1.
example, simile, metaphor
A comparison or illustration used to explain something.
分かりやすい例えを使って説明してください。
Please explain using an easy-to-understand example.
その例えはうまい。
That's a good analogy.
例えて言えば、人生はマラソンのようなものだ。
To use an analogy, life is like a marathon.
例えが悪いかもしれないが、そんな感じだ。
It may be a poor analogy, but that's the idea.
子どもに分かるように身近な例えを使った。
I used a familiar analogy so the child could understand.
2.
even if, even though (adverb)
Used to introduce a hypothetical or concessive condition.
例え雨が降っても行きます。
Even if it rains, I will go.
例え失敗しても諦めない。
Even if I fail, I won't give up.
例え遠くても会いに行く。
Even if it's far, I'll go to see you.
例え難しくても挑戦する価値はある。
Even if it's difficult, it's worth trying.
例え時間がかかっても、最後まで自分の力でやりたい。
Even if it takes time, I want to do it on my own to the end.
TWO DISTINCT USES:
1. AS A NOUN (example):
- 例えを出す (to give an example)
- 例えが悪い (a bad analogy)
- 例えて言えば (to use an analogy)
2. AS AN ADVERB (even if):
- 例え〜ても (even if ~)
- 例え〜でも (even though ~)
- Usually written in hiragana: たとえ
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 例 - example (more formal, numbered examples)
- 比喩 - metaphor, figure of speech
- もし - if (neutral conditional)