比如

• Pinyin: bǐ rú
• Hanzi breakdown: 比 (bǐ) — to compare, than; 如 (rú) — like, as, such as

Meaning

For example; for instance. A conjunction used to introduce examples.

Equivalent to 'for example' or 'such as' in English. Interchangeable in most contexts with 例如, though 比如 is more colloquial.

Examples

1. 我喜欢很多运动，比如游泳、跑步和打球。 I enjoy many sports, for example swimming, running, and playing ball.
2. 有些水果不适合糖尿病人吃，比如西瓜。 Some fruits are not suitable for diabetics, for example watermelon.
3. 你可以用很多方法学中文，比如看电视剧。 You can learn Chinese in many ways, for example by watching TV dramas.

Usage Guide

Context: explanations, giving examples, conversation, writing

Tone: explanatory, helpful

Do Say

• 我有很多爱好，比如画画和唱歌。(I have many hobbies, for example painting and singing.)
• 比如说，你可以先从简单的开始。(For example, you could start with something simple.)

Don't Say

• Do not confuse 比如 with 好像 — 好像 means 'it seems like' or 'looks like', while 比如 is strictly for introducing examples.

Origin & History

Compound of 比 (to compare) and 如 (to be like, as). Together: 'comparing as if to say' → 'for example'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal