Traditional Chinese - Giving Examples

Lesson 41 of 152

A friendly Taiwan Mandarin teacher writes example phrases in Traditional Chinese on a whiteboard for a lesson about giving examples. The scene feels warm, practical, and conversation-focused.

Goal: Make your point clearer with simple, natural examples.

Free traditional Chinese lessons with Taiwan Mandarin audio and speaking practice.

Sometimes the best way to explain an idea is to give a tiny example and let it do the heavy lifting. Today you’ll learn phrases that help you sound organized, thoughtful, and very human in conversation.

Level B1: In this lesson, you’ll practice phrases for giving examples, naming typical situations, and asking someone else for an example. You’ll work with useful frames like 比方說，你___。 (Bǐfāng shuō, nǐ ___.) and 舉個簡單的例子，___。 (Jǔ ge jiǎndān de lìzi, ___.) so your explanations feel smoother in Taiwan Mandarin. Think of it as giving your ideas little legs—yak, walk, explain!

After this lesson you'll be able to:

  • Use B1-level example phrases to explain an idea more clearly in conversation.
  • Introduce hypothetical examples with 比方說，你___。 (Bǐfāng shuō, nǐ ___.) and 假設你___。 (Jiǎshè nǐ ___.)
  • Name typical or repeated situations with 典型的情況是___的時候。 (Diǎnxíng de qíngkuàng shì ___ de shíhòu.)
  • Ask for examples politely with 你可以舉一個___的例子嗎？ (Nǐ kěyǐ jǔ yí ge ___ de lìzi ma?)
Two learners in a Taipei café look at Traditional Chinese notes for a Taiwan Mandarin lesson on giving examples. Coffee cups, notebooks, and highlighted phrases make the scene vivid and approachable.

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.

比方說，你___。

Bǐfāng shuō, nǐ ___.

Say you ___.

Meaning: 比方說，你___。 (Bǐfāng shuō, nǐ ___.) = Say you ___.

When to use: Use this to introduce an easy, spoken hypothetical example.

Tip: Don’t translate English “say” as 說 (shuō) alone here. Use 比方說 (bǐfāng shuō) for “say / for example.”

比方說，你在台北迷路了，你會怎麼辦？

Bǐfāng shuō, nǐ zài Táiběi mílù le, nǐ huì zěnme bàn?

Say you got lost in Taipei. What would you do?
比方說，你明天要面試，你今天就應該早點睡。

Bǐfāng shuō, nǐ míngtiān yào miànshì, nǐ jīntiān jiù yīnggāi zǎo diǎn shuì.

Say you have an interview tomorrow. You should go to bed earlier today.

假設你___

Jiǎshè nǐ ___.

Suppose you ___.

Meaning: 假設你___。 (Jiǎshè nǐ ___.) = Suppose you ___.

When to use: Use this to set up a possible situation, a little more formal than 比方說 (bǐfāng shuō).

假設你沒有網路，你要怎麼聯絡朋友？

Jiǎshè nǐ méiyǒu wǎnglù, nǐ yào zěnme liánluò péngyǒu?

Suppose you don’t have internet. How will you contact your friend?
假設你只有十分鐘，我們就先講重點。

Jiǎshè nǐ zhǐ yǒu shí fēnzhōng, wǒmen jiù xiān jiǎng zhòngdiǎn.

Suppose you only have ten minutes. Then we’ll talk about the main point first.

這種情況會發生在___。

Zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng huì fāshēng zài ___.

This happens with ___.

Meaning: 這種情況會發生在___。 (Zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng huì fāshēng zài ___.) = This happens with ___.

When to use: Use this to say where a certain pattern or problem often appears.

Tip: Use 在 (zài) before the place or area where it happens: 發生在台灣 (fāshēng zài Táiwān), not 發生台灣.

這種情況會發生在很多新創公司。

Zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng huì fāshēng zài hěn duō xīnchuàng gōngsī.

This happens with many startups.
這種情況會發生在假日的觀光景點。

Zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng huì fāshēng zài jiàrì de guānguāng jǐngdiǎn.

This happens at tourist spots on holidays.

當___的時候，就會看到這種情況。

Dāng ___ de shíhòu, jiù huì kàndào zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng.

You see this when ___.

Meaning: 當___的時候，就會看到這種情況。 (Dāng ___ de shíhòu, jiù huì kàndào zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng.) = You see this when ___.

When to use: Use this to connect an observable situation to the idea you just mentioned.

當大家都趕時間的時候，就會看到這種情況。

Dāng dàjiā dōu gǎn shíjiān de shíhòu, jiù huì kàndào zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng.

You see this when everyone is in a hurry.
當餐廳太熱門的時候，就會看到這種情況。

Dāng cāntīng tài rèmén de shíhòu, jiù huì kàndào zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng.

You see this when a restaurant is too popular.

典型的情況是___的時候。

Diǎnxíng de qíngkuàng shì ___ de shíhòu.

A typical case is when ___.

