ejemplo

/e-KHEM-plo/

example

A single, bright red apple is sitting on a simple surface, slightly separated from a large group of identical green apples in a wicker basket, demonstrating an example used to illustrate a point.

When you use a specific item to illustrate a general point, that item is an ejemplo.

ejemplo(Noun)

mA1

example

to illustrate a point

Also:

instance

a specific case or occurrence

illustration

something that clarifies

📝 In Action

No entiendo la regla. ¿Puedes darme un ejemplo?

I don't understand the rule. Can you give me an example?

Me gustan las frutas, por ejemplo, las manzanas y las bananas.

I like fruits, for example, apples and bananas.

El libro está lleno de ejemplos prácticos.

The book is full of practical examples.

Word Connections

Synonyms

ilustración (illustration)
muestra (sample)

Common Collocations

por ejemplo – for example
dar un ejemplo – to give an example
poner un ejemplo – to provide an example

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun

Even though it doesn't end in '-o' or '-a', 'ejemplo' is a masculine noun. So, you always say 'el ejemplo' (the example) or 'un ejemplo' (an example).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'como' instead of 'por ejemplo'

Mistake: "Me gustan los deportes, como el fútbol."

Correction: Me gustan los deportes, por ejemplo, el fútbol. While 'como' can mean 'like' or 'as', 'por ejemplo' is the most direct and common way to say 'for example' when listing things.

⭐ Usage Tips

Your Go-To Clarifying Phrase

'Por ejemplo' is your best friend when you need to give a list or make your point clearer. You can use it at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.

A friendly adult bear is carefully planting a small sapling, while a smaller bear cub stands beside it and mimics the planting action with a tiny shovel, demonstrating a standard of behavior being imitated.

A person who sets a positive standard of behavior to be imitated is a ejemplo (model).

ejemplo(Noun)

mB1

model

a standard of behavior to be imitated

Also:

role model

a person looked up to by others

precedent

an earlier event or action serving as a guide

📝 In Action

Mi madre es un ejemplo de honestidad y trabajo.

My mother is a model of honesty and hard work.

Los líderes deben dar el ejemplo con sus acciones.

Leaders must set an example with their actions.

Esa atleta es un ejemplo a seguir para los jóvenes.

That athlete is a role model for young people to follow.

Word Connections

Synonyms

modelo (model)
paradigma (paradigm)
precedente (precedent)

Common Collocations

ser un ejemplo a seguir – to be a role model (to follow)
dar el ejemplo – to set an example (by one's actions)
predicar con el ejemplo – to practice what you preach / lead by example
tomar como ejemplo – to take as an example

⭐ Usage Tips

Setting an Example vs. Giving an Example

Notice the small change in phrasing: 'dar un ejemplo' means to give a clarifying example (like in a class), while 'dar el ejemplo' means to set a moral or behavioral example for others to follow.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: ejemplo

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'ejemplo' to mean a 'role model'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

ejemplar(exemplary; a copy (of a book)) - adjective/noun

ejemplificar(to exemplify, to illustrate with examples) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 'dar un ejemplo' and 'dar el ejemplo'?

Great question, the difference is subtle but important! 'Dar un ejemplo' means 'to give an example,' like a teacher explaining a math problem. 'Dar el ejemplo' means 'to set the example,' referring to behavior you want others to copy, like a captain showing good sportsmanship.

Can I use 'ejemplo' for a sample of a product?

Usually, no. For a product sample you would ask for, you should use the word 'muestra' (sample). For example, '¿Puedo tener una muestra del perfume?' (Can I have a sample of the perfume?). 'Ejemplo' is for ideas, concepts, and behavior.