N2148/217

かのようだ

Noun + かのようだVerb-dictionary form + かのようだい-adjective + かのようだな-adjective + かのようだ

Meanings

  • as if
  • as though
  • like
  • just like

About this pattern

Explanation

かのようだ is used to express a strong impression that something resembles or seems as if something else were true. It conveys a sense of simile based on appearances, feelings, or assumptions, often stronger or more literary than ようだ. It is used after plain forms (dictionary form of verbs, adjectives, or nouns) and describes how things appear or feel to the speaker, not necessarily how things actually are.

Learn in context

Example sentences

彼は子供かのように泣いた。

He cried as if he were a child.

彼女は黙っているかのようだ。

She seems as though she is remaining silent.

空が真っ暗で、嵐かのようだ。

The sky is pitch dark, as if a storm were coming.

彼の説明は嘘かのようだ。

His explanation seems as if it were a lie.

彼はプロの選手かのように走る。

He runs as if he were a professional athlete.