A quick, friendly lesson to expand how you explain things in Spanish. We'll focus on natural ways to introduce examples in conversation so your explanations sound clear and confident.
Level B1: This lesson helps you practice Spanish phrases for giving examples — phrases like "Por ejemplo", "Como", "Te doy un ejemplo" and others. You'll learn when each phrase fits (formal vs casual, single example vs a list) and hear them in a short conversation. This lesson is CEFR-aligned and built for Conversation Engine practice.
After this lesson you'll be able to:
Recognize and use common Spanish frames to introduce examples (B1 level).
Distinguish casual and neutral ways to give examples and when each is natural.
Hear the phrases in a short dialogue and practice them aloud.
Use example frames to clarify ideas during conversation.
Ready? Let's go!
When you tap play on phrases, we track your progress through this lesson.
1. Reading + Listening Practice
Hear core phrases, repeat aloud.
Por ejemplo, ___.
For example, ___.
Meaning: For example, ___.
When to use: The most common, neutral way to introduce an example. Use it when you want to add a clear example to support your idea.
Me gustan los deportes. Por ejemplo, juego al tenis los fines de semana.
I like sports. For example, I play tennis on weekends.
Hay muchas formas de mejorar. Por ejemplo, practicar veinte minutos cada día ayuda.
There are many ways to improve. For example, practicing twenty minutes a day helps.
Por ejemplo, ___.
For instance, ___.
Meaning: For instance, ___.
When to use: Very similar to 'Por ejemplo'; slightly more careful or formal but fine in conversation.
Algunas frutas son ricas en fibra; por ejemplo, las peras y las manzanas.
Some fruits are high in fiber; for instance, pears and apples.
Los problemas pueden ser técnicos. Por ejemplo, la red puede caer durante la actualización.
Problems can be technical. For instance, the network can go down during the update.
Como ___.
Like ___.
Meaning: Like ___.
When to use: Use 'Como' for a quick, informal example — a short list or single idea in casual speech.
Tip: Beginners sometimes overuse 'como' in formal situations; choose a neutral phrase in meetings or writing.
Me gustan las películas de acción, como las de superhéroes.
I like action movies, like superhero ones.
Puedes usar ingredientes locales, como tomates y cilantro.
You can use local ingredients, like tomatoes and cilantro.
Cosas como ___.
Things like ___.
Meaning: Things like ___.
When to use: Natural after naming a general category, to add a few concrete examples.
Necesitamos materiales: cosas como papel, lápices y cinta adhesiva.
We need materials: things like paper, pencils, and tape.
Llevó comida para compartir, cosas como empanadas y ensalada.
She brought food to share, things like empanadas and salad.
Como ___.
Such as ___.
Meaning: Such as ___.
When to use: Use 'Como' to introduce members of a group or category; it's natural in speech. ('Tales como' is more formal.)
Tip: Don't confuse casual 'como' with more formal written alternatives like 'tales como' in academic texts.
Hay vinos de regiones distintas, como Rioja y Ribera del Duero.
There are wines from different regions, such as Rioja and Ribera del Duero.
Se recomiendan verduras ricas en hierro, como espinacas y acelgas.
Vegetables rich in iron are recommended, such as spinach and chard.
Te doy un ejemplo.
Let me give you an example.
Meaning: Let me give you an example.
When to use: Say this to signal you are about to explain something with an example. Use 'le doy un ejemplo' for usted formality.
Te doy un ejemplo: imagina que tienes que presentar un proyecto en una semana.
Let me give you an example: imagine you have to present a project in a week.
Si no lo entiendes, te doy un ejemplo más simple.
If you don't understand, let me give you a simpler example.
Para darte un ejemplo, ___.
To give you an example, ___.
Meaning: To give you an example, ___.
When to use: Start an example before giving more specific details; polite and neutral.
Para darte un ejemplo, consideremos la situación de un estudiante que trabaja y estudia.
To give you an example, let's consider a student who works and studies.
Para darte un ejemplo, ayer perdí el metro y llegué tarde.
To give you an example, yesterday I missed the subway and arrived late.
Un ejemplo es ___.
One example is ___.
Meaning: One example is ___.
When to use: Present a specific case or instance from several possibilities.
Un ejemplo es esta aplicación que traduce voz en tiempo real.
