Just like with 像…一样

Use this comparison pattern to say that one person, thing, or action is like another.

elementaryA2 · TOCFL a2comparisongrammar

像…一样

Pattern

A 像 B 一样 + predicate

Key words

Core idea

像…一样 means “like...” or “just like...”

The thing being compared to sits between 像 and 一样. The predicate after that says what quality or action is similar.

When to use it

Use this pattern for resemblance in appearance, behavior, manner, or degree.

It can compare people, objects, events, or ways of doing something.

Compare with equality

跟…一样 often says two things are the same in some respect. 像…一样 emphasizes resemblance: one thing is like another.

Examples

他像爸爸一样高。

Tā xiàng bàba yíyàng gāo.

He is tall like his father.

这件衣服像新的一样。

Zhè jiàn yīfu xiàng xīn de yíyàng.

This piece of clothing looks like new.

她说话像老师一样清楚。

Tā shuōhuà xiàng lǎoshī yíyàng qīngchu.

She speaks clearly like a teacher.

Common mistakes

Avoid

她说话像一样老师清楚。

Use

她说话像老师一样清楚。

The noun being compared to sits between 像 and 一样.

Seen in stories

Show 10 more story examples

The Replica That Looked Real

碗底有一个很小的训练编号,颜色像灰尘一样淡。

On the bottom is a tiny training number, with color as faint as dust.

The Sound Behind the Painting

声音像小钟一样,一下一下从墙里传出来。

The sound is like a small bell, coming out from the wall one beat at a time.

The Sound Behind the Painting

小林说,这个声音让小博物馆像醒了一样。

Xiao Lin says this sound makes the tiny museum seem as if it has woken up.

Even the Security Guard Danced

连蛋糕都切成小方块,像会议资料一样整齐。

Even the cake is cut into small squares, as neat as meeting materials.

Just Like the Old Photo

爸爸说,大家要站得像旧照片一样整齐。

Dad says everyone should stand neatly like in the old photo.

Just Like the Old Photo

弟弟的外套颜色变了,可是表情像小时候一样认真。

The younger brother's jacket color has changed, but his expression is as serious as when he was little.

Just Like the Old Photo

妈妈一直笑,因为爸爸还是像以前一样站错边。

Mom keeps laughing because Dad still stands on the wrong side like before.

Just Like the Old Photo

阿宁发现,旧照片里远处的年轻人像他一样戴着同一顶帽子。

A Ning notices the young man in the distance of the old photo is wearing the same hat as him.

Just Like the Old Photo

他当时也像今天一样,帮旅客拍了一整天照片。

Back then, just like today, he spent the whole day taking photos for travelers.

Just Like the Old Photo

新照片洗出来以后,大家觉得车站像记忆一样没有离开。

After the new photo is printed, everyone feels the station has not left, just like memory.