例 lì — example; precedent; rule; case; instance
请给我举一个例子。Qǐng gěi wǒ jǔ yí ge lì zi.Please give me an example.
Common words: 例如 (lì rú)、例子 (lì zi)、比例 (bǐ lì)
Meaning Index
Chinese characters meaning "instance"
Learn Chinese characters with the meaning "instance", including 例 (lì), 故 (gù). Study pinyin, English meanings, traditional forms, common words, and examples.
How to Study This Meaning Group
The English word "instance" covers 2 different Chinese characters — 例 (lì), 故 (gù) — and each is its own word with its own feel. These 2 characters do not share a sound — their readings span lì, gù — so confirm the pinyin and tone for each one separately. The example sentences further down show how 例 and the others are actually used, so you learn them in context rather than as a single translation.
- 例 lìexample; precedent; rule; case; instanceUseful words: 例如, 例子
- 故 gùhappening; instance; reason; cause; deceased; oldUseful words: 故事, 故意
Common words for these 2 "instance" characters
Anchor each of these 2 characters in a word you can picture — start with 例 (lì) — so "instance" turns into concrete usage instead of a one-to-one translation.
See each character in a sentence
Each character below is shown in a short example sentence with pinyin and an English translation — the quickest way to feel the difference between the 2 ways to say "instance".
故 gù — happening; instance; reason; cause; deceased; old
奶奶给我讲了一个古老的故事。Nǎi nai gěi wǒ jiǎng le yí ge gǔ lǎo de gù shi.Grandma told me an old story.
Common words: 故事 (gù shì)、故意 (gù yì)、事故 (shì gù)
All 2 characters
Open 例、故 or any character below to hear it read aloud and see it used in an example sentence.