JLPT N3 Grammar
· Intermediate
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· Intermediate
looks like / similar to
Category: Characteristics and Emotions
The grammar pattern 'Noun + みたいだ / Verb-plain + みたいだ / Adj-plain + みたいだ' is used to express a subjective resemblance or a metaphor based on visual or sensory input. It is a more casual way to compare something to another thing, similar to 'yō da', but with a more relaxed tone. This pattern is often used to describe how something looks or feels, and it can be used to express a strong impression or a vivid imagination.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | Noun + みたいだ | あの雲、アイスクリームみたいだ |
| Verb-plain | Verb-plain + みたいだ | 彼はまるで日本人の日本語を話すみたいだ |
| Adj-plain | Adj-plain + みたいだ | 宝くじに当たった金額、夢を見ているみたいだ |
あの雲、アイスクリームみたいだ
ano kumo, aisu kurīmu mitai da
That cloud looks like ice cream
あの雲 (that cloud), アイスクリーム (ice cream), みたいだ (looks like)
彼はまるで日本人の日本語を話すみたいだ
kare wa marude nihonjin no nihongo o hanasu mitai da
He speaks Japanese like a native
彼 (he), まるで (like), 日本人の日本語を話す (speaks Japanese like a native), みたいだ (looks like)
宝くじに当たった金額、夢を見ているみたいだ
takarakuji ni atatatta kane, yume o mite iru mitai da
The amount won in the lottery looks like a dream come true
宝くじに当たった金額 (the amount won in the lottery), 夢を見ている (looks like a dream come true), みたいだ (looks like)
彼女はまるで天使のように見えます
kanojo wa marude tenshi no you ni miemasu
She looks like an angel
彼女 (she), まるで (like), 天使のように (like an angel), 見えます (looks like)
This pattern is used to express a subjective resemblance or a metaphor based on visual or sensory input. It is a more casual way to compare something to another thing, similar to 'yō da', but with a more relaxed tone. This pattern is often used in informal conversations or in writing.
The correct form to use when modifying a noun is 'mitai na', not 'mitai no'.
When the resemblance is metaphorical, use 'rashii' instead of 'mitai da'.
When describing appearance, use 'sou da' instead of 'mitai da'.
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to pay attention to the context and the nuance of the sentence. This pattern is often used in informal conversations, so be prepared to recognize and use it in a more casual tone.
あの雲、アイスクリーム______見えませんか。
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