比如

比如 (bǐrú) means 'for example' or 'for instance' — the discourse marker speakers and writers use to introduce a concrete example after a general statement. Literally 'compare like,' it positions the example as a representative case. Two contrasts with English will help learners: first, while English 'for example' can sit at the start, middle, or end of a clause, 比如 almost always introduces the example directly — '我喜欢水果，比如苹果、香蕉' (I like fruits, for example apples and bananas), not after the list. Second, 比如 often pairs with 说 ('say') to give 比如说 — a slightly softer, more spoken opener equivalent to 'like, say...'

or 'for instance, say...' Both forms are fully natural in conversation. Use 例如 in formal essays and reports, 比如 / 比如说 in speech, lectures, and most prose.