The most direct translation for "example" in Spanish is ejemplo. Now, it is a masculine noun (el ejemplo) used in almost every context where you would use the English word, from academic writing to casual conversation. Even so, mastering this word requires more than just memorizing a single vocabulary entry. To sound natural, you need to understand the grammar surrounding it, the common collocations (word pairings), the idiomatic expressions that don't translate literally, and the regional nuances that distinguish a textbook speaker from a fluent one Worth knowing..
The Basics: Grammar and Pronunciation
Before diving into complex usage, let’s solidify the foundation. Ejemplo is a masculine noun ending in 'o', so its plural form is ejemplos Nothing fancy..
- Singular: El ejemplo (The example)
- Plural: Los ejemplos (The examples)
- Indefinite: Un ejemplo (An example) / Unos ejemplos (Some examples)
Pronunciation Tip: The 'j' in Spanish represents a strong, guttural 'h' sound (like the 'ch' in the Scottish "loch" or the German "Bach"), not the English 'j' sound in "judge." Phonetically, it is written as /eˈxem.plo/. Stress falls on the second syllable: ex-EM-plo.
Essential Collocations: Verbs that Pair with "Ejemplo"
In English, we "give" an example, "set" an example, or "follow" an example. Spanish uses different verbs for these concepts. Using dar (to give) for all of them is a common mistake that instantly marks you as a learner That's the whole idea..
1. Poner un ejemplo (To give / cite an example)
This is the standard way to say "to give an example" in an explanatory context.
- ¿Puedes poner un ejemplo de cómo se usa este verbo?
- (Can you give an example of how this verb is used?)
- El profesor puso varios ejemplos para clarificar el tema.
- (The teacher gave several examples to clarify the topic.)
2. Dar ejemplo (To set an example)
This refers to behavior, leadership, or morality. You are not "giving an instance"; you are modeling behavior.
- Los padres deben dar buen ejemplo a sus hijos.
- (Parents must set a good example for their children.)
- El capitán dio ejemplo de valentía durante la tormenta.
- (The captain set an example of bravery during the storm.)
3. Seguir el ejemplo (To follow the example)
Used when imitating someone’s path or behavior.
- Decidió seguir el ejemplo de su abuelo y estudiar medicina.
- (He decided to follow his grandfather's example and study medicine.)
4. Servir de ejemplo (To serve as an example)
Often used in formal writing, news, or reflective speaking Less friction, more output..
- Este caso sirve de ejemplo de lo que no se debe hacer.
- (This case serves as an example of what not to do.)
The "For Example" Toolkit: Connectors and Transitions
If you are learning Spanish to write essays, give presentations, or simply link ideas in conversation, you need connectors. Relying solely on por ejemplo limits your fluency.
1. Por ejemplo (For example / For instance)
The absolute standard. It works in the middle or at the start of a sentence.
- Me gustan los deportes de riesgo, por ejemplo, el paracaidismo y el rafting.
- (I like extreme sports, for example, skydiving and rafting.)
2. Por poner un ejemplo (Just to give an example / As an illustration)
Slightly more conversational and humble. It softens the statement Nothing fancy..
- Hay muchos pueblos bonitos en Andalucía, por poner un ejemplo, Ronda.
- (There are many pretty towns in Andalusia, just to give an example, Ronda.)
3. Ejemplo de ello es... (An example of this is...)
Excellent for formal writing or structured speeches. It connects a previous statement directly to the proof.
- La economía está creciendo. Ejemplo de ello es el aumento del PIB.
- (The economy is growing. An example of this is the increase in GDP.)
4. A modo de ejemplo (By way of example / As an example)
Highly formal, common in academic papers, legal texts, or technical manuals.
- Se muestran los datos a modo de ejemplo, no son definitivos.
- (The data is shown by way of example; they are not final.)
5. Válgame el ejemplo / Permítanme el ejemplo (Allow me the example)
A polite, rhetorical flourish used before citing a potentially controversial or personal illustration.
- Válgame el ejemplo: es como intentar tapar el sol con un dedo.
- (Allow me the example: it’s like trying to cover the sun with a finger.)
The "By Heart" Trap: De memoria vs. De ejemplo
English speakers often try to translate "I know it by heart" or "I learned it by example" literally Most people skip this — try not to. Simple as that..
- Incorrect: Lo sé de ejemplo. / Lo aprendí de ejemplo.
- Correct (By heart): Lo sé de memoria.
- Correct (By example / learning through observation): Lo aprendí viendo / por imitación / a base de ejemplos.
Conversely, if you want to say "Learn by example" as a pedagogical method (learning through worked examples), you say Aprender con ejemplos or Aprender mediante ejemplos Practical, not theoretical..
Idioms and Cultural Expressions
Spanish is rich with dichos (sayings) involving ejemplo. Knowing these moves you from "speaking Spanish" to "thinking in Spanish."
1. Predicar con el ejemplo (To practice what you preach / Lead by example)
Literally: "To preach with the example." This is the gold standard for leadership vocabulary.
- No basta con dar órdenes; hay que predicar con el ejemplo.
- (It’s not enough to give orders; you have to practice what you preach.)
2. Poner a alguien de ejemplo (To hold someone up as an example / To make an example of someone)
This can be positive (a role model) or negative (a warning).
- Positivo: Mi madre siempre me ponía a mi hermana de ejemplo de buena estudiante.
- (My mom always held my sister up as an example of a good student.)
- Negativo (Make an example of): El juez lo condenó a la pena máxima para ponerlo de ejemplo.
- (The judge sentenced him to the maximum penalty to make an example of him.)
3. No hay mejor ejemplo que... (There is no better example than...)
A powerful rhetorical structure for persuasion.
- No hay mejor ejemplo de la corrupción que este edificio a medio terminar.
- (There is no better example of corruption than this half-finished building.)
Adjectives That Change Meaning: Buen ejemplo vs. Ejemplo bueno
Spanish adjective placement changes nuance. This is a subtle but vital distinction.
- Un buen ejemplo / Un mal ejemplo (Subjective quality): The adjective buen/mal goes before the noun to express an opinion on the quality of the example itself.
- Es un buen ejemplo de arquitectura moderna. (It is a good example of modern architecture.)
- Un ejemplo bueno / Un ejemplo malo (Classification/Contrast): The adjective goes after the noun to classify the
