例(たと)え

たとえ
noun, adverb
example; even if
formaldescriptive
See also: 例(たと)える (to compare (verb form))
1. example, simile, metaphor
A comparison or illustration used to explain something.
分(わ)かりやすい例(たと)えを使(つか)って説明(せつめい)してください。
Please explain using an easy-to-understand example.
その例(たと)えはうまい。
That's a good analogy.
例(たと)えて言(い)えば、人生(じんせい)はマラソンのようなものだ。
To use an analogy, life is like a marathon.
例(たと)えが悪(わる)いかもしれないが、そんな感(かん)じだ。
It may be a poor analogy, but that's the idea.
子(こ)どもに分(わ)かるように身近(みぢか)な例(たと)えを使(つか)った。
I used a familiar analogy so the child could understand.
2. even if, even though (adverb)
Used to introduce a hypothetical or concessive condition.
例(たと)え雨(あめ)が降(ふ)っても行(い)きます。
Even if it rains, I will go.
例(たと)え失敗(しっぱい)しても諦(あきら)めない。
Even if I fail, I won't give up.
例(たと)え遠(とお)くても会(あ)いに行(い)く。
Even if it's far, I'll go to see you.
例(たと)え難(むずか)しくても挑戦(ちょうせん)する価値(かち)はある。
Even if it's difficult, it's worth trying.
例(たと)え時間(じかん)がかかっても、最後(さいご)まで自分(じぶん)の力(ちから)でやりたい。
Even if it takes time, I want to do it on my own to the end.

Two distinct uses

1. AS A NOUN (example):

2. AS AN ADVERB (even if):

  • 例(たと)え〜ても (even if ~)
  • 例(たと)え〜でも (even though ~)
  • Usually written in hiragana: たとえ

Similar words

Related Words

Related: 例(れい) (example (formal))
Related: 比喩(ひゆ) (metaphor, figure of speech)
Compare: もし (if)
Compare: 実例(じつれい) (example, actual case)
core
Added 2026.1.13 22:05 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29
04000/04128_tatoe