wai4 lai6為例为例
Jyutpingwai4 lai6
Yalewàih laih
Definition
To serve as an example.
neutralcommunicationother
How it's used
This structure is almost always preceded by 以 to form the phrase 以...為例. It functions as a formal transition marker used to introduce a specific case that illustrates a broader point. While it appears in spoken Cantonese, it carries a slightly more analytical or argumentative tone than casual conversation.
Examples
Taking you as an example, what do you think counts as success?
Many people like to use this restaurant as an example to talk about food culture.
Related words
Common phrases
take... as an example
Common mistake
Learners often try to use it as a standalone verb or noun, but it must be part of the prepositional phrase 以...為例. You cannot simply say 呢個為例 to mean 'this is an example'.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
