Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 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 3
Similarity: “like” or “similar to”
Noun + みたいです means “is like…” or “looks like…”. It is common in speech and casual writing. It is softer and more conversational than ようです.
Target signal
この雲は綿みたいです。
These clouds are like cotton.
Notice how Seems Like: みたいです shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- みたい
- like; similar to
- たい
- want to do
- この
- this
Compare in context
あの建物はお城みたいです。
That building is like a castle.
Notice how Seems Like: みたいです shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- みたい
- like; similar to
- たい
- want to do
- あの
- that; that over there
Compare in context
このパンは石みたいにかたいです。
This bread is hard like a rock.
Notice how Seems Like: みたいです shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- かたい
- hard; firm
- みたい
- like; similar to
- たい
- want to do
Section 2 of 3
Soft inference with a clause
Plain clause + みたいです makes a guess based on what you know, hear, or notice. It often sounds less formal and less direct than でしょう or ようです.
Target signal
田中さんは今日は来ないみたいです。
It seems Tanaka is not coming today.
Notice how Seems Like: みたいです shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 田中さん
- Tanaka
- みたい
- like; similar to
- たい
- want to do
Preview
外は寒いみたいです。
It seems cold outside.
Notice how Seems Like: みたいです shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- みたい
- like; similar to
- たい
- want to do
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
Preview
この店はもう閉まっているみたいです。
It looks like this shop is already closed.
Notice how Seems Like: みたいです shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ている
- to be doing; to be in a resulting state
- みたい
- like; similar to
- たい
- want to do
Section 3 of 3
Reading tone and register
In text messages, diaries, and conversation transcripts, みたいです often signals a speaker’s personal impression. It is common in everyday speech but not the most formal option for official writing.
Target signal
電車が少し遅れているみたいです。
It looks like the train is a little late.
Notice how Seems Like: みたいです shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 遅れている
- is running late
- ている
- to be doing; to be in a resulting state
- みたい
- like; similar to
Preview
このスープ、家で作ったみたいにやさしい味ですね。
This soup has a gentle taste, like it was homemade.
Notice how Seems Like: みたいです shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- やさしい
- kind / gentle
- スープ
- soup
- みたい
- like; similar to
Preview
部長はまだ会議中みたいです。
It seems the manager is still in a meeting.
Notice how Seems Like: みたいです shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- みたい
- like; similar to
- たい
- want to do
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are