まるで～ようだJust like / as if
まるで～ようだ makes a strong, vivid comparison: something is just like something else, or happens as if an imagined situation were real.
What the expression adds
まるで is an adverb placed near the comparison. It strengthens the resemblance and invites the listener to picture the comparison image clearly. The ending then shows whether the comparison completes the sentence, describes a noun, or describes how an action happens.
A direct resemblance
その湖は、まるで鏡のようだ。
That lake is just like a mirror.
AnalyzeThe lake is the thing being described, and a mirror is the comparison image.
Choosing the ending
Choose the ending according to what follows the comparison.
Comparison, not inference or exemplification
Basic ようだ can make a neutral comparison without まるで, and it also has other uses. Add まるで when you want to intensify resemblance or create an “as if” image. Do not add it when merely giving an example of a category or making a straightforward estimate about what is true.
More examples
一回戦に勝っただけなのに、選手たちはまるで優勝したかのように喜んだ。
Although they had only won the first round, the players celebrated as if they had won the championship.
Analyzeこの部屋は、まるで森の中みたいだ。
This room is just like being in the middle of a forest.
AnalyzeThe conversational ending suits an informal comment.
彼の話を聞いていると、まるで自分もその場にいたような気がした。
As I listened to him, I felt as if I had been there myself.
Analyze朝日を受けて、海がまるで金色の布のように輝いていた。
In the morning sun, the sea shone like a sheet of golden cloth.
Analyze風の音が、まるで誰かが泣いているように聞こえた。
The wind sounded as if someone were crying.
Analyze彼女はまるで何事もなかったかのような表情で戻ってきた。
She returned with an expression as though nothing had happened.
Analyze