Meaning and Usage
"例え" (lìtǎn) is a noun meaning "example" or "metaphor." It is often used to introduce an illustrative example or a hypothetical situation to clarify a point. It can also appear in conditional expressions to mean "even if" or "even though," similar to "即使" in Chinese.
Common Collocations
- 例え話 (metaphorical story): used to explain something by analogy.
- 例えに出す (to give an example): to cite an example.
- 例え〜ても (even if...): used in conditional sentences to express concession.
Usage Notes
When used as a noun, 例え often appears with 話 (story) or 例 (example) to form phrases that help explain or illustrate. In conditional sentences, it conveys a concessive meaning, emphasizing that the outcome remains unchanged despite the condition. This usage is more formal and common in written or polite speech.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 例え as a standalone noun with 例えば (tatoeba), which is an adverb meaning "for example." 例え is more formal and often used in written language or set phrases.