How to say "instance" in Japanese

• 例れいJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounCovers the general senses of 'instance' — an example, illustration, or case. This is the usual word when you mean a specific occurrence used to show or explain something, as in giving an example in discussion or writing.
  彼かれは例れいを示しめして自分じぶんの理論りろんを説明せつめいした。↗

  He illustrated his theory with examples.
• 引き合いひきあいCommon
  nounReally means 'reference' — citing a person, case, or precedent as a point of comparison. As 'instance' it works only when the instance is invoked or referred to, and for a plain example this is seldom the word you want.
  他人たにんの悪事あくじを引き合ひきあいに出だして自分じぶんの悪事あくじの言い訳いいわけをすることはできない。↗

  Two wrongs don't make a right.

Use 例 for an ordinary example or case that illustrates something; 「引き合い」 is mainly for citing someone or something as a reference or precedent, so it fits 'instance' only in that quoting sense.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 例れいexample
• 引き合いひきあいreference
• インスタンスinstance (in object-oriented programming)
• 審級しんきゅうinstance (e.g. first instance, second instance, etc. in a legal proceeding)