pei3 jyu4譬如
Jyutpingpei3 jyu4
Yalepei yùh
Definition
For example, or as a hypothetical assumption.
- for example; for instance
- if; supposing; hypothetically
colloquialcommunicationdaily actions
How it's used
Often paired with 話 to form 譬如話, which sounds more natural and conversational than using 譬如 alone. While it functions similarly to the English for example, it is frequently used to introduce a hypothetical scenario or a specific instance to clarify a preceding statement. It is slightly more formal than using 比如 or 舉個例, making it suitable for both casual explanations and semi-formal discussions.
Examples
She loves shopping, for example buying clothes and shoes.
What kind of sports do you like? For example, swimming?
Related words
Common phrases
for instance
Common mistake
Learners often use 譬如 at the very beginning of a sentence as a direct translation of for example, but in Cantonese, it is more common to place it after the main point has been introduced to illustrate it. Avoid using it as a sentence starter if you want to sound like a native speaker.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
