lìzi: 例子 - Example, Case, Instance

• Keywords: 例子, lìzi, example in Chinese, Chinese word for example, for example in Chinese, instance in Chinese, case study in Chinese, 举个例子, how to say example in Mandarin, 例子 meaning, what is lizi, sample in Chinese.
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 例子 (lìzi), which means “example,” “instance,” or “case.” This fundamental noun is crucial for explaining concepts, asking for clarification, and telling stories in Mandarin Chinese. Discover how to use it in common phrases like “举个例子” (jǔ ge lìzi - “to give an example”) and understand its cultural importance in Chinese learning and communication.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): lìzi
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: An example, case, or instance used to illustrate a point or serve as a model.
• In a Nutshell: `例子` is the most common and direct way to say “example” in Chinese. It's a neutral, practical word used in almost every situation where you would use “example” or “instance” in English—from a teacher explaining grammar in a classroom to a friend clarifying a story. It's the concrete sample you provide to make an abstract idea easier to understand.

• 例 (lì): This character means “example,” “precedent,” or “rule.” It's a phono-semantic compound. The left side, the person radical (亻), suggests it's related to people or their actions. The right side, 列 (liè), means “to line up” or “arrange” and provides the sound. Together, you can think of it as a person or thing that is “lined up” to serve as a model or standard for others.
• 子 (zi): This is a very common noun suffix. While it originally meant “child,” here it has no meaning on its own. It simply attaches to a root character (like 例) to form a concrete, two-syllable noun. It makes the word sound natural and complete in modern Mandarin.
• The characters combine to form `例子`, literally an “example-thing,” which perfectly captures its meaning as a tangible instance of a concept.

While “example” is a universal concept, the use of `例子` in Chinese culture often reflects a pedagogical and communication style that values clarity, precedent, and concrete models. In Chinese education, providing a clear `例子` is paramount. Teachers frequently use model examples for students to study and emulate, whether for writing characters, solving math problems, or structuring an essay. This approach emphasizes learning by following a proven pattern before moving on to creative deviation. A good `例子` is seen as the most efficient path to understanding. This contrasts somewhat with certain Western educational philosophies, like the Socratic method, which might prioritize abstract reasoning and questioning from the outset. In a Chinese context, an argument or explanation without a solid `例子` might be considered weak, vague, or purely theoretical. Providing a real-world `例子` grounds the conversation in shared, practical experience, which is a highly valued communication strategy.

`例子` is an everyday word used across all levels of formality.

• In Education: This is where you'll hear it most. Teachers constantly say “举个例子” (jǔ ge lìzi - Let's give an example) or ask students to provide their own. Textbooks are filled with `例子` for every concept.
• In Everyday Conversation: When explaining something complex, a Chinese speaker will naturally say, “比如说…” (bǐrú shuō - For example…) and then provide a `例子`. It's used to clarify meaning, share experiences, and make a point more persuasive.
• In Business and Formal Settings: In presentations, `例子` can refer to a “case” or “case study.” For instance, “这是一个成功的例子” (zhè shì yí ge chénggōng de lìzi) means “This is a successful case/example.” It's used to demonstrate past success and build confidence.
• As a Positive or Negative Model: The word itself is neutral, so its connotation depends on the adjectives used with it.
  • `一个好例子 (yí ge hǎo lìzi)` - A good example
  • `一个坏例子 (yí ge huài lìzi)` - A bad example (a cautionary tale)
  • `一个典型的例子 (yí ge diǎnxíng de lìzi)` - A typical example / a classic case

