Japanese grammar
What does ～ごとく（比況） mean? Japanese grammar N1
～ごとく（比況） means as if; like (adverbial simile).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + の + ごとく V辞書形/た + (が) + ごとく |
| Romaji | gotoku(hikyou) |
| Meaning | as if; like (adverbial simile) |
Forming it
| Noun | 鳥 + の + ごとく |
|---|---|
| Verb | 流れる + がごとく |
How to use it
A classical figurative adverbial; modifies a predicate. Same family as 「～ごとき」 (the modifier form).
- 「～ごとく」 modifies a PREDICATE: "as if...". Same family as 「～ごとき」 (which modifies a noun) — see the 「～ごとき／～ごとく」 entry.
- Nouns attach with 「の」; verbs use 「～がごとく」 (with the archaic 「が」).
- A fixed expression: 「周知のごとく」 (as is widely known).
Examples
彼は鳥のごとく軽やかに跳んだ。
He leapt as lightly as a bird.
周知のごとく、状況は深刻である。
As is widely known, the situation is serious.
Keep in mind
- ごとく → before a predicate.
- Verbs use 「がごとく」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong鳥ごとく飛んだ。
It flew like a bird.
Correct鳥のごとく飛んだ。
A noun attaches with 「の」 before 「ごとく」.
-
Wrong死んだごとく眠っていた。
He slept as if he were dead.
Correct死んだかのごとく眠っていた。
With a verb, the natural form is 「～かのごとく」/「～がごとく」 (with the archaic particle).
Exam tips
- 「ごとく」 = a figurative adverbial (before a predicate); nouns attach with 「の」, verbs use 「がごとく」.