like ~, similar to ~, seems ~

Beginner

15-20 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses resemblance or uncertain inference (casual).

[Plain form/Noun + みたい] + だ

彼は学生みたいだ。

Kare wa gakusei mitai da.

He seems like a student.

雨が降るみたいですね。

Ame ga furu mitai desu ne.

It looks like it's going to rain.

More casual than ようだ. Can mean both resemblance and inference.

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

Very common in spoken Japanese.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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