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March 24, 2026
例如lìrú(li4ru2)
例如 (lì rú) is a conjunction used to introduce examples or illustrations that clarify a point. It is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to provide specific instances that support a general statement.
Frequency#4451DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese education, providing examples is highly valued, especially in teaching contexts, as it helps students understand complex concepts more effectively.
Memory Tip
Think of 例 (lì) as 'list' and 如 (rú) as 'like' — together they prompt you to list examples like 'for instance.' Visualize a teacher pointing to a list of examples on a blackboard.
Meanings of 例如
lìrú(li4ru2)
1for example
2for instance
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 例如
例如Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4451Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 例如
Podcast: 例如
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AI Study Notes for 例如
Quick Contrast
比如 (bǐ rú) — use 例如 (lì rú) for more formal contexts, while 比如 (bǐ rú) is more casual.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 例 (lì) as 'list' and 如 (rú) as 'like' — together they prompt you to list examples like 'for instance.' Visualize a teacher pointing to a list of examples on a blackboard.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 例如 with 以为 (yǐwéi), which means 'to think' or 'to assume.' It is generally used in formal settings but can also appear in informal conversations. Common collocations include: '例如，...'(for example, ...).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 4 word, 例如 connects well with other words that introduce examples or comparisons, such as '比如' (bǐ rú). Focus on using it in sentences that require clarification or illustration.
Cultural Note
In Chinese education, providing examples is highly valued, especially in teaching contexts, as it helps students understand complex concepts more effectively.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 例如 with '比如' (bǐ rú), but they can be used interchangeably. For instance, saying '例如是游泳' (lì rú shì yóu yǒng) is incorrect; it should be '例如游泳' (lì rú yóu yǒng).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 例如
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Grammar Patterns of 例如
例如 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
你必须输入命令,____“帮助”或“打印”.
You have to type in commands, such as "help" and "print"
Some patients develop premonitory signs and symptoms, such as nervousness, sweating, and tachycardia.
7
例如, 古德龙就是希腊美狄亚的北欧翻版.
lì rú, , gǔ dé lóng jiù shì xī là měi dí yà de běi ōu fān.
Gudrun , for example, is only a Norse Medea.
Cultural Notes for 例如
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese education, providing examples is highly valued, especially in teaching contexts, as it helps students understand complex concepts more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions about 例如
You can use it to introduce an example, such as: '我们可以选择很多运动，例如游泳和跑步。' (We can choose many sports, for example, swimming and running.)
No, it can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in written language.
Yes, starting a sentence with 例如 is perfectly acceptable to introduce your examples.
