Translation guide
To say that one thing is similar to another, often using a comparison or analogy.
To say that A is like B, drawing a direct comparison.
The most direct and common way to say 'liken A to B'. Used for both literal and figurative comparisons.
He likened life to a journey.
To state that two things share characteristics, often using adjectives like 'similar' or 'like'.
Simply states that A resembles B. Not a direct translation of 'liken', but often used when the English 'liken' implies a statement of similarity.
たとえる is the most common and versatile for 'liken'. なぞらえる is more literary and often implies a detailed parallel. 見立てる is used when you imaginatively treat something as something else, often in play or art.
Likening life to a journey is common.
She likened his eyes to the ocean.
詩人は恋をバラにたとえることが多い。
Poets often liken love to a rose.
Similar to たとえる, but slightly more literary or formal. Often used in written contexts.
The novel likens society to a zoo.
Means to view or treat A as if it were B, often in artistic or imaginative contexts. Less common for general 'liken'.
He played by likening clouds to animals.
Its shape is likened to a star. (lit. resembles a star)
Expresses that A is like B. More subjective or impressionistic than 似ている.
His voice is likened to thunder. (lit. is like thunder)
彼はその状況を戦争になぞらえた。
He likened the situation to a war (in a detailed comparison).
The child likened the box to a car (pretended it was a car).
There is no single Japanese verb that perfectly matches 'liken' in all contexts. Using たとえる with the particle に is the safest equivalent. Do not use 好む (このむ, to like) or other unrelated verbs.
Critics likened the movie to a rollercoaster ride.