Likening things with 〜みたい
Grammar: Appearance
〜みたい is used when something gives the impression of something else. The comparison may be literal, playful, emotional, or based on only one noticeable feature. It often sounds natural in casual conversation because it does not require the speaker to define exactly how the two things are alike.
Usage
The comparison word comes immediately before みたい. The ending changes depending on what comes next: みたいだ or みたいです at the end of a sentence, みたいな before a noun, and みたいに before a verb (action) or adjective (description).
Formation
- comparison + みたいだ / みたいです
- この部屋はホテルみたいです
- "This room is like a hotel."
- comparison + みたいな + noun
- ホテルみたいな部屋
- "a room like a hotel"
- comparison + みたいに + verb
- 先生みたいに話す
- "speak like a teacher"
- comparison + みたいに + adjective
- ライオンみたいに強い
- "strong like a lion"
What It Means
Think of みたい as a comparison label. It borrows the image of one thing to explain another.
「あの人は猫みたいだ」
This sentence is not saying that person is a cat. It says something about the person reminds the speaker of a cat. Maybe they are quiet, graceful, independent, sleepy, or curious. The exact shared quality often comes from context.
あの雲は魚みたいだ。 That cloud is like a fish.
夢みたいな話だね。 That’s a story like a dream.
子供みたいに泣かないで。 Don’t cry like a child.
The word before みたい is the model being compared something to. In 魚みたい, the fish is not the thing being described. The fish is the image used to describe something else.
In casual speech, people often leave off だ at the end: 夢みたい. In polite speech, みたいです is used.
Different Kinds of Comparison
Comparison About Appearance
あの雲、うさぎみたい。
That cloud looks like a rabbit.
The cloud is being compared with a rabbit because of its shape.
Comparison About Behavior
子供みたいに走り回っている。
They’re running around like children.
The people are not children. Their behavior is childlike.
Comparison About Atmosphere
このカフェ、森みたいだね。
This cafe is like a forest, isn’t it?
The cafe may have plants, quiet lighting, wood furniture, or a calm feeling. みたい lets the listener infer the shared impression.
Common English Translations
- like…
- like a…
- …-like
- as if it were…
- similar to…
Further Reading
- How to use みたい (maggiesensei.com)
Examples
A little sister like Chino with 〜みたい
During a group study session, Chino finds Syaro a much better teacher than Cocoa.
- speaker:
- 「チノちゃんみたいな妹がいたら毎日だって教えるのに」
- “If I had a little sister like Chino, I'd teach her (homework material) every day.”
Cute latte art like yours with 〜みたい
Recalling the latte art Cocoa made in coffee for her, Chiya tries making the same in the tea she brings to her friends.
- 千夜:
- 「ココアちゃんたちみたいにかわいいのは描けないんだけど」
- “I can't draw cute (latte art) like you all, though.”
Menu items like secret attacks from a comic with 〜みたい
Looking over the menu at Chiya’s shop, Chino and Rize are mystified by the strange dessert names.
- ○:
- 「なんだこの漫画の必殺技みたいなメニューは…」
- “What's with this menu like special techniques from a comic?”
Here, a second noun (menu) is likened to a first noun (special techniques from a comic).
