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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "for example" with 比如 (bǐrú)

    HSK 3
    Listing & Enumeration

    Structure

    …比如 + Example(s)

    Explanation

    比如 means "for example" or "such as," used to introduce specific instances that illustrate a general point. It can begin a new clause or appear mid-sentence before a list of examples. It is one of the most common ways to give examples in both spoken and written Chinese.

    Examples

    • 中国有很多美食，比如火锅、烤鸭、小笼包。

      Zhōngguó yǒu hěn duō měishí, bǐrú huǒguō, kǎoyā, xiǎolóngbāo.

      China has a lot of delicious food, such as hot pot, roast duck, and soup dumplings.

    • 你可以做点运动，比如跑步或者游泳。

      Nǐ kěyǐ zuò diǎn yùndòng, bǐrú pǎobù huòzhě yóuyǒng.

      You can do some exercise, such as running or swimming.

    • 很多城市都有地铁，比如北京和上海。

      Hěn duō chéngshì dōu yǒu dìtiě, bǐrú Běijīng hé Shànghǎi.

      Many cities have subways, such as Beijing and Shanghai.

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    Expressing "for example" with 比如 (bǐrú) | Chinese Grammar