-like; pseudo-; mock ...; imitation ...; in the style of ...
Noun suffix that attaches to another noun to mean 'something resembling X', 'pseudo-X', or 'mock X'. Often carries a derogatory or dismissive nuance, implying inferior imitation. Commonly used in words like 役者もどき (would-be actor) or 芸術もどき (pseudo-art).
comical character who mocks or apes the main character (in Japanese performing arts)
In traditional Japanese performing arts such as kyōgen, a stock character who parodies or mimics the main character for comic effect.
Archaic noun meaning criticism or censure. Not used in modern Japanese outside of historical contexts.
He's dressed up like some wannabe singer.
He keeps writing worthless poems like a would-be poet.
The food at that restaurant is pseudo-Italian and far from authentic.
In kyōgen, scenes where a comic character called 'modoki' teases the main character are common.
In old texts, 'modoki' is sometimes used to mean criticism.
This is nothing more than a piece of pseudo-art.
もどき is a suffix attached directly to a noun meaning 'pseudo-X', while 紛い is a standalone noun/prefix (often in 紛い物) meaning a fake or imitation of something.
もどき is a suffix meaning 'pseudo-' or 'mock', often derogatory about the quality of an imitation, while 偽 is a prefix/noun meaning 'fake' or 'counterfeit', focusing on deliberate deception.
もどき attaches after the noun it modifies (芸術もどき), whereas 似非 attaches before it (似非芸術) but shares the same dismissive 'so-called, fake' nuance.
もどき implies a poor or unsuccessful imitation, while 風 is a neutral suffix meaning 'in the style of', without negative connotation.
Usually written in kana. The kanji spellings 擬き and 擬 are possible but less common.
Kanji spelling using 擬 (imitate). Seen occasionally but kana is preferred.
Abbreviated kanji form; rare and may be confused with other readings.
Obsolete kanji form using out-dated characters.
Obsolete kanji form using out-dated characters.
Derived from the verb もどく (to imitate, to mimic), which is now archaic. The suffix usage developed from the noun form of this verb.