Pattern: 拿……来说
拿……来说
Use 拿……来说 to introduce a specific example to support a point
Place a specific example or topic between 拿 and 来说 to mean "take X for example" or "speaking of X." The clause that follows makes a point or observation using that example as evidence or illustration.
This pattern is very similar to 以……为例 (a more formal equivalent) and 比如说 (a simpler alternative). 拿……来说 sits in the middle — it is conversational but also structured enough for semi-formal contexts like discussions and presentations.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Pattern: 拿……来说 (拿……来说)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 拿……来说 pattern
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Understanding 拿……来说
When you want to support a general claim with a specific example, 拿……来说 is your tool. It works like the English "take X for example" — you pick a concrete case and use it to illustrate your broader point. When you say 拿成绩来说，他绝对是第一, you are singling out grades as the specific evidence for your argument that he is the best. This pattern is incredibly useful in discussions, debates, essays, and everyday reasoning. It shows that you can move from abstract ideas to concrete evidence — a skill that Chinese speakers value highly in communication. The flexibility of 拿……来说 comes from what you can put between 拿 and 来说: a person (拿他来说), a topic (拿价格来说), an event (拿这次考试来说), or even a hypothetical (拿最坏的情况来说). Each time, you are essentially saying "let me focus on this specific thing to make my point."
Key Points
- 拿 + X + 来说 = "take X for example / speaking of X" — introduces a specific case.
- X can be a person, topic, event, or situation used as evidence.
- The following clause makes a point or observation based on that example.
- More conversational than 以……为例 (formal) but more structured than 比如说 (casual).
- Often used to support arguments: general claim → 拿……来说 → specific evidence.
- Can also be used to narrow focus: 拿这件事来说 = "regarding this matter specifically."
In Chinese academic and professional culture, supporting arguments with concrete examples is highly valued. The 拿……来说 pattern demonstrates logical thinking and the ability to connect theory with practice — skills that are emphasized in Chinese education from an early age.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
拿成绩来说，他绝对是第一。
Take grades for example — he is definitely number one.
拿这件事来说，你没有做错什么。
Speaking of this matter, you didn't do anything wrong.
拿这次考试来说，只要平时努力就能通过。
Take this exam for example — as long as you work hard normally, you can pass.
拿北京来说，冬天非常冷，夏天非常热。
Take Beijing for example — winters are extremely cold and summers are extremely hot.
拿他来说，他从来没有迟到过。
Take him for example — he has never been late.
拿价格来说，这家店比那家便宜多了。
In terms of price, this store is much cheaper than that one.
拿我自己来说，学中文让我更了解中国文化。
Take myself for example — learning Chinese has helped me understand Chinese culture better.
Common Mistakes
The order is fixed: 拿 comes first, then the example, then 来说. Do not rearrange the components.
You must place a specific example between 拿 and 来说. The pattern requires something concrete to "take" as an example.
After 拿……来说, you need a complete clause with a clear subject. Do not leave the main clause without a subject.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 拿……来说 when you want to move from a general point to a specific example — it makes your reasoning clearer.
Start with yourself for practice: 拿我来说……This is a natural way to share personal experience as evidence.
Compare three levels of formality: 比如说 (casual) → 拿……来说 (conversational) → 以……为例 (formal).
Practice by supporting arguments: "Chinese food is diverse" → 拿四川菜来说，它以辣闻名.
Homework
Write five sentences using 拿……来说 to support different points: (1) use a city as an example, (2) use a person as an example, (3) use your own experience, (4) use a specific event, and (5) use a topic like price, quality, or weather.