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Like / In the manner of...
Definition
The grammar pattern "N + のような + N / N + のように + V/Adj" is used to create similes or comparisons in Japanese. It is used to describe something that is similar to or in the manner of something else. The pattern is composed of two parts: "のような" which modifies a noun, and "のように" which modifies a verb or adjective. The pattern is used to create a vivid and descriptive comparison, and is often used in everyday conversation and writing.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun (base form) | N + のような + N | 太陽のような明るい人 |
| Verb or Adjective (base form) | N + のように + V/Adj | 田中さんのようにエンジニアになりたいです |
| Noun (base form) | N + のように + V/Adj | 鳥のように空を飛びたいです |
Examples
彼女は太陽のような明るい人です。
Kanojo wa taiyō no yō na akarui hito desu.
She is like the sun, a bright person.
彼女 (she) は (is) 太陽のような (like the sun) 明るい (bright) 人 (person) です (are)
私は田中さんのようにエンジニアになりたいです。
Watashi wa Tanaka-san no yō ni eji ni naru tai desu.
I want to be like Tanaka-san, an engineer.
私は (I) 田中さん (Tanaka-san) のように (like) エンジニア (engineer) に (to be) なりたい (want to be)
鳥のように空を飛びたいです。
Torinokō sora o tobi tai desu.
I want to fly like a bird.
鳥のように (like a bird) 空を (the sky) 飛びたい (want to fly)
Context
This pattern is used to create similes or comparisons in Japanese. It is often used in everyday conversation and writing to describe something that is similar to or in the manner of something else. The pattern is used to create a vivid and descriptive comparison.
Watch out
The の particle is required after the noun to indicate that it is being used as a modifier.
のような is used to modify a noun, while のように is used to modify a verb or adjective.
The base form of the noun is required as the basis for the comparison.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct modifier (のような or のように) depending on the context. Also, pay attention to the use of the の particle after the noun.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows N ＋ のような ＋ N ／ N ＋ のように ＋ V/Adj used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
彼女は太陽のように明るい人です。
Pattern used: のように
Since it modifies the adjective 'akarui' (bright), 'no you ni' is the correct adverbial form.
私は田中さんのようなエンジニアになりたいです。
Pattern used: のような
'Enjinia' is a noun, so 'no you na' is required to modify it.
鳥のように空を飛びたいです。
Pattern used: のように
It modifies the verb 'tobitai' (want to fly), so 'no you ni' is used to describe the manner.
Interactive
彼女は太陽______明るい人です。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.