Translation guide
How to express the idea of giving an example or illustrating a point in Japanese. This covers phrases for 'for example', 'such as', and 'a case in point'.
The speaker wants to introduce a typical or illustrative example, similar to 'for example' or 'for instance'.
The most common and neutral way to say 'for example'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
例えば、日本では電車がとても便利です。
For example, in Japan, trains are very convenient.
Literally 'if I give an example', slightly more formal and often used in presentations or writing.
例を挙げると、この問題は多くの企業で見られます。
To give an example, this problem can be seen in many companies.
Means 'as one example'. Used when presenting a single instance, often in formal contexts.
一例として、昨年のデータを示します。
As one example, I will show last year's data.
The speaker wants to list concrete items or cases that fall under a category, similar to 'such as' or 'like'.
The standard pattern for listing examples. 'や' connects nouns, and 'など' means 'and so on' or 'etc.'
果物や野菜などを食べると健康にいいです。
Eating things like fruits and vegetables is good for your health.
A more casual way to list examples, often used in conversation. Can be used with verbs and adjectives as well.
休みの日は映画を見るとか、買い物に行くとかして過ごします。
On my days off, I spend time doing things like watching movies or going shopping.
Used to suggest two or more options as examples, implying 'or something like that'. Often used when giving advice.
わからないことがあれば、先生に聞くなり、辞書を引くなりしてください。
If there's something you don't understand, ask the teacher or look it up in a dictionary, or something like that.
The speaker wants to provide a specific case that proves or illustrates a point, similar to 'a case in point' or 'as evidenced by'.
Means 'as an example of that'. Used to introduce a specific instance that supports a previous statement.
彼はとても親切だ。その例として、昨日も道に迷った観光客を助けていた。
He is very kind. As an example of that, yesterday he was helping a lost tourist.
Literally 'as evidence'. Stronger than just giving an example; implies the example serves as proof.
証拠として、このグラフを見てください。
As evidence, please look at this graph.
The speaker uses a single typical case to represent a whole category, similar to 'a classic example' or 'epitomized by'.
Means 'a typical example is'. Used to introduce a representative instance.
日本の典型的な例は、桜の花見です。
A typical example of Japan is cherry blossom viewing.
Means 'as a symbolic example'. Used when the example embodies the essence of something.
象徴的な例として、富士山が挙げられます。
As a symbolic example, Mt. Fuji can be mentioned.
Use 例えば (tatoeba) to introduce a general example before a sentence. Use ～や～など (ya...nado) to list examples within a sentence. They can be combined: 例えば、りんごやバナナなどが好きです (For example, I like things like apples and bananas).
In Japanese, it's often more natural to list examples without explicitly saying 'for example' every time. Overusing 例えば can sound like translated English.