Japanese grammar · no level in the source

〜みたいmeaning and usage

Meaning

Like A; Seems A; Appears to be A. Used for information directly seen/heard/etc. by the speaker

How to form it

  • verb (plain form)/い-adjectiveみたいだ
  • noun/な-adjective (stem)みたいだ
  • nounみたいなnoun
  • nounみたいにverb

How it is used

Conversational, with two senses: a guess from what you see or hear ('seems'), and likeness ('like'). In formal speech or writing, 「〜ようだ」 is generally used instead. Nouns and な-adjectives attach directly, with no 「だ」 or 「な」.

Examples

  1. 彼女は歌手みたいに歌がうまいんだ。

    She's good at singing, like a (professional) singer.

  2. 隣の部屋、誰もいないみたいだね。

    Looks like there's no one in the room next door.

  3. 今日は夏みたいに暑いです。

    Today it's as hot as summer.