Por Exemplo vs. Como: Give Examples in Portuguese
Por exemplo announces an example; como can mean ‘such as’ before a list or ‘how’ in a question.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
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.
Use por exemplo to signal a sample case
The example should clarify the category rather than simply repeat the same information.
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.
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.
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.
Put it into practice
Use por exemplo to introduce an illustrative idea and como to attach a compact example list to a noun.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Bring documents such as your passport and proof of enrollment”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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