' is translated into Korean as 예 (ye).
예 refers to a thing that is typical of a group or used to illustrate a point. When you want to introduce an illustration in a sentence, the most common way to say 'for example' is the phrase 예를 들어.
What does it mean word for word?
The common expression 예를 들다 means 'to give an example'. Literally, this translates to 'to lift or pick up an example'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 예를 is used when the word 'example' acts as the object of a verb, such as the verb 'to give' (들다).
How do you pronounce it?
ye
Did you know?
- Because 예 is a homonym for the word 'yes' (예), using it in certain contexts might momentarily sound like you are answering 'yes' to a question.
- The word 예 can be a homonym for the word meaning 'etiquette' or 'ritual' (禮). Depending on the Hanja used, an 'example' and 'politeness' share the exact same pronunciation.
- The pronunciation of the Sino-Korean word 예 changed from the Middle Korean reading 례 over time. This reflects a historical linguistic shift in how certain initial sounds were handled.
Examples in context
- 예를 들면, 이것은 펜이다.For example, this is a pen.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use 'for example' to introduce a simple object.Tatoeba #3684965 by intertime, translation #326004 by Zifre
- 다른 예를 드세요.Show me another example.This sentence shows how to use the word when asking for another example.Tatoeba #13148721 by SN_H, translation #320313 by CK
- 예를 들자면, 일주일에 5kg을 감량하는 것은 현실적이지 않습니다.To give an example, losing 5 kilograms in a week is not a realistic goal.This sentence demonstrates how to use a phrase to introduce a specific illustrative point.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyun are discussing a presentation in a cafe.
- 수빈 Su-bin발표할 적절한 예가 있을까요?balpyohal jeokjeolhan yega isseulkkayo?Is there a suitable example to present?
- 도현 Do-hyeon구체적인 예가 하나 더 필요해요.guchejeogin yega hana deo piryohaeyo.We need one more specific example.
- 수빈 Su-bin그 예가 무엇인지 말해 주세요.geu yega mueosinji malhae juseyo.Please tell me what that example is.
- 도현 Do-hyeon제가 좋은 예를 찾아볼게요.jega joeun ye-reul chajabolgeyo.I will look for a good example.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 예, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 예, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
