Translation and Meaning of: 例 - tameshi

The Japanese word 例 [ためし] is an interesting term that can cause some confusion among Japanese learners. Its main meaning is related to "example" or "test," but its application goes beyond that. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and some tips for memorizing it correctly. If you have ever wondered how the Japanese use 例 in different contexts, keep reading to find out.

Significado e uso de 例 [ためし]

The term [ためし] can be translated as "example" or "case," but it also carries nuances of "test" or "experience." One of the most common ways to use it is in situations where someone wants to verify something in practice. For instance, when trying out a product before purchasing, a Japanese person might say "ためしに使ってみる" (I'll try using it to test).

Moreover, this word appears in expressions like "ためしにやってみる" (I'll try doing it to see). This usage reinforces the idea of experimentation, something that goes beyond the simple "example." It is worth noting that, although the kanji 例 is often read as "rei" (as in 例文 [れいぶん] - example sentence), the reading "ためし" has a more colloquial and practical tone.

Origin and curiosities about the word

The kanji 例 is composed of the radical 亻 (person) and 列 (row, line), suggesting the idea of something that serves as a reference for others. The reading "ためし" has ancient roots in Japanese and is associated with the verb "試す" (ためす - to test). This connection explains why the word carries both the meaning of "example" and "test."

An interesting detail is that 例 [ためし] is not an extremely common word in everyday life, but it frequently appears in specific contexts, such as in stores (when offering tastings) or in informal situations among friends. Unlike "rei," which is more formal, "ためし" has a more casual and direct usage.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to reinforce the meaning of 例 [ためし] is to associate it with experimentation situations. Think of moments when you try something new, like a piece of clothing or an app. Phrases such as "ためしに着てみる" (I'll try it on) can help you internalize the term. Another tip is to practice with real examples, like advertisements that offer "ためし飲み" (tasting drinks).

É importante notar que, embora "ためし" e "rei" compartilhem o mesmo kanji, eles não são intercambiáveis. Enquanto "ためし" é usado para ações práticas e testes, "rei" aparece em construções mais formais, como 例題 (れいだい - problema exemplo). Saber quando usar cada leitura evitará confusões na comunicação.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 例示 (Reiji) - Example, specific illustration of a concept or item.
• サンプル (Sanpuru) - Sample, usually used for products or items that represent a larger piece.
• 模範 (Mohan) - Model or ideal example, often used to refer to standards of behavior.
• モデル (Moderu) - Model, used to represent something in fields such as design or manufacturing.
• 見本 (Mihon) - Example display, often used in market contexts or product exhibitions.
• サンプリング (Sanpuringu) - Sampling, the process of collecting samples for analysis or presentation.

例

Romaji: tameshi
Kana: ためし
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: instance; example; case; precedent; experience; custom; use; parallel; illustration

Meaning in English: instance;example;case;precedent;experience;custom;usage;parallel;illustration

Definition: Selected word: cachorro Definition: A dog is a mammal belonging to the canine family and is often kept by humans as a pet or guard animal.

Example Sentences - (例) tameshi

See below some example sentences:

慣例に従って行動する

Kanrei ni shitagatte koudou suru

Act according to tradition.

Act according to customs

• 慣例 (kanrei) - costume, common practice
• に (ni) - particle that indicates action or state in accordance with the previous term
• 従って (shitagatte) - according to, following
• 行動する (koudou suru) - act, take action

実例を見てから判断してください。

Jitsurei wo mite kara handan shite kudasai

Please make a judgment after seeing a real example.

Please judge after looking at the examples.

• 実例 - Example
• を - direct object particle
• 見て - ver (-te form of the verb)
• から - time particle, indicates that the action takes place after something
• 判断して - judge, decide (-te form of the verb)
• ください - please make a request

前例を参考にしてください。

Mae rei wo sankou ni shite kudasai

Please refer to the previous example for reference.

See precedent.

• 前例 - It means "previous example" or "precedent".
• を - object particle.
• 参考 - It means "reference" or "consultation".
• に - Destination particle.
• してください - an expression that means "please do".

例外が発生しました。

Regai ga hassei shimashita

An exception occurred.

Exception occurred.

• 例外 - means "exception" in Japanese.
• が - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 発生 - means "occurrence" or "appearance" in Japanese.
• しました - past form of the verb "suru", which means "to do" or "to occur".

彼女は太陽のように輝くと例えられる。

Kanojo wa taiyō no yō ni kagayaku to tatoerareru

It is compared to a bright sun.

It is compared to shine like the sun.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 太陽 (taiyou) - Sun
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• ように (you ni) - As, similar to
• 輝く (kagayaku) - shine
• と (to) - Quote particle
• 例えられる (tatoerareru) - be compared, be described as