比方

• Pinyin: bǐ fang
• Hanzi breakdown: 比 = two people side by side, meaning to compare; 方 = pictograph of a raft, extended to mean direction/method

Meaning

Example; analogy; for instance. Used to introduce an illustrative example or to draw a comparison.

Often appears in the phrase 比方说 (for example). Can function as a noun meaning 'analogy' or as a verb meaning 'to compare' or 'to liken.' More colloquial than 例如 or 比如.

Examples

1. 我打个比方，你就明白了。 Let me give you an analogy, and you'll understand.
2. 比方说，你今天没带钥匙怎么办？ For example, what would you do if you didn't bring your keys today?
3. 他用了一个很形象的比方来解释这个概念。 He used a very vivid analogy to explain this concept.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, explanation, teaching

Tone: illustrative

Do Say

• 让我打个比方。(Let me give you an example.)
• 比方说，如果明天下雨呢？(For instance, what if it rains tomorrow?)

Don't Say

• 说'这是一个好比方'表示好主意 (Don't use 比方 to mean a good idea — it specifically means an analogy or example, not a suggestion)

Origin & History

比 (to compare) + 方 (way, method). Together meaning 'a way of comparing' or 'an analogy.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal