Translation guide
How to express similarity, resemblance, or the quality of being like something in Japanese. Covers suffixes, nouns, and patterns for comparing appearances, characteristics, and impressions.
He looks like his father.
It's a Japanese-like design.
To say that someone or something looks like or resembles someone or something else.
The most common way to say 'resembles' or 'looks like'. Used for physical appearance, personality, or general similarity.
He resembles his father.
This cloud looks like a dog.
Means 'exactly alike' or 'spitting image'. Used for strong resemblance.
Casual way to say 'looks like' or 'seems like'. Often used in spoken Japanese.
That cloud looks like a dog.
More formal or written equivalent of みたい. Used for resemblance or metaphorical likeness.
Her smile is like the sun.
To attach a suffix to a noun to mean 'like that thing' or 'in the manner of'.
Suffix meaning '-like', '-ish', or '-ic'. Attaches to nouns to form na-adjectives. Very productive.
To express that two things share similar qualities, characteristics, or are of the same kind.
Means 'in the same way as' or 'just like'. Used for manner or method similarity.
To refer to a drawn, painted, or photographic likeness of a person.
らしい implies a positive, typical characteristic. っぽい often implies a negative or excessive tendency. みたい is a casual simile meaning 'looks like'.
a childlike smile (positive)
彼はお父さんにそっくりだ。
He is the spitting image of his father.
His way of thinking is Japanese-like.
It was a tragic ending.
Suffix meaning 'typical of' or 'characteristic of'. Implies the subject embodies the essence of the noun.
Today is spring-like weather.
He is a manly person.
Casual suffix meaning '-ish' or '-like'. Often carries a nuance of 'tending to' or 'somewhat'. Can be negative.
He is forgetful (forget-ish).
This soup is watery (water-ish).
Suffix meaning 'in the style of' or '-style'. Used for fashion, design, or manner.
She likes Japanese-style clothes.
Please think the same way as me.
Means 'have in common with'. Used for shared characteristics.
These two works have many points in common.
Formal word for 'portrait' or 'likeness'. Used in art and official contexts.
Who is this portrait of?
A 'likeness' drawing, often a caricature or portrait sketch. Common for street artists.
I had him draw my likeness.
子供っぽい行動
childish behavior (negative)
a person who is like a child
While 的 is productive, attaching it to every noun can sound unnatural. Use established combinations or rephrase with のような when unsure.