• Example 1:
  • 老师，您能给我们举个例子吗？
  • Pinyin: Lǎoshī, nín néng gěi wǒmen jǔ ge lìzi ma?
  • English: Teacher, can you give us an example?
  • Analysis: This is a classic classroom phrase. `举例子 (jǔ lìzi)` is the standard verb-object phrase meaning “to give an example.”
• Example 2:
  • 这只是其中一个例子，类似的情况还有很多。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zhǐshì qízhōng yí ge lìzi, lèisì de qíngkuàng hái yǒu hěnduō.
  • English: This is just one example; there are many other similar situations.
  • Analysis: This sentence shows how `例子` is used to mean an “instance” or “case” out of many.
• Example 3:
  • 他努力学习，为我们树立了一个好例子。
  • Pinyin: Tā nǔlì xuéxí, wèi wǒmen shùlì le yí ge hǎo lìzi.
  • English: He studies hard, setting a good example for us.
  • Analysis: Here, `好例子` functions as a model of good behavior. The verb `树立 (shùlì)` means “to set up” or “establish” and is often used with abstract concepts like examples or models.
• Example 4:
  • 这是一个关于团队合作的经典例子。
  • Pinyin: Zhè shì yí ge guānyú tuánduì hézuò de jīngdiǎn lìzi.
  • English: This is a classic example of teamwork.
  • Analysis: `经典 (jīngdiǎn)` means “classic.” This phrasing is common in presentations or analyses to highlight a perfect illustration of a concept.
• Example 5:
  • 你不应该学他，他是个坏例子。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ bù yìnggāi xué tā, tā shì ge huài lìzi.
  • English: You shouldn't learn from him; he is a bad example.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates the use of `例子` as a cautionary tale or a negative model of behavior.
• Example 6:
  • 为了说明我的观点，我想讲一个我自己的例子。
  • Pinyin: Wèile shuōmíng wǒ de guāndiǎn, wǒ xiǎng jiǎng yí ge wǒ zìjǐ de lìzi.
  • English: To explain my point of view, I want to tell a personal example.
  • Analysis: This shows how `例子` can refer to a personal anecdote or story used to illustrate a point.
• Example 7:
  • 这家公司是小企业成功的绝佳例子。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngsī shì xiǎo qǐyè chénggōng de juéjiā lìzi.
  • English: This company is an excellent example of a successful small business.
  • Analysis: `绝佳 (juéjiā)` means “excellent” or “perfect.” This is common business or analytical language.
• Example 8:
  • 书上的每个语法点都有三个例子。
  • Pinyin: Shū shàng de měi ge yǔfǎ diǎn dōu yǒu sān ge lìzi.
  • English: Every grammar point in the book has three examples.
  • Analysis: A very practical sentence for any language learner, showing the countable nature of `例子`.
• Example 9:
  • 历史上有很多以少胜多的例子。
  • Pinyin: Lìshǐ shàng yǒu hěnduō yǐ shǎo shèng duō de lìzi.
  • English: There are many examples in history of the few defeating the many.
  • Analysis: This shows `例子` being used to refer to historical instances or precedents.
• Example 10:
  • 从这个例子中我们可以学到什么？
  • Pinyin: Cóng zhège lìzi zhōng wǒmen kěyǐ xuédào shénme?
  • English: What can we learn from this example?
  • Analysis: A common question used to prompt reflection or analysis after presenting a case or story.

• `例子` (lìzi) vs. `比如` (bǐrú): This is a critical distinction for beginners.
  • `例子` is a noun: “an example.”
  • `比如` is a conjunction/adverb: “for example” or “such as.”
  • Correct: 我喜欢运动，比如跑步和游泳。(Wǒ xǐhuān yùndòng, bǐrú pǎobù hé yóuyǒng.) - I like sports, for example, running and swimming.
  • Correct: 跑步是我喜欢的运动的一个例子。(Pǎobù shì wǒ xǐhuān de yùndòng de yí ge lìzi.) - Running is an example of a sport I like.
  • Incorrect: 我喜欢运动，例子跑步和游泳。 (This is grammatically wrong).
• `例子` (lìzi) vs. `榜样` (bǎngyàng):
  • `例子` is a neutral term for any illustrative instance, good or bad.
  • `榜样` specifically means a positive role model to be emulated. You would never use `榜样` for a negative case.
  • Correct: 雷锋是我们的好榜样。(Léi Fēng shì wǒmen de hǎo bǎngyàng.) - Lei Feng is our good role model.
  • Correct: 那个骗子是一个坏例子。(Nàge piànzi shì yí ge huài lìzi.) - That swindler is a bad example.
  • Incorrect: 那个骗子是一个坏榜样。 (This sounds very unnatural).

• 举例 (jǔlì) - A verb meaning “to give an example” or “to cite an instance.” It's slightly more formal than the common phrase `举个例子`.
• 榜样 (bǎngyàng) - A positive role model; an example of good behavior to be followed.
• 比如 (bǐrú) - The most common way to say “for example” or “such as” when introducing a list.
• 例如 (lìrú) - A more formal version of `比如`, often used in written Chinese and presentations.
• 案例 (ànlì) - A “case” or “case study,” typically used in a more formal, analytical context like business, law, or medicine.
• 范例 (fànlì) - A model example; a perfect or standard instance that serves as a template.
• 实例 (shílì) - A real-life example, a concrete instance that has actually happened. Emphasizes authenticity.
• 先例 (xiānlì) - A precedent; an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances.