Japanese grammar
What does まるで～ようだ mean? Japanese grammar N3
まるで～ようだ means just like…; as if….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | まるで + Nの + ようだ まるで + plain form + ようだ まるで + Nの + ように + V |
| Romaji | marude youda |
| Meaning | just like…; as if… |
Forming it
| Noun | 天使 → まるで天使のようだ |
|---|---|
| Adverbial | ロボット → まるでロボットのように働く |
How to use it
A simile: in reality it is NOT so, but it resembles it to that degree.
- 「まるで～ようだ」 = just like. The thing being compared to must NOT be real: 「まるで夢のようだ」.
- Nouns must connect with 「の」: 「天使のようだ」. To modify a verb use 「ように」, to modify a noun use 「ような」.
- Colloquially replaced with 「まるで～みたいだ」. 「まるで」 can be omitted, but including it makes the simile nuance much clearer.
Examples
彼女はまるで天使のように優しい。
She is as gentle as an angel.
合格できるなんて、まるで夢のようだ。
Passing feels just like a dream.
Keep in mind
- A noun connects with 「の」 before 「ようだ」.
- What is being compared must be contrary to reality.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong彼女はまるで天使ようだ。
She is just like an angel.
Correct彼女はまるで天使のようだ。
Nouns must connect via 「の」.
-
Wrong彼はまるで医者だ。
He is just like a doctor.
Correct彼はまるで医者のようだ。
「まるで」 always pairs with 「ようだ／みたいだ」; dropping the latter makes the simile incomplete.
Exam tips
- 「まるで～ようだ」 = just like (contrary to fact); N + の, adverbial form 「ように」.