GRAMMAR DETAIL
～のように
Follows a noun and describes a following action or state as being similar to it.
Examples
兄は鳥のように軽やかに坂を下りました。
My older brother moved lightly down the slope like a bird.
Words used
教わったとおり、線を波のように描きました。
As I was taught, I drew the line like a wave.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Add
のようにto a noun to compare the manner of an action or a state to it. - Basic usage:
教わったとおり、線を波のように描きました。describes drawing a line with a wave-like shape.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Resemblance and purpose
鳥のように飛ぶdescribes a bird-like manner, while飛べるように練習するmakes being able to fly the goal. Distinguish noun-basedのようにfrom the purpose use after a potential expression.
- Connecting to a noun
波のように描くmodifies the manner of drawing, while波のような線modifies the line. Useのようなwhen directly modifying a noun.