例え

• Reading: たとえ
• Romaji: tatoe
• Kanji breakdown: 例 (rei/tato) — example, precedent
• Pronunciation: /ta.to.e/

Meaning

Example; analogy; parable. An illustration used to explain or clarify something.

A noun meaning an illustrative example, simile, or metaphor. Used to make abstract concepts concrete: 例えを使う (tatoe wo tsukau, to use an analogy), 例えが上手い (tatoe ga umai, good at making analogies). Related: 例えば (tatoeba, for example) is the adverbial form. Can also be written 喩え. Distinct from the adverbial/concessive use たとえ～ても (even if).

Examples

1. 先生は難しい概念を例えで説明してくれた。 The teacher explained the difficult concept using an analogy.
2. その例えはとてもわかりやすかった。 That analogy was very easy to understand.
3. 適切な例えが思いつかなくて困った。 I struggled because I couldn't think of a good analogy.

Usage Guide

Context: explanation, teaching, writing

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Noun form of the verb 例える (tatoeru, to liken/compare). The kanji 例 combines 人 (person) and 列 (row/precedent), suggesting a case set alongside others for comparison.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal