bǐrú: 比如 - For Example, For Instance, Such as

• Keywords: 比如, bǐrú, for example in Chinese, how to say for instance in Mandarin, Chinese examples, Chinese grammar, HSK 3 vocabulary, 比如 vs 例如, 比方说, Chinese conjunctions, learning Chinese
• Summary: Learn how to use “比如” (bǐrú), one of the most essential words in Mandarin Chinese for giving examples. This guide covers its core meaning, character origins, and practical usage with 10+ example sentences. Understand the subtle differences between 比如, 例如, and 比方说 to sound more like a native speaker. Perfect for HSK 3 learners and anyone looking to make their Chinese more descriptive and clear.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): bǐrú
• Part of Speech: Conjunction / Adverb
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: To give an example; for example; for instance; such as.
• In a Nutshell: `比如` is the most common and versatile way to say “for example” or “such as” in Chinese. It's a simple and direct tool used to introduce one or more specific examples to clarify a more general statement. If you want to illustrate a point, `比如` is your go-to word.

• 比 (bǐ): The primary meaning of this character is “to compare.” Think of it as holding two things side-by-side to see their similarities or differences. It sets up the idea of looking at something as a model or comparison.
• 如 (rú): This character means “as,” “like,” or “as if.” It introduces a state of similarity or a hypothetical situation.
• How they combine: By putting “to compare” (比) and “as/like” (如) together, you get the idea of “taking something as a comparison” or “treating something as a comparable case.” This logically flows into the modern meaning of presenting an illustrative example.

While `比如` is a functional word, its frequent use points to a common communication style in Chinese culture that values clarity through illustration. It is often considered good practice to follow a general or abstract statement with a concrete example to ensure the listener understands completely. This contrasts with some Western communication styles that might favor staying abstract. In education, business, and daily life, using `比如` is a way of being considerate to your listener. It shows you want to bridge any potential gaps in understanding by providing a tangible reference point. Instead of just saying “I like sports,” a speaker will often clarify, “比如篮球和网球” (“for example, basketball and tennis”), making the conversation more grounded and accessible.

`比如` is an extremely common word used across all registers of speech and writing, from casual chats to formal presentations.

• In Conversation: It's used constantly to give examples of hobbies, food preferences, travel destinations, or any other topic. It makes your speech more vivid and easier to follow.
• In Business and Academia: In a meeting or a lecture, `比如` is used to provide evidence, case studies, or illustrations for a larger point. It's a key tool for making a convincing argument.
• Formality: `比如` is a neutral term. It is perfectly acceptable in both highly formal written reports and casual text messages with friends, making it a very safe and useful word for learners.

