Translation guide
The English phrase "like that" is used in several ways: to describe a manner of doing something, to refer to a type of thing, to quote or report speech, or as a filler. In Japanese, the translation depends heavily on the function. Common equivalents include そんなふうに (sonna fuu ni) for manner, そんな (sonna) or あんな (anna) for "that kind of," and って (tte) or ように (you ni) for quoting or describing. Direct translation often fails; context and natural Japanese patterns are key.
Describing the way an action is performed, often with a gesture or reference to a previously mentioned method.
The most common and natural way to say 'like that' when referring to a manner of doing something. そんな means 'that kind of' and ふうに means 'in the way of'. Use this when you can point to or have just described the manner.
You should do it like that.
Don't say it like that.
Similar to そんなふうに, but あんな refers to something distant from both speaker and listener, or something they both know from past experience. Use when the manner is not immediately present or is shared knowledge.
I wish I could dance like that.
A slightly more explicit version of そんなふうに, emphasizing 'that kind of way'. そういう means 'that kind of' and is often used when referring to a type or category of manner.
If you think about it like that, it makes sense.
The pattern 〜ように can mean 'like that' when attached to a verb or noun that describes the manner. It is more formal or written, and often used in instructions or descriptions.
Referring to a category or type of thing, often with a negative or questioning nuance, or simply to indicate 'that sort of thing'.
The most direct equivalent for 'that kind of' when the thing is close to the listener or just mentioned. Often used in negative sentences or to express dislike. Can sound blunt or emotional.
Reporting what someone said or thought, often with a casual quoting particle. Can be vague ('something like that') or a direct quote.
The casual quoting particle って is used after a phrase to mean 'said that...' or 'like...'. It's very common in spoken Japanese. Can be used for both direct and indirect quotes.
He said he's not coming. / He's like, 'I'm not coming.'
Used as a filler or to show approximation, similar to English 'like' or 'something like that'. Often at the end of a sentence.
The particle とか is used to list examples or to mean 'something like that'. When used at the end of a sentence, it softens the statement and implies there are other similar things.
Emphasizing that something is identical or very similar to a referenced thing or action.
These all mean 'like that' or 'that kind of', but differ in distance and nuance. そんな (sonna) and そういう (sou iu) refer to something related to the listener or just mentioned. そんな can sound more emotional or negative, while そういう is more neutral and descriptive. あんな (anna) and ああいう (aa iu) refer to something distant from both speaker and listener, or shared knowledge. あんな is more colloquial; ああいう is slightly more formal. Choose based on psychological distance and formality.
The English word 'like' has many meanings. When 'like' means 'similar to' or 'in that way', never use 好き (suki, 'to like'). The correct translation depends on the function (manner, type, quoting, etc.). Using 好き for 'like that' is a common beginner mistake.
The particle って is extremely common in casual speech for quoting or saying 'like'. It can follow a direct quote, a noun, or even a whole sentence. It often replaces と in と言う. For example, 彼は来るって (He said he's coming). It can also be used to define or explain a term: それって何？ (What is that? / What do you mean by that?).
Don't talk to me like that.
Please assemble it like it says in the manual.
That's not true. / It's not like that.
I don't need something like that.
A more neutral and common way to say 'that kind of' or 'like that' when referring to a type. そういう is often used before nouns and is less emotional than そんな.
I don't want to hear stories like that.
Things like that happen often, right?
Like そんな but for things distant from both speaker and listener, or shared past experiences. Often used when reminiscing or referring to something not present.
I've never seen a movie like that before.
The あ-counterpart of そういう, meaning 'that kind of' (distant/shared). Slightly more formal or descriptive than あんな.
I don't want to associate with people like that.
He said he likes you. / He was like, 'I like you.'
The standard polite way to report speech: 'said that...'. More formal than って. Use in polite conversation or writing.
He said he would come tomorrow.
Literally 'say that kind of thing', used when the content is vague or you want to emphasize the type of statement. Often used in negative or surprised reactions.
Why would you say something like that?
映画見に行くとか？
Like, wanna go see a movie or something?
He was saying he was tired or something like that.
Very casual, often used by younger speakers as a filler meaning 'like' or 'something like that'. Can be overused. Similar to English 'like' as a discourse marker.
Overuse can sound immature or sloppy. Best for very casual conversation.
Yesterday, I was like, playing games, and like...
Used to rephrase or correct oneself, similar to 'I mean' or 'like'. Can also introduce a new perspective.
I mean, isn't that weird? / Like, isn't that weird?
Means 'just like that', 'as is', or 'unchanged'. Used when something is exactly the same as the original or when an action is done without modification.
It's fine just like that.
The scenery was exactly like in the photo.
A pattern meaning 'just like', often used in similes. More literary or emphatic.
I was happy, just like in a dream.
I want a car like that.
He was like, 'No way!'