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.
For example, have you ever been to Tokyo?
I like fruit. For example, apples and bananas.
More formal/literary than 例えば. Often used in writing or presentations.
As an example, please look at this graph.
A common pattern for listing examples non-exhaustively. など means 'and so on' or 'etc.'
In Japanese cuisine, sushi, tempura, and so on are famous.
Casual listing pattern, similar to 'like' or 'things like' in English. Common in conversation.
On my days off, I spend time doing things like watching movies or going shopping.
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.
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.
If I were you, for example, I wouldn't do that.
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.