真似まね事ごと

noun

imitation; copy; make-believe; sham

Refers to something that is a mere imitation, lacking the substance or quality of the real thing. Often carries a negative or dismissive nuance.

• 彼かれの絵えは真似まね事ごとに過すぎない。

  His painting is nothing more than an imitation.

• 子こ供どもたちはお医い者しゃさんごっこで真似まね事ごとを楽たのしんだ。

  The children enjoyed make-believe by playing doctor.

noun

superficial resemblance; mere semblance

Often used humbly about one's own actions to downplay them as only superficially resembling the real thing. Can also be used critically of others.

• 私わたしの料りょう理りなど真似まね事ごとで、とても人ひとに出だせるものではありません。

  My cooking is just a poor imitation; I can't serve it to others.

• 彼かれの謝しゃ罪ざいは真似まね事ごとで、心こころがこもっていなかった。

  His apology was a mere semblance, lacking sincerity.