如く · godan verb (-ku)
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 如く | 如かない |
| Polite | 如きます | 如きません |
| Past polite | 如きました | 如きませんでした |
| Past | 如いた | 如かなかった |
| Te-form | 如いて | 如かないで |
| Desire | 如きたい | 如きたくない |
| Potential | 如ける | 如けない |
| Passive | 如かれる | 如かれない |
| Causative | 如かせる | 如かせない |
| Causative passive | 如かせられるalso 如かされる | 如かせられないalso 如かされない |
| Volitional | 如こう | |
| Polite volitional | 如きましょう | |
| Imperative | 如け | 如くな |
| Conditional | 如けば | 如かなければ |
| Tara conditional | 如いたら | 如かなかったら |
godan verb (-ku), intransitive verb
to match; to equal; to be on par with
Formal or literary intransitive verb. Often used in negative potential forms like 如かない (can't match) or in comparisons. Modern usage is limited and somewhat stiff.
No one can match his talent.
This work is on par with the previous one.
yodan verb with 'ku' ending (archaic), intransitive verb
to catch up with; to overtake
Archaic yodan verb. Not used in modern Japanese; found only in classical texts.
In classical texts, しく can be used to mean 'to catch up with'.
His skill is no match for his master's.
There's nothing better than taking countermeasures early.