様 + に・な
As・like, Just like
Structure
Verb + よう + な + Noun
(1) Adverb、［い］Adjective、［な］Adjective
Explanation
You may recall learning that the auxiliary verb ようだ can be altered to describe actions done 'in a way' to achieve a specific goal. In this grammar point, we will focus on how ような (used before nouns) and ように (used before verbs) can be attached to various words to describe something happening or existing in a particular, comparative manner.
- 猫は赤ちゃんのように寝ている。The cat is sleeping like a baby.
- 頭が割れるように痛い。My head hurts like it's going to split.
- あの雲は動物のような形をしている。That cloud has a shape like an animal.
- 田中さんは機械のような話し方をする。Tanaka-san speaks like a machine.
This grammar can also be used to convey the speaker's impression when something appears to be a certain way, but might not actually be. In such situations, ように (or ような) is best translated as 'as if' or 'as though'.
- 彼女は全てを知っているような顔をした。She made a face as if she knew everything.
Examples
彼女は泣いたような顔をしている。
She looks like she has been crying.
昨日聞いたように、田中さんは会社を辞めた。
Tanaka-san quit the company, just as I heard yesterday.
夢を見ているように幸せだ。
I'm so happy, it's like I'm dreaming.
先生が教えたように、この問題は簡単ですね。
This problem is easy, just as the teacher explained.
息が止まるような美しい夕日を見た。
I saw a sunset so beautiful it was like it took my breath away.
彼女は心に響くような声で歌った。
She sang with a voice that felt like it spoke directly to the heart.
これは信じられないような本当の話です。
This is a true story that is like something you wouldn't believe.
テストがとても難しくなるようなことを言っていたけど、実際はそうでもなかった。
He was saying things like the test was going to be really difficult, but in reality, it wasn't that bad.
電車が遅れるような状況だったけど、ぎりぎり間に合った。
It looked like the train was going to be late, but I made it just in the nick of time.
彼はまるで水の上を歩くように、軽やかに走る。
He runs so lightly, as if he were walking on water.
プロのシェフが作るように、おいしいオムライスを作ってみたい。
I want to try making delicious omurice, just like a professional chef.
外は燃えているような暑さだね。
It feels like it's burning hot outside, doesn't it?