for example
in Spanishpor ejemplo
/por eh-HEM-ploh/
This is the direct and most widely used translation for 'for example.' It's a perfect, all-purpose phrase that fits in any situation, from a casual chat to a formal presentation.
Using a clear illustration, like saying 'por ejemplo, una manzana' (for example, an apple), is a great way to make a point.
💬Other Ways to Say It
como
/KOH-moh/
The word 'como' literally means 'like' or 'as.' It's used conversationally to introduce an example in a very natural, flowing way, just as you'd use 'like' in English.
así como
/ah-SEE KOH-moh/
This phrase means 'as well as' or 'such as' and is used to introduce one or more examples, often in a list. It feels slightly more structured than just 'como'.
pongamos por caso
/pon-GAH-mohs por KAH-soh/
A more elaborate phrase that means 'let's say for example' or 'let's take the case of.' It's used to propose a hypothetical situation as an example.
por caso
/por KAH-soh/
A more literary or formal alternative to 'por ejemplo.' While grammatically correct, it can sound a bit stiff or old-fashioned in everyday conversation.
verbigracia (v.gr.)
/ber-bee-GRAH-see-ah/
This is a very formal, somewhat archaic term, equivalent to the English abbreviation 'e.g.' (from the Latin 'exempli gratia'). You will almost never hear this spoken.
🔑Key Words
📊Quick Comparison
Here's a quick guide to choosing the best phrase for giving an example based on the situation.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| por ejemplo | Neutral | Any situation. It's the safest and most common choice for speaking and writing. | Never. It's always a good option. |
| como | Informal | Casual conversations to make your speech flow naturally, like using 'like' in English. | In very formal writing or presentations where a more structured phrase is better. |
| pongamos por caso | Neutral | Proposing a hypothetical situation for discussion in meetings or explanations. | When you're just listing simple, concrete examples. |
| verbigracia | Very Formal | Academic, legal, or technical writing to add a scholarly tone. | Ever speaking it out loud. It's almost exclusively a written word. |
📈Difficulty Level
Fairly easy. The main challenge for English speakers is the 'j' in 'ejemplo', which is a soft, breathy 'h' sound from the back of the throat, not a hard 'j' like in 'jungle'.
Extremely simple. 'Por ejemplo' is a fixed phrase that never changes, regardless of context, gender, or number.
The main nuance is knowing not to use hyper-formal options like 'verbigracia' in normal conversation. Sticking to 'por ejemplo' or 'como' is safe.
Key Challenges:
- Pronouncing the 'j' in 'ejemplo' correctly.
- Remembering to use the full phrase 'por ejemplo' and not just 'ejemplo'.
💡Examples in Action
Hay muchos animales en la granja, por ejemplo, vacas, cerdos y gallinas.
There are many animals on the farm, for example, cows, pigs, and chickens.
Me gustan los géneros musicales tranquilos, como el jazz o la bossa nova.
I like calm music genres, like jazz or bossa nova.
Pongamos por caso que la reunión se cancela. ¿Cuál sería el plan B?
Let's say for example the meeting is cancelled. What would be plan B?
Varios países europeos, verbigracia Francia y Alemania, tienen sistemas de trenes de alta velocidad.
Several European countries, e.g., France and Germany, have high-speed train systems.
🌍Cultural Context
'Por Ejemplo' is Your Universal Key
If you only learn one phrase, make it 'por ejemplo.' It's universally understood and accepted in every Spanish-speaking country and in every context, from ordering food to discussing business strategy. You can never go wrong with it.
The Spoken vs. Written Divide
Spanish speakers make a clearer distinction between spoken and written language for this idea than English speakers. 'Por ejemplo' and 'como' dominate conversations. Highly formal terms like 'verbigracia' are almost exclusively found in books, legal documents, or academic papers.
No One Says 'e.g.' Out Loud
In English, you might read 'e.g.' as 'for example'. In Spanish, the abbreviation 'v.gr.' (for verbigracia) or 'p. ej.' (for por ejemplo) exists in writing, but you would never say the letters. You always pronounce the full phrase, 'por ejemplo'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Dropping the 'Por'
Mistake: "Me gustan las frutas, ejemplo, las manzanas. (I like fruits, example, apples.)"
Correction: Me gustan las frutas, por ejemplo, las manzanas.
Using Formal Terms Casually
Mistake: "En la fiesta había buena comida, verbigracia, tacos y guacamole."
Correction: En la fiesta había buena comida, por ejemplo, tacos y guacamole.
Confusing 'Por' and 'Para'
Mistake: "Te doy 'para ejemplo' esta situación..."
Correction: Te doy 'por ejemplo' esta situación...
💡Pro Tips
Use 'Como' to Sound More Natural
To integrate examples smoothly into your conversation without pausing, use 'como'. It's the Spanish equivalent of saying 'like' or 'such as' and makes your speech flow much better. 'Visité varias ciudades, como Madrid y Barcelona.'
