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like; similar to; seems like
Definition
The grammar pattern 'Plain Form / N / Na-adj + みたいだ' is used to express conjectures based on appearance or for comparisons. It is a casual version of 'you da' and is used to make guesses about someone or something. The pattern attaches directly to nouns and na-adjectives without 'no' or 'na'. It is often used in informal conversations and can convey a sense of uncertainty or speculation. For example, '彼女はまるでモデルだね' means 'She looks like a model' or 'She seems like a model'.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Form | Noun or Na-adj + みたいだ | 彼女はまるでモデルだ |
| Na-adj | Na-adj + みたいだ | 彼はすごく似合うだ |
| Noun | Noun + みたいだ | あそこにいる人は、田中さんだ |
Examples
彼女はまるでモデルだね。
Kanojo wa marude modā da ne.
She looks like a model.
Kanojo wa (she) marude (like) modā (model) da (is) ne (casual particle)
あそこにいる人は、田中さんみたいだ。
Asoko ni iru hito wa, Tanaka-san mitai da.
The person over there looks like Tanaka.
Asoko ni iru (over there) hito (person) wa (topic marker) Tanaka-san (Tanaka) mitai (like) da (is)
子供みたいなことは言わないでください。
Kodomo mitaina koto wa, iwanai de kudasai.
Don't talk like a child.
Kodomo (child) mitaina (like) koto (thing) wa (topic marker) iwanai (don't say) de (casual particle) kudasai (please)
彼はすごく似合うだ。
Kare wa sugoku aiau da.
He looks great.
Kare (he) wa (topic marker) sugoku (very) aiau (fit) da (is)
Context
This pattern is used in informal conversations to express conjectures or comparisons. It is not suitable for formal writing or very formal situations. Be careful not to confuse it with 'typical of' (which is 'rashii').
Watch out
The pattern 'N / Na-adj + みたいだ' attaches directly to nouns and na-adjectives without 'no' or 'na'. Using 'no' or 'na' before 'mitai' is incorrect and will change the meaning of the sentence.
This pattern is used in informal conversations and is not suitable for formal writing or very formal situations.
The pattern 'N / Na-adj + みたいだ' is used to express conjectures or comparisons, while 'rashii' is used to describe something as typical or characteristic.
Strategy
In the JLPT exam, this pattern may appear in multiple-choice questions or listening comprehension sections. Be careful to understand the context and the meaning of the sentence.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows Plain Form / N / Na-adj + みたいだ used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
彼女はまるでモデルみたいですね。
Pattern used: みたい
'Mitai' follows nouns directly. 'No you' would be correct, but 'no' is missing in the options.
あそこにいる人は、田中さんみたいだですよ。
Pattern used: みたいだ
In casual speech, 'mitai' is used to express that someone looks like someone else.
子供みたいなことは言わないでください。
Pattern used: みたいな
When modifying a noun (koto), 'mitai' becomes 'mitai na'.
Interactive
彼女はまるでモデル______ですね。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.