Meaning: 典型的情況是___的時候。 (Diǎnxíng de qíngkuàng shì ___ de shíhòu.) = A typical case is when ___.

When to use: Use this to give a common, representative example.

典型的情況是大家下班的時候。

Diǎnxíng de qíngkuàng shì dàjiā xiàbān de shíhòu.

A typical case is when everyone gets off work.
典型的情況是網路突然變慢的時候。

Diǎnxíng de qíngkuàng shì wǎnglù tūrán biàn màn de shíhòu.

A typical case is when the internet suddenly slows down.

我想到的是___的情況。

Wǒ xiǎngdào de shì ___ de qíngkuàng.

I'm thinking of cases where ___.

Meaning: 我想到的是___的情況。 (Wǒ xiǎngdào de shì ___ de qíngkuàng.) = I’m thinking of cases where ___.

When to use: Use this to clarify the kind of example you have in mind.

我想到的是學生找打工的情況。

Wǒ xiǎngdào de shì xuéshēng zhǎo dǎgōng de qíngkuàng.

I’m thinking of cases where students look for part-time jobs.
我想到的是家人一起出國的情況。

Wǒ xiǎngdào de shì jiārén yìqǐ chūguó de qíngkuàng.

I’m thinking of cases where a family travels abroad together.

同樣的情況也會發生在___。

Tóngyàng de qíngkuàng yě huì fāshēng zài ___.

The same thing happens in ___.

Meaning: 同樣的情況也會發生在___。 (Tóngyàng de qíngkuàng yě huì fāshēng zài ___.) = The same thing happens in ___.

When to use: Use this when the same idea applies to another area or example.

同樣的情況也會發生在學校。

Tóngyàng de qíngkuàng yě huì fāshēng zài xuéxiào.

The same thing happens in schools too.
同樣的情況也會發生在線上會議。

Tóngyàng de qíngkuàng yě huì fāshēng zài xiànshàng huìyì.

The same thing happens in online meetings too.

___、___，等等。

___, ___, děngděng.

___, ___, and so on.

Meaning: ___、___，等等。 (___, ___, děngděng.) = ___, ___, and so on.

When to use: Use this to list a few examples and show there are more similar ones.

我們可以討論時間、預算，等等。

Wǒmen kěyǐ tǎolùn shíjiān, yùsuàn, děngděng.

We can discuss time, budget, and so on.
他喜歡台灣小吃，像滷肉飯、蚵仔煎，等等。

Tā xǐhuān Táiwān xiǎochī, xiàng lǔròufàn, ézǐjiān, děngděng.

He likes Taiwanese snacks, like braised pork rice, oyster omelet, and so on.

___、___之類的。

___, ___ zhīlèi de.

___, ___, and things like that.

Meaning: ___、___之類的。 (___, ___ zhīlèi de.) = ___, ___, and things like that.

When to use: Use this in casual speech to show your examples are not a complete list.

Tip: 之類的 (zhīlèi de) comes after the examples, not before them.

我平常喝咖啡、茶之類的。

Wǒ píngcháng hē kāfēi, chá zhīlèi de.

I usually drink coffee, tea, and things like that.
我們需要帶護照、機票之類的。

Wǒmen xūyào dài hùzhào, jīpiào zhīlèi de.

We need to bring passports, plane tickets, and things like that.

比如說，可能是___。

Bǐrú shuō, kěnéng shì ___.

It could be ___, for example.

Meaning: 比如說，可能是___。 (Bǐrú shuō, kěnéng shì ___.) = It could be ___, for example.

When to use: Use this to offer one possible example without saying it is the only answer.

比如說，可能是系統有問題。

Bǐrú shuō, kěnéng shì xìtǒng yǒu wèntí.

It could be a system problem, for example.
比如說，可能是他今天太累。

Bǐrú shuō, kěnéng shì tā jīntiān tài lèi.

It could be that he’s too tired today, for example.

舉個簡單的例子，___。

Jǔ ge jiǎndān de lìzi, ___.

For a simple example, ___.

Meaning: 舉個簡單的例子，___。 (Jǔ ge jiǎndān de lìzi, ___.) = For a simple example, ___.

When to use: Use this before a clear, concrete example that helps explain your point.

舉個簡單的例子，你每天記三個生字，一個月就很多了。

Jǔ ge jiǎndān de lìzi, nǐ měi tiān jì sān ge shēngzì, yí ge yuè jiù hěn duō le.

For a simple example, if you memorize three new words every day, that’s a lot in a month.
舉個簡單的例子，捷運比開車方便。

Jǔ ge jiǎndān de lìzi, jiéyùn bǐ kāichē fāngbiàn.

For a simple example, the MRT is more convenient than driving.

你可以舉一個___的例子嗎？

Nǐ kěyǐ jǔ yí ge ___ de lìzi ma?

Can you give me an example of ___?

Meaning: 你可以舉一個___的例子嗎？ (Nǐ kěyǐ jǔ yí ge ___ de lìzi ma?) = Can you give me an example of ___?

