ようだ・
ようだ・ような・ように compares one thing, action, or situation to another without saying they are literally identical. The same forms can also introduce representative examples, as in “places such as Kyoto and Nara.”
Choose the form by what comes next
Swipe sideways to compare every column.
| Position | Pattern | Job |
|---|---|---|
| At the end of the statement | Model + ようだ | Finishes the comparison |
| Before a noun | Model + ような + noun | Describes the following noun |
| Before a verb or adjective | Model + ように + verb or adjective | Describes manner, appearance, or degree |
When the model is a noun, put の before each of these forms.
One comparison in three positions
The ending changes according to whether the comparison finishes the statement, describes a noun, or describes how something happens.
Comparison and examples
Context tells you whether the model is being used for resemblance or as a representative example. In a figurative comparison, two different things share a noticeable quality. In exemplification, the named item belongs to the category being described.
Representative examples
京都や奈良のような歴史の長い町には、古い寺が多い。
Historic cities such as Kyoto and Nara have many old temples.
AnalyzeKyoto and Nara are actual members of the category, not merely things that resemble historic cities.
この店では、抹茶やほうじ茶のような日本茶が買える。
At this shop, you can buy Japanese teas such as matcha and roasted green tea.
AnalyzeResemblance or a conclusion?
Comparison ようだ says that one thing is like another. Inferential ようだ instead gives a conclusion based on evidence. The written form alone does not decide the meaning.
窓がぬれている。夜に雨が降ったようだ。
The window is wet. It seems it rained during the night.
AnalyzeThis is inference, not comparison: the wet window is evidence for the conclusion.
More examples
この人工素材は、触ると絹のようだ。
When touched, this synthetic material feels like silk.
Analyze庭に雪のような白い花が咲いている。
White flowers like snow are blooming in the garden.
Analyze彼は猫のように音を立てずに歩いた。
He walked silently, like a cat.
Analyzeそこは町全体が眠っているような静かな場所だった。
It was a quiet place, as though the whole town were asleep.
Analyze波が岸を洗うような音が聞こえた。
I heard a sound like waves washing against the shore.
Analyze旅行には、軽くて丈夫なこのかばんのような物が便利だ。
For travel, something like this light, durable bag is useful.
Analyze