〜みたい
like / seems
Share a guess without presenting it as a certain fact.
Remember it
Leave room for doubt by adding 〜みたい.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜みたい」 means "like / seems". Structure: Noun + みたい. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
It softens predictions and helps you avoid sounding too certain.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1今日は成功みたいな天気です。
きょう は せいこう みたいな てんき です。
kyou wa seikou mitaina tenki desu.
Today's weather is like success.
Everyday life
Example 2今日は安心みたいな天気です。
きょう は あんしん みたいな てんき です。
kyou wa anshin mitaina tenki desu.
Today's weather is like relief.
Everyday life
Example 3今日は原因みたいな天気です。
きょう は げんいん みたいな てんき です。
kyou wa gen'in mitaina tenki desu.
Today's weather is like cause.
Everyday life
Example 4今日は能力みたいな天気です。
きょう は のうりょく みたいな てんき です。
kyou wa nouryoku mitaina tenki desu.
Today's weather is like ability.
Everyday life
Example 5今日は態度みたいな天気です。
きょう は たいど みたいな てんき です。
kyou wa taido mitaina tenki desu.
Today's weather is like attitude.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
Today's weather is like success.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜みたい.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.