Por Exemplo vs. Como: Give Examples in Portuguese

Use por exemplo to signal a sample case

Por exemplo means for example. Use it when one item illustrates a broader point. It can begin a sentence or appear before the example inside a sentence, usually with punctuation that separates the aside.

The example should clarify the category rather than simply repeat the same information.

Brazilian Portuguese examples with English translations: Use por exemplo to signal a sample case
Brazilian Portuguese	English meaning
Gosto de frutas cítricas. Por exemplo, como laranja e mexerica.	I like citrus fruits. For example, I eat oranges and tangerines.
Alguns bairros, por exemplo Pinheiros, têm várias opções de transporte.	Some neighborhoods, for example Pinheiros, have several transport options.

Use como before examples in a list

Before a list, como often means such as: frutas como manga e banana (fruits such as mango and banana). The list gives examples of the group named before como.

Como also means how in a question or manner in a statement. Use the surrounding grammar to identify its job.

Brazilian Portuguese examples with English translations: Use como before examples in a list
Brazilian Portuguese	English meaning
Leve documentos como o passaporte e o comprovante de matrícula.	Bring documents such as your passport and proof of enrollment.
Como você organiza suas anotações?	How do you organize your notes?

Choose a full sentence or a compact list

Choose por exemplo when you want a full illustrative sentence. Choose como when a short list fits directly after a noun. This is a useful tendency, not a rule that every sentence must follow.

Do not use como to mean for example at the start of every sentence; vary your writing when the example needs a full explanation.

Brazilian Portuguese examples with English translations: Choose a full sentence or a compact list
Brazilian Portuguese	English meaning
Você pode usar um aplicativo. Por exemplo, o mapa ajuda a conferir o trajeto.	You can use an app. For example, the map helps you check the route.
Você pode usar ferramentas como um mapa ou um dicionário.	You can use tools such as a map or a dictionary.

Remember: Use por exemplo to introduce an illustrative idea and como to attach a compact example list to a noun.

Check your understanding

Choose the English meaning of each Portuguese example. Answer before looking back at the tables. These questions check the written examples in this guide; they are not a listening or proficiency test.

Gosto de frutas cítricas. Por exemplo, como laranja e mexerica.

Context: Use por exemplo to signal a sample case

I need to explain an idea clearly.The video presents an initiative to reduce waste.Write a message inviting your classmates to take part.I like citrus fruits. For example, I eat oranges and tangerines.

Alguns bairros, por exemplo Pinheiros, têm várias opções de transporte.

Context: Use por exemplo to signal a sample case

Some neighborhoods, for example Pinheiros, have several transport options.We will miss you around here.Good luck in your new city!I hope everything goes smoothly with the move.

Leve documentos como o passaporte e o comprovante de matrícula.

Context: Use como before examples in a list

Could you write this information down for me to keep?Bring documents such as your passport and proof of enrollment.I’ll show this note at other appointments.Whom should I tell if I receive care somewhere else?

Como você organiza suas anotações?

Context: Use como before examples in a list

Can you print it in black-and-white, double-sided?That’s three copies, only of pages two and three.How do you organize your notes?How much will it cost to print these ten pages?

Recall the Portuguese, then say it

Read the English prompt and say a Portuguese version before opening the answer. The answer shows the example from the lesson; other natural translations may also work. Compare the meaning and the situation rather than counting a different word as automatically wrong.

I like citrus fruits. For example, I eat oranges and tangerines.
Show a Portuguese answer
Gosto de frutas cítricas. Por exemplo, como laranja e mexerica.
Some neighborhoods, for example Pinheiros, have several transport options.
Show a Portuguese answer
Alguns bairros, por exemplo Pinheiros, têm várias opções de transporte.
Bring documents such as your passport and proof of enrollment.
Show a Portuguese answer
Leve documentos como o passaporte e o comprovante de matrícula.
How do you organize your notes?
Show a Portuguese answer
Como você organiza suas anotações?
You can use an app. For example, the map helps you check the route.
Show a Portuguese answer
Você pode usar um aplicativo. Por exemplo, o mapa ajuda a conferir o trajeto.
You can use tools such as a map or a dictionary.
Show a Portuguese answer
Você pode usar ferramentas como um mapa ou um dicionário.

Make the phrase useful to you

Choose one example you could actually use. Say it once from memory, then change one detail that fits your life, such as the person, place, time, or object. Check whether your change also needs a different verb form, article, or adjective ending. If it does, compare it with the pattern in the explanation.

Use por exemplo to introduce an illustrative idea and como to attach a compact example list to a noun.

Return to two prompts tomorrow without opening the answers first. If a phrase still feels difficult, shorten it to a useful chunk and build the complete sentence again.

Sources and your next lesson

This I Speak Portuguese practice guide builds on our Por Exemplo vs. Como: Give Examples in Portuguese lesson on Real Life Portuguese, with written recall tasks and additional speaking practice. The explanations and examples are teaching material; the practice questions are exercises, not a transcript of a recording.

To add Brazilian audio to your routine, choose a lesson in the Real Life Portuguese app. The app offers its own lessons and practice; this page does not imply that every example here has an app recording.

Browse all learning guides