Translation guide
Expresses that something is similar to or looks like something else. Japanese uses various suffixes, verbs, and grammatical patterns depending on the nuance (appearance, character, metaphorical resemblance, etc.).
To say that something looks like or appears similar to something else based on visual impression.
Casual and common way to say 'looks like N'. Used in everyday conversation.
That cloud looks like a dog, doesn't it?
Slightly more formal/written equivalent of みたいだ. 'It is like N'.
Her smile is like the sun.
Attaches to nouns to mean '-ish' or 'like'. Often implies a negative or childish nuance.
Those clothes are childish, aren't they?
Verb meaning 'to resemble'. Used for physical or characteristic resemblance.
He resembles his father.
To say that something has the nature, quality, or typical characteristics of something else.
Means 'typical of N' or 'just like N should be'. Expresses that something embodies the expected qualities of N.
Today is typical spring weather.
Casual way to say 'like N' when modifying a noun. 'A thing like N'.
I want to live in a big city like Tokyo.
More formal equivalent of みたいな. 'A thing like N'.
People like him are rare.
To describe a situation or action that is metaphorically similar to something else, often using 'as if'.
Emphasizes a metaphorical comparison. 'Just like N' or 'as if N'.
She is just like an angel.
Casual version of the above.
This room is just like a refrigerator.
To describe something that has the shape or form of something else, often used in technical or descriptive contexts.
みたい is a casual, subjective similarity based on appearance or impression. らしい expresses that something is typical or characteristic of a category. っぽい often carries a negative nuance of 'too much like' or 'childish'.
English 'resembling' is often a participle. In Japanese, use 似ている or the patterns above. Avoid direct translation with a single word.
These are star-shaped cookies.