Translation guide
Used to introduce an illustrative instance. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 例えば (tatoeba), but depending on context, other expressions like 例として (rei to shite) or simply listing examples with や (ya) or とか (toka) may be more natural.
The speaker wants to give a specific instance to clarify or support a statement.
The standard, neutral way to say 'for example.' Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
The speaker wants to present a scenario that illustrates a general point.
Means 'supposing' or 'if, for example.' Used to set up a hypothetical situation.
例えば is the everyday word for 'for example.' 例として is more formal and often used when presenting a single, specific example in a structured explanation.
In casual speech, constantly saying 例えば can sound stiff. Often, simply listing items with とか or や is more natural.
For example, have you ever been to Tokyo?
果物が好きです。例えば、りんごやバナナです。
I like fruit. For example, apples and bananas.
More formal/literary than 例えば. Often used in writing or presentations.
例として、このグラフを見てください。
As an example, please look at this graph.
A common pattern for listing examples non-exhaustively. など means 'and so on' or 'etc.'
日本料理では、寿司や天ぷらなどが有名です。
In Japanese cuisine, sushi, tempura, and so on are famous.
Casual listing pattern, similar to 'like' or 'things like' in English. Common in conversation.
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.
仮に、明日雨が降ったら、試合は中止です。
If, for example, it rains tomorrow, the game will be canceled.
Standard conditional 'if' that can imply 'for example, if...' when context makes it clear.
もし私があなたなら、そうしないでしょう。
If I were you, for example, I wouldn't do that.