Japanese grammar

What does ～ごとし mean? Japanese grammar N2

～ごとし means like; similar to (written style).

Quick facts
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)	N2
Structure	Nの／Vる + ごとし
Romaji	gotoshi
Meaning	like; similar to (written style)

Forming it

Connection	Nの／Vる + ごとし

How to use it

A CLASSICAL-STYLE simile. It is the sentence-final form of 「ごとき／ごとく」.

「～ごとし」 = like, similar to. The classical SENTENCE-FINAL form: 「光陰矢のごとし」 (time flies like an arrow).
Three forms share the same root: 「ごとし」 (sentence-final), 「ごとき」 (before a noun), 「ごとく」 (before a predicate).
Mainly found in proverbs and literature; conversation uses 「～のようだ」.

Examples

彼(かれ)は風(かぜ)のごとく走(はし)り去(さ)った。
He ran away like the wind.
予想(よそう)したごとく、計画(けいかく)は遅(おく)れた。
As expected, the plan was delayed.

Keep in mind

ごとし ends the sentence / ごとき comes before N / ごとく comes before a predicate.
Mainly found in proverbs and literature.

Common mistakes

Wrong風(かぜ)ごとく走(はし)った。

Correct風(かぜ)のごとく走(はし)った。

A noun connects to ごとく with の.

Exam tips

「ごとし」 = the SENTENCE-FINAL form of the ごとき/ごとく family (classical); conversation uses 「ようだ」.

Related patterns

All N2 grammar →