例えば
tatoeba
The Japanese phrase for "such as" is 例えば (tatoeba).
例えば is used to introduce one or more examples that illustrate a previous statement, functioning similarly to the English "for example" or "such as".
Which one should you use?
While 例えば is the standard way to introduce examples, you may use 例を挙げると when you want to say "to give an example" or "let me give an example". Additionally, みたいな can be used to express "such as" or "like" in a more casual way.
How does it change in a sentence?
In natural Japanese, the phrase 例えば is often paired with the particle など at the end of a list of examples. This pairing indicates that the list provided is not exhaustive, effectively meaning "for example… etc.".
How do you pronounce it?
tatoeba
Did you know?
- The word 例えば is actually a conditional form of a verb meaning 'to compare' or 'to make a metaphor'. Using it is literally like saying 'if one were to make a comparison'.
- If you use 例えば without adding the particle など at the end of your list, you might inadvertently imply that your examples are the only ones that exist.
- In very casual speech, the phrase 例えば can be replaced by 例えばさ (tatoeba sa), where the particle 'sa' adds a conversational rhythmic filler similar to 'you know'.
Examples in context
- 例えばあなたのような若い人たちがこの仕事には必要だ。Young men such as you are needed for this work.This sentence shows how to use 例えば to introduce a specific type of person needed for a job.Tatoeba #77700 by mookeee, translation #326018 by CK
- アジアの国々、 中国や韓国など の経済が成長しています。Asian countries, such as China and Korea, are experiencing economic growth.
- 私は多くの国の言語を学んでいます。 例えば、英語やフランス語 などです。I am learning many languages from different countries, such as English and French.
- 最近、 カフェやレストランみたいな おしゃれな場所に行くのが流行っているよ。Recently, going to trendy places like cafés and restaurants has become popular.
- 私は夏はビーチで水泳するのが好きです。泳ぐだけでなく、 貝拾いのような ことも楽しいです。I enjoy swimming at the beach during summer. It's not just swimming, but also activities such as collecting seashells that are fun for me.
- 例えば、日本料理には寿司があります。Tatoeba, nihon ryouri ni wa sushi ga arimasu.For example, there is sushi in Japanese cuisine.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are discussing what to buy for a gift.
- 蓮 Ren何かいいプレゼントはないかな。Nanika ii purezento wa nai kana.I wonder if there's a good present.
- 結衣 Yui例えば、本や花はどうですか？Tatoeba, hon ya hana wa dō desu ka?For example, how about a book or flowers?
- 蓮 Renいい考えだね、結衣。Ii kangae da ne, Yui.That's a good idea, Yui.
- 結衣 Yui一緒に買いに行きましょう。Issho ni kai ni ikimashō.Let's go buy them together.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 例えば, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
