Japanese grammar
What does （まるで）～かのようだ mean? Japanese grammar N2
（まるで）～かのようだ means as if… (though in fact it isn't).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Plain form + かのようだ N／な形 + である + かのようだ ～かのように + V |
| Romaji | (marude) kanoyouda |
| Meaning | as if… (though in fact it isn't) |
Forming it
| Noun | 本物 → 本物であるかのようだ |
|---|---|
| Verb | 知っている → 知っているかのようだ |
How to use it
A strong simile: says something as if it were true, even though the speaker clearly knows it is NOT true. Written style.
- 「かのようだ」 = as if. What is being compared MUST be contrary to fact: 「彼はすべてを知っているかのように話す」 (in reality, he doesn't know everything).
- Nouns and na-adjectives need 「である」: 「本物であるかのようだ」 — this is a difference from 「ようだ」 (which only needs 「の」).
- Often paired with 「まるで」. Use 「かのように」 as an adverbial, 「かのような」 as a prenominal modifier.
- Not used for a grounded conjecture — 「寒いかのようだ」 is wrong; to make a guess, use 「寒いようだ／みたいだ」.
Examples
彼はまるですべてを知っているかのように話す。
He talks as if he knew everything.
その造花は、まるで本物であるかのようだ。
That artificial flower looks just like a real one.
Keep in mind
- What is being compared must be contrary to fact.
- Nouns and na-adjectives need 「である」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrongこの部屋は寒いかのようだ。
This room seems cold.
Correctこの部屋は寒いようだ。
A grounded conjecture uses 「ようだ」; 「かのようだ」 is a simile contrary to fact.
-
Wrong本物かのようだ。
As if it were the real thing.
Correct本物であるかのようだ。
A noun must add 「である」.
Exam tips
- 「かのようだ」 = as if (CONTRARY to fact); nouns need 「である」.