Placement Flexibility
'Por ejemplo' is very flexible. You can place it at the beginning of a sentence ('Por ejemplo, podemos ir al cine.'), in the middle set off by commas ('Podemos, por ejemplo, ir al cine.'), or at the end ('Podemos ir al cine, por ejemplo.').
Know Your Abbreviations
When taking notes or in informal writing, you can abbreviate 'por ejemplo' as 'p. ej.'. This is very common and is the direct equivalent of using 'e.g.' in English writing.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
While 'por ejemplo' is the most common, you might hear 'pongamos por caso' slightly more often in Spain in thoughtful or explanatory conversations. 'Sin ir más lejos' ('without going any further') is also a common way to introduce a very direct and obvious example.
Mexico
'Como' is extremely frequent in all casual contexts, perhaps even more so than 'por ejemplo'. A very Mexican expression is 'haz de cuenta que...' which means 'pretend that...' or 'let's say that...', serving a similar function to 'pongamos por caso'.
Argentina
The pronunciation is the most distinct feature. Additionally, the informal word 'ponele' (from 'ponerle') can be used to mean 'let's say' or 'for example' in a very casual, slangy way when suggesting something. 'Vamos al cine a las 8, ponele.' ('Let's go to the movies at 8, for example.')
📱Texting & Social Media
por ejemplo
Used in WhatsApp, emails, notes, and informal documents.
Podemos vernos la prox semana, p. ej. el martes.
We can see each other next week, e.g., on Tuesday.
💬What Comes Next?
After you give an example to clarify something
Ah, ya entiendo.
Ah, now I understand.
¿Ves? Es fácil.
See? It's easy.
When someone asks you to clarify
¿Como qué?
Like what?
Pues, por ejemplo, podríamos empezar con el primer punto.
Well, for example, we could start with the first point.
After you list examples
Vale, perfecto.
Okay, perfect.
Genial. ¿Alguna otra pregunta?
Great. Any other questions?
🧠Memory Tricks
This direct link between the sounds and meanings of the English and Spanish words makes the phrase very easy to remember and recall.
🔄How It Differs from English
The biggest difference is the strictness of formality. While English speakers might use 'for instance' in a casual chat, its Spanish equivalent 'por caso' would sound overly formal. Spanish relies heavily on the universal 'por ejemplo' for most situations and 'como' for casual integration, creating a clearer distinction than the English 'for example' vs. 'like'.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: This is a word-for-word translation ('para un ejemplo') that doesn't work in Spanish. The concept is expressed with a fixed prepositional phrase.
Use instead: Always use the set phrase 'por ejemplo'. It doesn't mean 'for the purpose of an example' (para), but rather 'by way of example' (por).
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
es decir
This means 'that is to say' or 'in other words,' and it's perfect for rephrasing an idea after you've given an example.
o sea
A very common conversational filler similar to 'I mean' or 'in other words,' often used to clarify a point, much like an example does.
en otras palabras
This is the direct translation of 'in other words' and is another great tool for explaining and clarifying your thoughts.
¿me explico?
After giving an example, it's natural to check if the other person understands by asking, 'Do I make myself clear?' or 'Does that make sense?'
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: for example
Question 1 of 3
You are writing a formal university essay. Which phrase is most appropriate to introduce an example?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'por ejemplo' and 'como'?
Think of 'por ejemplo' as a way to pause and announce, 'Here comes an example!' It's a clear signpost. 'Como' is more subtle; it weaves the example directly into the flow of your sentence, just like using 'like' or 'such as' in English. Use 'por ejemplo' for emphasis and clarity, and 'como' for casual, smooth conversation.
Can I ever just say 'ejemplo' by itself?
No, not to mean 'for example'. It must always be 'por ejemplo'. The word 'ejemplo' on its own just means 'example' as a noun, as in 'Este es un buen ejemplo' (This is a good example).
Is 'verbigracia' a word I actually need to know?
You only need to recognize it when you're reading very formal or academic texts. You will likely never need to say it or write it yourself unless you're in a highly academic or legal profession. For 99.9% of your Spanish needs, 'por ejemplo' is perfect.
How do I abbreviate 'por ejemplo' in writing?
The standard and most common abbreviation is 'p. ej.'. You'll see this in textbooks, notes, and even informal emails. It's the direct equivalent of writing 'e.g.' in English.
Is there a Spanish phrase for 'for instance'?
Not really a separate one. 'Por ejemplo' covers both 'for example' and 'for instance'. The two English phrases are so close in meaning that Spanish uses the single, versatile 'por ejemplo' for both situations.
Why is it 'por ejemplo' and not 'para ejemplo'?
This is a tricky point with the prepositions 'por' and 'para'. Think of 'por' as meaning 'by means of' or 'through'. So, you are explaining something 'by means of an example'. 'Para' indicates purpose or a destination, which doesn't fit the meaning here. Ultimately, 'por ejemplo' is a set phrase that's best just to memorize as a single unit.
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