When to use: Use this polite question when you want the other person to give an example.

你可以舉一個文化差異的例子嗎？

Nǐ kěyǐ jǔ yí ge wénhuà chāyì de lìzi ma?

Can you give me an example of a cultural difference?
你可以舉一個常見問題的例子嗎？

Nǐ kěyǐ jǔ yí ge chángjiàn wèntí de lìzi ma?

Can you give me an example of a common problem?

2. Conversational Listening Practice

Hear phrases in a real mini-conversation.

Anna and David are discussing why some people stop using a new app after only a few days.

Anna and David chat in Taiwan Mandarin using Traditional Chinese example phrases to explain everyday situations. The dialogue scene shows them comparing cases like online shopping, work, and travel.

What kind of examples are Anna and David using to explain the problem?

Portrait of Anna in a Traditional Chinese lesson dialogue

Anna

我覺得很多人不是不喜歡那個 app，是不知道怎麼開始用。

Wǒ juéde hěn duō rén bú shì bù xǐhuān nà ge app, shì bù zhīdào zěnme kāishǐ yòng.

I think many people don’t dislike the app; they just don’t know how to start using it.

Portrait of David in a Traditional Chinese lesson dialogue

David

你可以舉一個常見問題的例子嗎？

Nǐ kěyǐ jǔ yí ge chángjiàn wèntí de lìzi ma?

Can you give me an example of a common problem?

Portrait of Anna in a Traditional Chinese lesson dialogue

Anna

比方說，你下載 app 以後，第一個畫面就要你填很多資料。

Bǐfāng shuō, nǐ xiàzài app yǐhòu, dì yī ge huàmiàn jiù yào nǐ tián hěn duō zīliào.

Say you download the app, and the first screen asks you to fill in a lot of information.

Portrait of David in a Traditional Chinese lesson dialogue

David

對，當步驟太多的時候，就會看到這種情況。

Duì, dāng bùzhòu tài duō de shíhòu, jiù huì kàndào zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng.

Right. You see this when there are too many steps.

Portrait of Anna in a Traditional Chinese lesson dialogue

Anna

典型的情況是使用者很忙的時候。

Diǎnxíng de qíngkuàng shì shǐyòngzhě hěn máng de shíhòu.

A typical case is when the user is busy.

Portrait of David in a Traditional Chinese lesson dialogue

David

同樣的情況也會發生在線上購物。

Tóngyàng de qíngkuàng yě huì fāshēng zài xiànshàng gòuwù.

The same thing happens in online shopping too.

Portrait of Anna in a Traditional Chinese lesson dialogue

Anna

對，比如說，可能是註冊太麻煩。

Duì, bǐrú shuō, kěnéng shì zhùcè tài máfan.

Yes. It could be that registration is too troublesome, for example.

3. Guided Practice

Quizzes and matching to lock in meaning.

Which phrase means “Suppose you ___” and sounds a little more formal than “Say you ___”?

You want to say “The same thing happens in online meetings too.” Which phrase fits best?

Which phrase would you use to politely ask someone for an example?

Which phrase means “For a simple example, ___”?

Say you have an interview tomorrow. You should go to bed earlier today.

___，你明天要面試，你今天就應該早點睡。

We need to bring passports, plane tickets, and things like that.

出國旅行前，我們需要帶護照、機票___。

It could be a system problem, for example.

電腦不能登入，___，可能是系統有問題。

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.

Say this phrase out loud:

比方說，你___。

Bǐfāng shuō, nǐ ___.

Say you ___.

Say this phrase out loud:

假設你___

Jiǎshè nǐ ___.

Suppose you ___.

Say this phrase out loud:

這種情況會發生在___。

Zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng huì fāshēng zài ___.

This happens with ___.

Say this phrase out loud:

當___的時候，就會看到這種情況。

Dāng ___ de shíhòu, jiù huì kàndào zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng.

You see this when ___.

Say this phrase out loud:

典型的情況是___的時候。

Diǎnxíng de qíngkuàng shì ___ de shíhòu.

A typical case is when ___.

Say this phrase out loud:

我想到的是___的情況。

Wǒ xiǎngdào de shì ___ de qíngkuàng.

I’m thinking of cases where ___.

Say this phrase out loud:

同樣的情況也會發生在___。

Tóngyàng de qíngkuàng yě huì fāshēng zài ___.

The same thing happens in ___.

Say this phrase out loud:

___、___，等等。

___, ___, děngděng.

___, ___, and so on.

Say this phrase out loud:

___、___之類的。

___, ___ zhīlèi de.

___, ___, and things like that.

Say this phrase out loud:

比如說，可能是___。

Bǐrú shuō, kěnéng shì ___.

It could be ___, for example.

Say this phrase out loud:

舉個簡單的例子，___。

Jǔ ge jiǎndān de lìzi, ___.

For a simple example, ___.

Say this phrase out loud:

你可以舉一個___的例子嗎？

Nǐ kěyǐ jǔ yí ge ___ de lìzi ma?

Can you give me an example of ___?