もどき
Meanings
-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).
He keeps writing worthless poems like a would-be poet.
The food at that restaurant is pseudo-Italian and far from authentic.
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.
In kyōgen, scenes where a comic character called 'modoki' teases the main character are common.
Archaic noun meaning criticism or censure. Not used in modern Japanese outside of historical contexts.
In old texts, 'modoki' is sometimes used to mean criticism.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉もどきa wannabe or self-styled X (person)
He's dressed up like some wannabe singer.
- 〈物〉もどきa pseudo- or mock version of a thing
This is nothing more than a piece of pseudo-art.