もどき

noun, used as a suffix

-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).

• 彼かれは詩し人じんもどきの駄だ作さくばかり書かいている。

  He keeps writing worthless poems like a would-be poet.

• あの店みせの料りょう理りはイタリアンもどき

noun

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.

• 狂きょう言げんでは、もどきと呼よばれる道どう化け役やくが主しゅ役やくをからかう場ば面めんがよく見みられる。

  In kyōgen, scenes where a comic character called 'modoki' teases the main character are common.

noun

criticism; censure

Archaic noun meaning criticism or censure. Not used in modern Japanese outside of historical contexts.

• 古ふるい文ぶん献けんでは「もどき」が非ひ難なんの意い味みで使つかわれることがある。

  In old texts, 'modoki' is sometimes used to mean criticism.