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Like; as if; such as
Definition
The grammar pattern 'N + の / V-辞書形 + (が) + ごとき / ごとく' is used to express a formal or literary description of a state or appearance, similar to the English phrase 'such as' or 'like.' It can also convey a sense of humility, as seen in the expression 'me-gotoki' (like me). The word 'gotoki' is used to modify nouns, while 'gotoku' is used to modify verbs or adjectives. This pattern is often used in formal or literary writing, and can be a challenging one to master due to its formal tone and potential for misusage.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun (gotoki) | N + の + ごとき | 王者のごとき堂々とした態度 |
| Verb/Adjective (gotoku) | V-辞書形 + (が) + ごとく | 私ごとく未熟な者に、このような大役は務まりません |
| Noun (gotoki) with humility | N + の + ごとき (me-gotoki) | 私ごときに、このような大役は務まりません |
Examples
王者のごとき堂々とした態度で、彼はステージに現れた。
Ōja no gotoki dōdō to shita teido de, kare wa suteiji ni arawareta.
With the dignity of a king, he appeared on stage.
王者のごとき (like a king) + 堂々とした態度 (dignified attitude)
私ごとく未熟な者に、このような大役は務まりません。
Watashi gotoku mijuku na mono ni, kono yōna daiyaku wa tsukamarimasen.
Like me, inexperienced people cannot handle such a big role.
私ごとく (like me) + 未熟な者 (inexperienced people)
脱兎のごとく速さで、彼は現場から逃げ出した。
Datsutsu no gotoku hayasa de, kare wa genba kara nigedashita.
Like a fleeing rabbit, he ran away from the scene.
脱兎のごとく (like a fleeing rabbit) + 速さ (speed)
Context
This pattern is typically used in formal or literary writing to describe a state or appearance. It can be used to express humility or to describe something in a more formal or elegant way. Be careful not to confuse it with 'gotoshi,' which is used to end a sentence. This pattern is not suitable for casual conversation.
Watch out
Gotoku is used to modify verbs or adjectives, while gotoki is used to modify nouns.
Gotoshi is used to end a sentence, while gotoki and gotoku are used to describe a state or appearance.
This pattern is typically used in formal or literary writing, and can sound unnatural in casual conversation.
Strategy
Pay attention to the form of the verb or adjective when using 'gotoku.' Make sure to use 'gotoki' to modify nouns and 'gotoku' to modify verbs or adjectives. Be careful not to confuse it with 'gotoshi' or use it in casual conversation.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows N + の / V-辞書形 + (が) + ごとき / ごとく used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
王者のごとき堂々とした態度で、彼はステージに現れた。
Pattern used: ごとき
'Gotoki' is the formal/literary equivalent of 'youna'.
私ごとき未熟な者に、このような大役は務まりません。
Pattern used: ごとき
'X-gotoki' can be used as a humble expression meaning 'someone like me'.
脱兎のごとく速さで、彼は現場から逃げ出した。
Pattern used: ごとく
'Datto no gotoku' (like a dashing rabbit) is a set literary phrase modifying the following action/state.
Interactive
王者の______堂々とした態度で、彼はステージに現れた。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.