例子

• Pinyin: lì zi
• Hanzi breakdown: 例 (lì) = 亻(person) + 列 (to line up); 子 (zi) — noun suffix

Meaning

Example; instance. A specific case used to illustrate a point.

Commonly used in explanations, teaching, and daily conversation. Often appears in the phrase 举个例子 (give an example). Can refer to both positive and negative examples.

Examples

1. 老师给我们举了一个例子。 The teacher gave us an example.
2. 你能再说一个例子吗？ Can you give one more example?
3. 这是一个很好的例子。 This is a very good example.

Usage Guide

Context: education, explanation, everyday

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 请举个例子。(Please give an example.)
• 这个例子很容易懂。(This example is easy to understand.)

Don't Say

• 不要说'做一个例子' (Don't say 做一个例子 — use 举一个例子 for 'give an example' or 做一个榜样 for 'set an example')

Origin & History

Compound of 例 (example, precedent) and 子 (noun suffix). The suffix 子 makes it a concrete, everyday noun.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal