例（れい、rei）
- example

The Japanese word 例 (れい) primarily means "example," "instance," or "case." It is used to illustrate something, provide a sample, or demonstrate a point. It can refer to a concrete specific instance, or it can be used more abstractly to denote a type or category of thing. The word is quite versatile and appears in various contexts. It's crucial for explaining concepts, giving instructions, and providing clarifications. It also works as a counter.

⚫︎例えば、これはペンです。 Translation: For example, this is a pen. ⚫︎ その例は理解しやすい。 Translation: That example is easy to understand. ⚫︎ このような例はたくさんあります。 Translation: There are many examples like this.

You can use 例 in various situations: ⚫︎ When you want to give an illustration or an instance to clarify something. ⚫︎ When providing examples to support your argument or explanation. ⚫︎ When requesting an example from someone else. ⚫︎ It is used to indicate a case or a typical scenario. The particle は (wa) or が (ga) often follows 例 when it is the topic or subject of the sentence, respectively. 例 can be used with the verb あげる(ageru - to give) to form 例をあげる (rei o ageru - to give an example). 例 can also be combined with other words to form compound words.

例 is typically written with the kanji 例. The hiragana reading is れい. There are no other common ways to write this word in everyday usage. There are no variations in okurigana.

⚫︎ 例えば (tatoeba) - For example (often used to introduce an example). ⚫︎ 事例 (jirei) - Example, case (often used in formal or technical contexts). ⚫︎ 実例 (jitsurei) - Actual example. ⚫︎ サンプル (sanpuru) - Sample (loanword).

There aren't direct antonyms for 例. The opposite of giving an example is often expressed by not providing one or by stating a general rule or concept without illustration.

日本語の文法を説明するために、いくつかの例を示します。 ・Translation: To explain Japanese grammar, I will provide some examples. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 例 to indicate that the speaker will provide instances to help explain grammar rules.

この問題に対する例を教えてください。 ・Translation: Please tell me an example for this problem. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 例 to request a specific instance or illustration to clarify a problem.

The kanji 例 is composed of the radicals 人 (person) and 列 (line, row). It originally meant "to line up" or "to set in order." Over time, the meaning evolved to represent "example" or "precedent" because an example is something that sets a standard or serves as a reference point, like a "line" or "row" of things.