例えば

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

Meaning

For example; for instance; e.g. Used to introduce illustrative examples.

A conjunction-like adverb placed at the beginning of a clause to introduce examples. Derived from the conditional form of the verb 例える (tatoeru, to compare/liken). Essential for explanations and academic writing. Often followed by a specific instance and then とか or など.

Examples

1. 果物が好きです。例えばりんごやバナナです。 I like fruit. For example, apples and bananas.
2. 例えば来週の月曜日はどうですか。 How about next Monday, for instance?
3. 日本には有名な場所がたくさんあります。例えば京都や東京です。 There are lots of famous places in Japan. For example, Kyoto and Tokyo.

Usage Guide

Context: explanations, academic, conversation

Tone: explanatory

Origin & History

From 例える (tatoeru, to compare/liken) in its conditional form (例えれば → 例えば). The kanji 例 means 'example' or 'precedent,' composed of 亻 (person) and 列 (row/line).

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal