Keywords: juli, 举例, how to say give an example in Chinese, Chinese for for example, illustrate in Chinese, cite an instance, Chinese verb, Chinese learning, 举个例子, HSK 4
Summary: Learn how to say “give an example” in Chinese with the essential term 举例 (jǔ lì). This guide covers its meaning, character breakdown, and practical usage, helping you master expressions like “for example” (举个例子, jǔ ge lìzi) in everyday conversation and formal writing. Discover how to illustrate your points clearly in Mandarin Chinese.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): jǔ lì
Part of Speech: Verb-Object Compound (functions as a verb)
HSK Level: HSK 4
Concise Definition: To give an example; to cite an instance.
In a Nutshell: 举例 is the go-to verb in Chinese for when you want to “give an example” or “illustrate” a point. It's a fundamental tool for clear communication, used in classrooms, business meetings, and casual chats. Think of it as the action of presenting a specific case to make a general idea easier to understand. The most common and natural way you'll hear and use it is in the phrase `举个例子 (jǔ ge lìzi)`, which means “give an example.”
Character Breakdown
举 (jǔ): To raise, to lift, to hold up. The character originally depicted a hand lifting a heavy object. In this context, it means to “bring up,” “present,” or “put forward” an idea for consideration.
例 (lì): Example, instance, precedent. This character combines the “person” radical (亻) with a component (列) meaning “to line up” or “to arrange in order.” It evokes the idea of a single case or person that stands as a representative model in a series.
Combined Meaning: The characters literally combine to mean “to lift up an example.” This imagery is very direct: you are selecting a specific instance and holding it up for everyone to see and understand, making an abstract concept concrete.
Cultural Context and Significance
While 举例 is a functional, universal communication tool, its frequent use in Chinese culture highlights a high value placed on clarity, evidence, and practical explanation. In both educational and professional settings, simply stating a principle is often considered insufficient; you are expected to support it with concrete examples.
Comparison to Western Culture: In English, if you don't understand something, you might say, “What do you mean?” or “Can you be more specific?” While these are also common in Chinese, a direct request like “你能举个例子吗？” (Nǐ néng jǔ ge lìzi ma? - “Can you give an example?”) is extremely common and not considered rude. It's a standard, collaborative way to ensure mutual understanding. This reflects a communication style that prioritizes shared context and avoids ambiguity. Making your point easy for the listener to grasp by providing examples is a sign of a good communicator.
Practical Usage in Modern China
举例 is a versatile term used across all levels of formality.
Conversational / Informal:
The phrase `举个例子 (jǔ ge lìzi)` is the most common form in daily speech. It's used to ask for or offer an example.
“我不太明白你的意思，你能举个例子吗？” (Wǒ bù tài míngbai nǐ de yìsi, nǐ néng jǔ ge lìzi ma?) - “I don't really get what you mean, can you give an example?”
Educational / Formal:
In academic lectures, textbooks, or business presentations, 举例 is used as a more formal verb. It's often paired with `说明 (shuōmíng)` to mean “to illustrate and explain.”
“为了更好地说明这个理论，我们来举例分析。” (Wèile gèng hǎo de shuōmíng zhège lǐlùn, wǒmen lái jǔlì fēnxī.) - “To better explain this theory, let's give examples and analyze them.”
As a command or suggestion:
`举个例子吧！(Jǔ ge lìzi ba!)` - “Go on, give an example!” This is a common way to prompt someone.
English: I still don't quite understand, can you give an example?
Analysis: This is the most essential phrase for any learner. It's a polite and direct way to ask for clarification in any conversation. `个 (ge)` is a measure word, making the phrase feel natural and colloquial.
Example 2:
老师用一个简单的例子举例说明了这个复杂的语法点。
Pinyin: Lǎoshī yòng yīgè jiǎndān de lìzi jǔlì shuōmíngle zhège fùzá de yǔfǎ diǎn.
English: The teacher used a simple example to illustrate and explain this complex grammar point.
Analysis: Here, 举例 is part of the compound `举例说明 (jǔlì shuōmíng)`, which means “to explain with examples” or “to illustrate.” This is very common in formal or educational contexts.
Example 3:
为了证明我的观点，我必须举例。
Pinyin: Wèile zhèngmíng wǒ de guāndiǎn, wǒ bìxū jǔlì.
