JLPT N3 reference · Modality and stance
よう and みたい
Both express resemblance or an inference from evidence, with よう more neutral/formal and みたい conversational.
Core meaning and form
Use plain clause + ようだ or みたいだ; nouns take のようだ but attach directly to みたいだ. Do not confuse evidential ようだ with purpose or change patterns containing ように.
- Form: Use plain clause + ようだ or みたいだ; nouns take のようだ but attach directly to みたいだ.
- Core use: Both express resemblance or an inference from evidence, with よう more neutral/formal and みたい conversational.
- Context: Do not confuse evidential ようだ with purpose or change patterns containing ように.
Examples in context
外は雨のようです。Soto wa ame no yō desu.It appears to be raining outside.
あの人は先生みたいだ。Ano hito wa sensei mitai da.That person seems to be a teacher.
この雲は魚のように見える。Kono kumo wa sakana no yō ni mieru.This cloud looks like a fish.
Common errors
- Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
- Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.
Quick summary
- Use plain clause + ようだ or みたいだ; nouns take のようだ but attach directly to みたいだ.
- Both express resemblance or an inference from evidence, with よう more neutral/formal and みたい conversational.
- Do not confuse evidential ようだ with purpose or change patterns containing ように.