pei3譬
Jyutpingpei3
Yalepei
Definition
To give an example, or to use a metaphor.
- to give an example; to illustrate
- metaphor; simile; analogy
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
The character 譬 is almost exclusively used in the compound 譬如 or 譬如話 to introduce an example. It functions similarly to "for instance" or "like" in English. When speaking, people often drop the 譬 and just use 如話 or even just 比如 to convey the same meaning.
Examples
For example, where would you like to go for fun?
He claims for instance that he is busy, but actually he is just lazy.
Related words
Common phrases
for example
Common mistake
Learners often mistake 譬如 for a direct translation of "like" in every context. It is strictly used for providing examples or hypothetical scenarios, not for expressing personal preference or physical similarity.
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.
