Meaning
The kanji 例 (れい) primarily means 'example,' 'instance,' or 'precedent.' It conveys the idea of something that serves as a model, a case in point, or a customary practice to be followed. This character is essential for discussing patterns, illustrating ideas, or referring to established norms in Japanese.
Its origin provides a clue to this meaning through its components. The left radical, 人 (にんべん / ninben), means 'person.' The right component, 列 (れつ / retsu), means 'row' or 'line up.' These components can be interpreted as a 'person lining up' or 'a person setting a standard in a row.' This visual connection helps us grasp how 例 came to mean 'example' or 'model' – something that defines a standard or pattern for others to follow. Imagine someone leading a line, setting an example for those behind them.
The meaning extends beyond a singular example to encompass broader concepts. It can mean 'case' (as in a specific instance or situation), 'custom' (a habitual practice or tradition), and 'precedent' (an earlier event or action that guides subsequent similar circumstances). Grasping these nuances is essential for mastering 例.
This kanji has 8 strokes and is taught in the 5th grade of Japanese elementary schools, making it a relatively common and essential character in everyday Japanese.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary on'yomi reading for 例 is レイ (rei). This is the most common reading, appearing in almost all compound words where 例 means 'example,' 'instance,' 'case,' 'precedent,' or 'custom.' It reflects the kanji's original Chinese pronunciation.
- 例 (rei) — meaning 'example' or 'instance.' This is the basic noun form.
- 事例 (jirei) — meaning 'case study' or 'precedent.' Often used in academic or legal contexts, such as a business case study (ビジネス事例) or a legal precedent (判例).
- 例年 (reinen) — meaning 'average year' or 'every year.' Refers to what is customary or typical for a given year, like 例年並み (reinen-nami, 'as usual for the year').
- 例外 (reigai) — meaning 'exception.' Something that deviates from the general rule or example, for instance, 規則の例外 (kisoku no reigai, 'an exception to the rule').
- 用例 (yōrei) — meaning 'example of usage.' Commonly seen in dictionaries or grammar explanations to illustrate how a word or phrase is used.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main kun'yomi readings for 例 are たと.える (tatoeru) and たと.え (tatoe). These are native Japanese words, reflecting the core concepts of 'example' and 'comparison.'
- 例える (tatoeru) — This verb means 'to compare,' 'to liken to,' or 'to give an example.' It highlights the act of drawing a comparison or providing an illustration. For example, 「人生を旅に例える」(jinsei o tabi ni tatoeru) means "to liken life to a journey."
- 例え (tatoe) — This noun means 'example,' 'analogy,' or 'metaphor.' It's also found in common phrases like 「例えば」(tatoeba), meaning 'for example,' and 「たとえ〜ても」(tatoe ~ temo), meaning 'even if' or 'even though,' which introduces a hypothetical example or condition.
Common Words & Compounds
To truly understand 例, it's essential to see it in context. Here are some common words and compounds, categorized by their usage to help you grasp the breadth of this kanji's meaning.
General Examples & Illustrations
- 例 (rei) — example, instance, precedent. The most basic and versatile use.
- 例えば (tatoeba) — for example, for instance. A very common phrase to introduce an example.
- 例題 (reidai) — example problem. Often found in textbooks or tests to demonstrate a concept.
- 例文 (reibun) — example sentence. Essential for language learning, like in dictionaries or grammar guides.
- 例示 (reiji) — illustration, example; to illustrate, to exemplify.
Customs & Practices
- 恒例 (kōrei) — established custom, annual event. Something that happens every year or regularly, such as a company's annual ceremony (会社の恒例行事).
- 慣例 (kanrei) — custom, practice, precedent. A widely accepted or traditional way of doing things.
- 通例 (tsūrei) — common practice, general rule. What is usually done, or a typical procedure.
Cases & Precedents
- 事例 (jirei) — case, example, precedent. Often used in formal or academic contexts, such as a business case study.
- 前例 (zenrei) — precedent, prior example. Something that happened before and can be used as a guide for future actions.
- 実例 (jitsurei) — actual example, concrete example. A real-life instance or factual case.
- 類例 (ruirei) — similar example.
Exceptions & Deviations
- 例外 (reigai) — exception. Something that does not follow the general rule or pattern, like a special case.
Example Sentences
これは良い例です。
Kore wa yoi rei desu.
This is a good example.
例えば、この単語の使い方を説明してください。
Tatoeba, kono tango no tsukaikata o setsumei shite kudasai.
For example, please explain how to use this word.
彼の行動は良い例となるでしょう。
Kare no kōdō wa yoi rei to naru deshō.
His actions will serve as a good example.
例年より今年は暖かいです。
Reinen yori kotoshi wa atatakai desu.
It is warmer this year than an average year.
例外なく、全員出席でした。
Reigai naku, zen'in shusseki deshita.
Without exception, everyone was present.
歴史上、同じような事例はたくさんあります。
Rekishijō, onaji yō na jirei wa takusan arimasu.
There are many similar historical cases.
私たちは過去の成功の例から学ぶべきです。
Watashitachi wa kako no seikō no rei kara manabu beki desu.
We should learn from past examples of success.
例えどんなに難しくても、諦めてはいけません。
Tatoe donna ni muzukashikute mo, akiramete wa ikemasen.
Even if it's difficult, you must not give up.
この事件は今後の対策における重要な前例となるでしょう。
Kono jiken wa kongo no taisaku ni okeru jūyō na zenrei to naru deshō.
This incident will become an important precedent for future countermeasures.
教師は生徒に良い例を示すべきだ。
Kyōshi wa seito ni yoi rei o shimesu beki da.
Teachers should set a good example for their students.
Memory Tip
To remember 例, visualize its components: the 'person' radical (人) on the left and 'row/line' (列) on the right. Imagine a person standing in a line, diligently following the rules and procedures. This person isn't just part of the group; they're setting a standard—an example for everyone else. Alternatively, think of a group forming a line, each an instance in the sequence. This combination effectively conveys the meaning of 'example,' 'instance,' or 'precedent,' establishing a pattern or standard.