Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
Similarity: “like” or “similar to”
Use to compare things and describe resemblance.
Start with the example
。
These clouds are like cotton.
Notice the variation
。
That building is like a castle.
More detail: how to apply this
Noun + means “is like…” or “looks like…”.
It is common in speech and casual writing.
It is softer and more conversational than .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Find the real subject and the shared quality before taking a resemblance literally.
identifies the shared quality, hardness. The comparison strengthens that description of the bread.
。
This bread is hard like a rock.
Find the real subject and the shared quality before taking a resemblance literally.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
These clouds are like cotton.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- みたい
- like; similar to
Compare in context
。
That building is like a castle.
Vocabulary notes
- あの
- that; that over there
- みたい
- like; similar to
Compare in context
。
This bread is hard like a rock.
Vocabulary notes
- みたい
- like; similar to
Section 2 of 4
Soft inference with a clause
Soft inference with a clause
Start with the example
。
It seems Tanaka is not coming today.
Notice the variation
。
It seems cold outside.
More detail: how to apply this
Plain clause + makes a guess based on what you know, hear, or notice.
It often sounds less formal and less direct than or .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
It seems Tanaka is not coming today.
In this example, the message is: It seems Tanaka is not coming today.
。
It seems Tanaka is not coming today.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: It seems Tanaka is not coming today.
Showing Soft inference with a clause: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
It seems Tanaka is not coming today.
Vocabulary notes
- 田中さん
- Tanaka
- みたい
- like; similar to
Preview
。
It seems cold outside.
Vocabulary notes
- みたい
- like; similar to
Preview
。
It looks like this shop is already closed.
Vocabulary notes
- みたい
- like; similar to
Section 3 of 4
Reading tone and register
Find the real subject and the shared quality before taking a resemblance literally.
Reading tone and register
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The actual object being described is bread.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
In text messages, diaries, and conversation transcripts, often signals a speaker’s personal impression.
It is common in everyday speech but not the most formal option for official writing.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
It looks like the train is a little late.
In this example, the message is: It looks like the train is a little late.
。
It looks like the train is a little late.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: It looks like the train is a little late.
Showing Reading tone and register: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
It looks like the train is a little late.
Vocabulary notes
- 遅れている
- is running late
- みたい
- like; similar to
Preview
、。
This soup has a gentle taste, like it was homemade.
Vocabulary notes
- スープ
- soup
- みたい
- like; similar to
- やさしい
- kind / gentle
Preview
。
It seems the manager is still in a meeting.
Vocabulary notes
- みたい
- like; similar to
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
can express resemblance or inference.
Without it, directly identifies snow.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
can express resemblance or inference. Without it, directly identifies snow.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Looks/is like snow / is snow
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.