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it seems like; looks like
Definition
The grammar pattern 'Plain Form + ようだ / N + のようだ / Na-adj + なようだ' is used to express a conjecture based on the speaker's own senses (sight, smell, hearing) or reasoning. It is more formal than 'mitai da' and is used for metaphors (like/as). This pattern is used to describe something that seems or appears to be a certain way, often based on incomplete information or limited observation. It is a polite way to express an opinion or make a generalization.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Form | Verb Plain Form + ようだ | 食べる + ようだ (looks like it will be eaten) |
| Noun | Noun + のようだ | 日本人 + のようだ (looks like a Japanese person) |
| Na-adj | Na-adj + なようだ | 疲れている + なようだ (looks like they are tired) |
Examples
あの人はまるで日本人です。
Ano hito wa marude nihonjin desu.
That person looks like a Japanese person.
あの人はまるで日本人です。 (That person looks like a Japanese person.)
この本はまるで読まれたことがないような気がします。
Kono hon wa marude yomareta koto ga nai you na ki ga shimasu.
This book looks like it has never been read.
この本はまるで読まれたことがないような気がします。 (This book looks like it has never been read.)
あの人はまるで日本語を話しているようです。
Ano hito wa marude nihongo o hanasite iru you desu.
That person looks like they are speaking Japanese.
あの人はまるで日本語を話しているようです。 (That person looks like they are speaking Japanese.)
この部屋はまるで誰もいないようです。
Kono heya wa marude dare mo inai you desu.
This room looks like it is empty.
この部屋はまるで誰もいないようです。 (This room looks like it is empty.)
Context
This pattern is used to express a conjecture or make a generalization based on incomplete information or limited observation. It is more formal than 'mitai da' and is used in polite conversation. It can also be used to describe something that is similar to something else, such as a metaphor.
Watch out
For example, instead of saying 'あの人は日本人です', you should say 'あの人は日本人のようだ'.
For example, instead of saying 'あの人は疲れているです', you should say 'あの人は疲れているようだ'.
For example, instead of saying 'あの人は日本人です' (which implies a visual appearance), you should say 'あの人は日本人のようだ' (which implies a more general conjecture).
Strategy
Pay attention to the context and the speaker's tone when using this pattern. It is often used in polite conversation to express a conjecture or make a generalization. Be careful not to confuse it with 'sou' (appearance) which is purely visual and immediate.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows Plain Form + ようだ / N + のようだ / Na-adj + なようだ used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
外からいいにおいがします。晩ご飯はカレーのようです。
Pattern used: よう
Conjectures based on senses like smell often use 'you' or 'mitai'; 'you' is the standard N4 form.
あの人はまるで日本人のように日本語を話しますね。
Pattern used: のように
When modifying a verb (hanashimasu) to mean 'like a...', use 'N + no you ni'.
田中さんは疲れているようです。顔色が良くないですよ。
Pattern used: よう
'You da' is used for judgements based on observed state (tired face).
Interactive
外からいいにおいがします。晩ご飯はカレーの______です。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.