English: In order to prove my point, I must give examples.
Analysis: This sentence shows 举例 used as a standalone verb in a more formal or argumentative context. It emphasizes the necessity of providing evidence.
English: Many animals face the danger of extinction, let's take a look at some examples.
Analysis: `举例看看 (jǔlì kànkan)` is a softer, more suggestive phrase, equivalent to “let's look at an example.” It's a good way to transition into providing evidence in a presentation or discussion.
Example 5:
你举的这个例子非常恰当。
Pinyin: Nǐ jǔ de zhège lìzi fēicháng qiàdàng.
English: The example you gave is very appropriate.
Analysis: This sentence separates 举 and 例. 举 acts as the verb (“to give”) and 例子 is the noun (“example”). This structure is very common for commenting on the quality of an example.
Example 6:
他很会说话，总是能举出一些生动的例子。
Pinyin: Tā hěn huì shuōhuà, zǒng shì néng jǔ chū yīxiē shēngdòng de lìzi.
English: He is a good speaker; he can always come up with some vivid examples.
Analysis: The directional complement `出 (chū)`, meaning “out,” is added to 举. `举出 (jǔ chū)` means “to bring out” or “to produce” an example, emphasizing the act of presenting it.
English: Please give an example of a traditional Chinese festival.
Analysis: A classic classroom instruction. This shows the structure `举 + 一个 + 关于…的 + 例子` (give an example about…).
Example 8:
他的报告太空泛了，一个例都没举。
Pinyin: Tā de bàogào tài kōngfàn le, yīgè lì dōu méi jǔ.
English: His report was too vague, he didn't give a single example.
Analysis: This is a negative form, showing criticism. The structure `一个…都/也 + 没…` (yīgè… dōu/yě + méi…) means “not even one.” It highlights the complete lack of examples.
Example 9:
我来给你举个例子吧，你就明白了。
Pinyin: Wǒ lái gěi nǐ jǔ ge lìzi ba, nǐ jiù míngbái le.
English: Let me give you an example, then you'll understand.
Analysis: A very helpful and common conversational phrase. The speaker is proactively offering an example to help the listener. `我来… (Wǒ lái…)` is a common way to volunteer to do something.
English: For example, smartphones have changed our way of life.
Analysis: `举例来说 (jǔlì lái shuō)` is a set phrase that functions like an adverb, meaning “for example” or “to give an example.” It's a great way to introduce a sentence that contains an example.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
The Biggest Mistake: `举例` vs. `例如` vs. `比如`
This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
`举例 (jǔlì)` is a verb. It is the action of giving an example. Think of it as “to cite an instance.”
`例如 (lìrú)` and `比如 (bǐrú)` are adverbs. They mean “for example” or “such as,” and are used to introduce the example itself.
Why it's wrong: You are using the verb “to give an example” where you need the adverb “for example.” It's like saying “I like many sports, to give an example running and swimming” in English—grammatically awkward.
Don't overthink it in conversation. 90% of the time, what you want to say is `举个例子`. Memorize this as a single unit. It's the most natural and idiomatic way to ask for or offer an example.
Related Terms and Concepts
* 例如 (lìrú) - For example; such as. A formal adverb used to introduce a list of examples. It is a direct synonym of `比如` but used in more formal writing.
* 比如 (bǐrú) - For example; such as. A very common and slightly less formal adverb used to introduce examples in both speech and writing.
* 例子 (lìzi) - Example; case; instance. This is the noun form. `举例` is the action of giving a `例子`.
* 说明 (shuōmíng) - To explain; to illustrate; explanation. `举例` is a method used to `说明` something clearly. They are often used together: `举例说明`.
* 案例 (ànlì) - Case study; specific case. A more formal and specific type of example, often used in business, law, or medicine. (e.g., a legal case, a patient's case).
* 打比方 (dǎ bǐfang) - To make an analogy; to use a metaphor. This is another way to explain something, but through comparison rather than a concrete example.
* 证明 (zhèngmíng) - To prove; proof. You often `举例` in order to `证明` your point.
* 具体 (jùtǐ) - Concrete; specific; particular. You often ask someone to `举` a `具体`的`例子` (give a concrete example).