比如
Reach for 比如 when you want to introduce a specific example after a general statement — 'for example,' 'like,' 'such as.' Drop it at the start of the example clause. Works after a category statement (我喜欢水果，比如苹果、香蕉), or to open a list. Conversational and written register both. Slightly more compact than 例如 (its more formal cousin).
Structure
[GENERAL STATEMENT]，比如 [EXAMPLE(S)]
bǐrú...
How to Think About It
比如 always points backward to the category just mentioned. The listener uses the prior sentence to interpret what category the examples belong to. Without that setup, 比如 floats — 'For example, an apple' makes no sense unless you already said what 'an apple' is an example of. Always introduce the umbrella before opening 比如.
Examples
我喜欢运动，比如跑步、游泳和打篮球。
Wǒ xǐhuan yùndòng, bǐrú pǎobù, yóuyǒng hé dǎ lánqiú.
I like sports — for example, running, swimming, and basketball.
中国有很多大城市，比如北京和上海。
Zhōngguó yǒu hěn duō dà chéngshì, bǐrú Běijīng hé Shànghǎi.
China has many big cities, like Beijing and Shanghai.
他会说几种语言，比如英文、中文和法文。
Tā huì shuō jǐ zhǒng yǔyán, bǐrú Yīngwén, Zhōngwén hé Fǎwén.
He speaks several languages, such as English, Chinese, and French.
Common Mistake
Learners use 比如 to start a sentence with no prior context ('比如苹果是水果'), treating it like 'For instance' in English. Without a preceding category, 比如 lacks an anchor.
比如苹果是水果。
我喜欢吃水果，比如苹果。
Don't Confuse With
例如
More formal, common in writing and presentations. Use 比如 in conversation; 例如 in essays and reports.
比如说
Same meaning, slightly more conversational. Add 说 when speaking out loud — a soft filler tone.
像...这样的
Means 'things like X.' Use 像...这样的 when you want to describe a type by referring to one specific instance. 比如 just opens the list.
Practice
我喜欢看书，___ 小说和历史书。
Show answer
比如
中国菜有很多种，比如 ___。 (any example)
Show answer
饺子
Arrange: 我 / 水果 / 比如 / 喜欢 / 苹果 / 葡萄 / 和
Show answer
我喜欢水果，比如苹果和葡萄。
I have many hobbies, for example, reading and playing piano.
Show answer
我有很多爱好，比如看书和弹钢琴。
Make a general statement and use 比如 to give two examples.
Show answer
我喜欢学习新东西，比如做饭和学外语。
Hear It in Real Episodes
This pattern appears in 4 Fluentide episodes: