Translation guide
Expresses resemblance or similarity between two things. The most common pattern is 'AはBに似ている' (A is similar to B). Other useful expressions include 'AとBは似ている' (A and B are similar), 'AはBのようだ' (A is like B), and 'AはBみたいだ' (casual). For formal or written contexts, 'AはBに類似している' is used. Be careful with word order: the thing being compared (A) is the topic, marked by は, and the thing it resembles (B) is marked by に.
To say that one thing looks like or has similar characteristics to another.
The most standard and neutral way to say 'A is similar to B'. 似ている is the te-iru form of 似る, indicating a state of resemblance. Use に to mark the thing being resembled.
この犬は狼に似ている。
This dog is similar to a wolf.
彼女は母親に似ている。
She resembles her mother.
Used when both A and B are the topic, meaning 'A and B are similar'. The particle と connects the two items being compared.
この二つの絵はとても似ている。
These two pictures are very similar.
Means 'A is like B'. ようだ is a bit more formal than みたいだ and can be used in both spoken and written Japanese. It often implies a comparison based on appearance or manner.
あの雲は羊のようだ。
That cloud is like a sheep.
Casual equivalent of ようだ. Very common in everyday conversation. Avoid in formal writing.
この味、チーズみたいだね。
This taste is like cheese, isn't it?
Formal and often used in written or technical contexts. 類似 is a noun meaning 'similarity', and している indicates the state.
この製品は既存の製品に類似している。
This product is similar to existing products.
To express that two things share abstract qualities, not just appearance.
Also works for abstract similarities. The context makes the meaning clear.
彼の性格は父親に似ている。
His personality is similar to his father's.
Means 'A has things in common with B'. Useful when you want to emphasize shared characteristics rather than overall resemblance.
この二つの文化は多くの共通点がある。
These two cultures have many similarities.
To modify a verb or adjective, meaning 'in a similar way' or 'similarly'.
Adverbial form meaning 'similarly' or 'in the same way'. Can be used to compare actions or states.
彼は父親と同じように医者になった。
He became a doctor, similar to his father.
From the verb 似る, meaning 'in a resembling manner'. Less common than 同じように but specifically implies resemblance.
彼女は姉に似たようにピアノが上手だ。
She is good at piano, similar to her older sister.
Similar to (似ている) is not the same as identical (同じ). Use 同じだ when things are exactly the same. 似ている implies resemblance but not identity.
この二つの単語は意味が同じだ。
These two words have the same meaning.
この二つの単語は意味が似ている。
These two words have similar meanings.
似ている is a verb phrase meaning 'is similar to'. ような/みたいな are adjectival modifiers meaning 'like'. Use 似ている to make a statement about resemblance, and ような/みたいな to modify a noun.
彼は犬に似ている。
He is similar to a dog.
彼は犬のような顔をしている。
He has a dog-like face.