• Example 1:
  • 我喜欢很多运动，比如跑步、游泳和打篮球。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ xǐhuān hěn duō yùndòng, bǐrú pǎobù, yóuyǒng hé dǎ lánqiú.
  • English: I like many sports, for example, running, swimming, and playing basketball.
  • Analysis: This is the most common structure. A general statement (“I like many sports”) is followed by `比如` and a list of specific examples.
• Example 2:
  • 你可以做点自己喜欢的事情，比如看看电影或者听听音乐。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ kěyǐ zuò diǎn zìjǐ xǐhuān de shìqíng, bǐrú kànkàn diànyǐng huòzhě tīngtīng yīnyuè.
  • English: You could do something you enjoy, for instance, watch a movie or listen to music.
  • Analysis: Here, `比如` is used to offer suggestions that fall under the general category of “things you enjoy.”
• Example 3:
  • 很多国家都有自己独特的文化，比如，中国的春节就很有意思。
  • Pinyin: Hěn duō guójiā dōu yǒu zìjǐ dútè de wénhuà, bǐrú, Zhōngguó de Chūnjié jiù hěn yǒu yìsi.
  • English: Many countries have their own unique culture. For example, China's Spring Festival is very interesting.
  • Analysis: This shows `比如` introducing a single, more detailed example rather than a simple list.
• Example 4:
  • 他去过很多亚洲城市，比如东京、首尔和曼谷。
  • Pinyin: Tā qùguò hěn duō Yàzhōu chéngshì, bǐrú Dōngjīng, Shǒu'ěr hé Màngǔ.
  • English: He has been to many Asian cities, such as Tokyo, Seoul, and Bangkok.
  • Analysis: A straightforward example of using `比如` to list places.
• Example 5:
  • 为了保持健康，我们应该注意饮食，比如，少吃油腻的食物。
  • Pinyin: Wèile bǎochí jiànkāng, wǒmen yīnggāi zhùyì yǐnshí, bǐrú, shǎo chī yóunì de shíwù.
  • English: To stay healthy, we should pay attention to our diet, for instance, eat less greasy food.
  • Analysis: `比如` is used here to give a specific piece of advice that clarifies the general recommendation (“pay attention to our diet”).
• Example 6:
  • 我们公司需要各种各样的人才，比如有经验的工程师和设计师。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen gōngsī xūyào gèzhǒng gèyàng de réncái, bǐrú yǒu jīngyàn de gōngchéngshī hé shèjìshī.
  • English: Our company needs all kinds of talented people, such as experienced engineers and designers.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates a common use case in a business or professional context.
• Example 7:
  • 有些汉字很难写，比如“biáng”这个字。
  • Pinyin: Yǒuxiē Hànzì hěn nán xiě, bǐrú “biáng” zhège zì.
  • English: Some Chinese characters are very difficult to write, for example, the character “biáng”.
  • Analysis: A great example of using `比如` to pinpoint a very specific, well-known example to prove a point.
• Example 8:
  • 学习一门新语言有很多好处，比如可以帮助你了解不同的文化。
  • Pinyin: Xuéxí yī mén xīn yǔyán yǒu hěn duō hǎochù, bǐrú kěyǐ bāngzhù nǐ liǎojiě bùtóng de wénhuà.
  • English: Learning a new language has many benefits, for example, it can help you understand different cultures.
  • Analysis: Here, the example introduced by `比如` is a full clause (a complete idea) rather than just a noun.
• Example 9:
  • 这个商店卖各种水果，有苹果、香蕉，比如今天新到的西瓜就特别甜。
  • Pinyin: Zhège shāngdiàn mài gèzhǒng shuǐguǒ, yǒu píngguǒ, xiāngjiāo, bǐrú jīntiān xīn dào de xīguā jiù tèbié tián.
  • English: This store sells all kinds of fruit—there are apples, bananas—for example, the watermelons that just arrived today are especially sweet.
  • Analysis: This shows a more conversational, slightly complex usage. The speaker starts listing items and then uses `比如` to highlight one specific, timely example.
• Example 10:
  • 我们可以换个话题，比如聊聊最近有什么好看的电影？
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen kěyǐ huàn ge huàtí, bǐrú liáoliao zuìjìn yǒu shénme hǎokàn de diànyǐng?
  • English: We can change the topic, for instance, how about we talk about what good movies are out recently?
  • Analysis: `比如` can be used to propose an example of a course of action. It frames the question as a suggestion.

• `比如` vs. `例如 (lìrú)`: These are very similar, but `例如 (lìrú)` is more formal and is used more often in written Chinese (e.g., academic papers, official documents). For everyday conversation, `比如` is almost always the better choice. Think of `例如` as “e.g.” and `比如` as “for example” or “like.”
• `比如` vs. `比方说 (bǐfāngshuō)`: `比方说` literally means “to make a comparison and say.” It is very close to `比如` but can feel slightly more colloquial and is often used to introduce a hypothetical situation (“Let's say, you miss the train…”). In many cases, they are interchangeable.
• Common Pitfall: Don't use `比如` to mean “to compare.” The word for comparing two things is just `比 (bǐ)`.
  • Incorrect: 我想比如这两个手机。(Wǒ xiǎng bǐrú zhè liǎng ge shǒujī.)
  • Correct: 我想比一下这两个手机。(Wǒ xiǎng bǐ yīxià zhè liǎng ge shǒujī. - I want to compare these two phones.)

• 比方说 (bǐfāngshuō) - A very close, slightly more colloquial synonym for `比如`. Often implies “let's say…”
• 例如 (lìrú) - A more formal synonym for `比如`, primarily used in writing. The equivalent of “e.g.”
• 像 (xiàng) - Can mean “such as” or “like,” often used before a noun or a short list. It's simpler and sometimes more informal than `比如`. (e.g., 像苹果和香蕉 - like apples and bananas).
• 举个例子 (jǔ ge lìzi) - A complete phrase meaning “to give an example” or “let me give you an example.” It often precedes a statement using `比如`.
• 等等 (děng děng) - The Chinese equivalent of “etc.” or “and so on.” It is frequently used to end a list of examples that was introduced by `比如`.
• 具体来说 (jùtǐ lái shuō) - Means “specifically” or “to be specific.” It serves a similar function of moving from a general idea to a more concrete one.
• 就是说 (jiùshì shuō) - Means “that is,” “in other words,” or “namely.” Used for rephrasing or defining, not for giving examples. Don't confuse it with `比如`.