像…一样
HSK 3- Other
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure 像…一样 is used to compare two things or events that share a similarity, meaning "just like" or "as … as".
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
This is the most basic simile comparison structure, meaning "just like...". 像 (xiàng) means "to resemble," while 一样 (yíyàng) means "the same." Combined, they form a pair to express similarity. You can add an adjective or verb at the end to specify in what way the two things are alike.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 我妹妹像公主一样漂亮。繁: 我妹妹像公主一樣漂亮。Wǒ mèimei xiàng gōngzhǔ yíyàng piàoliang.
My younger sister is as beautiful as a princess.
- 他像他爸爸一样高。繁: 他像他爸爸一樣高。Tā xiàng tā bàba yíyàng gāo.
He is as tall as his father.
- 这个苹果像蜜一样甜。繁: 這個蘋果像蜜一樣甜。Zhège píngguǒ xiàng mì yíyàng tián.
This apple is as sweet as honey.
- 我也想像你一样说好中文。繁: 我也想像你一樣說好中文。Wǒ yě xiǎng xiàng nǐ yíyàng shuō hǎo Zhōngwén.
I also want to speak Chinese as well as you do.
- 雪像棉花一样白。繁: 雪像棉花一樣白。Xuě xiàng miánhua yíyàng bái.
The snow is as white as cotton.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:他像他爸爸高。Correct:他像他爸爸一样高。
像 and 一样 form a pair and typically appear together to create a complete comparative structure; 一样 should not be omitted.
- Wrong:他像他爸爸高一样。Correct:他像他爸爸一样高。
Adjectives or verbs describing similarity (e.g. 高) must come at the end of the sentence, after 一样.