One example is this app that translates speech in real time.
Un ejemplo es la tienda del barrio que abre las 24 horas.
One example is the neighborhood store that's open 24 hours.
Tomemos ___, por ejemplo.
Take ___, for example.
Meaning: Take ___, for example.
When to use: Point to a specific case as an example of a larger idea; often used to guide attention to one instance.
Tomemos Madrid, por ejemplo; tiene un transporte público muy desarrollado.
Take Madrid, for example; it has very developed public transport.
Tomemos este restaurante, por ejemplo: siempre tiene platos nuevos cada semana.
Take this restaurant, for example: it always has new dishes each week.
Un buen ejemplo es ___.
A good example is ___.
Meaning: A good example is ___.
When to use: Introduce a clear or strong example that supports your point.
Un buen ejemplo es la política de reciclaje del municipio.
A good example is the municipality's recycling policy.
Un buen ejemplo es cómo la empresa redujo sus costos con energía solar.
A good example is how the company reduced costs with solar energy.
Para que veas a qué me refiero, ___.
To show what I mean, ___.
Meaning: To show what I mean, ___.
When to use: Use this to introduce an example that clarifies your point; informal 'tú' is used here. For formal address use 'Para que vea a qué me refiero, ___.'
Para que veas a qué me refiero, mira cómo cambia el gráfico después del tercer mes.
To show what I mean, look at how the chart changes after the third month.
Para que veas a qué me refiero, escucha este extracto del diálogo.
To show what I mean, listen to this excerpt of the dialogue.
A esto me refiero: ___.
Here's what I mean: ___.
Meaning: Here's what I mean: ___.
When to use: Clarify a previous point by adding a concrete example; direct and natural in conversation.
A esto me refiero: si reduces horas, también puede bajar la calidad del servicio.
Here's what I mean: if you reduce hours, service quality may drop.
A esto me refiero: usar menos azúcar puede cambiar el sabor, pero es más saludable.
Here's what I mean: using less sugar can change the taste, but it's healthier.
Imagínate esto: ___.
Imagine this: ___.
Meaning: Imagine this: ___.
When to use: Ask the listener to consider a simple imagined example; casual and engaging with 'tú'.
Imagínate esto: tienes todo el día libre y puedes viajar a cualquier ciudad.
Imagine this: you have the whole day free and can travel to any city.
Imagínate esto: tu proyecto se presenta mañana y ya está casi listo.
Imagine this: your project is presented tomorrow and it's almost ready.
2. Conversational Listening Practice
Hear phrases in a real mini-conversation.
Anna helps David explain a proposal by giving a concrete example.
Why does Anna give an example?
Anna
Para que veas a qué me refiero, tomemos el presupuesto del mes pasado.
To show what I mean, take last month's budget.
David
¿Puedes darme un ejemplo más simple?
Can you give me a simpler example?
Anna
Te doy un ejemplo: si reducimos gastos en publicidad, ahorramos un 10%.
Let me give you an example: if we cut advertising costs, we save 10%.
David
Por ejemplo, ¿dejar de poner anuncios en redes sociales?
For example, stop placing ads on social networks?
Anna
Exacto. Un buen ejemplo es cambiar a campañas más dirigidas.
Exactly. A good example is switching to more targeted campaigns.
David
A esto me refiero: eso puede mantener la calidad y reducir el costo.
Here's what I mean: that can maintain quality and reduce cost.
3. Guided Practice
Quizzes and matching to lock in meaning.
Which Spanish phrase best translates to 'Let me give you an example.'?
Which phrase means 'Things like ...'?
If you want to say 'To show what I mean, ...' which phrase fits?
Which phrase is best for a quick, informal example meaning 'Like ...'?
For example, many forget to attach files.
No todos saben usar el correo electrónico. ___, muchos olvidan adjuntar archivos.
To show what I mean, if you pay on time, you avoid fees.
Quiero que entiendas mi punto. ___, si pagas a tiempo, evitas recargos.
I'm talking about fast foods, like hamburgers and fries.
Hablo de comidas rápidas, ___ hamburguesas y papas fritas.
Match the core phrases
Match the extra phrases
4. Speaking Practice
Say phrases yourself (mic/recording).
Recording stays on your device only. Check speech uses your browser's speech tools when available.
