犹如
HSK 6- Other
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
犹如 is used for literary comparisons, carrying the meaning of 'exactly like', 'just as', and is typically used in written language.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
犹如 (yóurú) is a comparative conjunction meaning "just like," "as if," or "as though." It is typically used in written language or formal contexts, carrying a more literary tone than 像 or 好像.
This structure creates a vivid and powerful comparison, emphasizing an almost absolute similarity between two things or situations.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 光阴犹如流水。繁: 光陰猶如流水。Guāngyīn yóurú liúshuǐ.
Time flows like water.
- 湖面平静犹如镜子。繁: 湖面平靜猶如鏡子。Húmiàn píngjìng yóurú jìngzi.
The lake surface is calm like a mirror.
- 得到他的帮助，犹如雪中送炭。繁: 得到他的幫助，猶如雪中送炭。Dédào tā de bāngzhù, yóurú xuězhōngsòngtàn.
Receiving his help is like sending charcoal in the snow.
- 他听了这话，心头犹如刀割。繁: 他聽了這話，心頭猶如刀割。Tā tīngle zhè huà, xīntóu yóurú dāo gē.
Upon hearing these words, his heart ached as if cut by a knife.
- 夜空中的星星犹如钻石。繁: 夜空中的星星猶如鑽石。Yèkōng zhōng de xīngxīng yóurú zuànshí.
The stars in the night sky sparkle like diamonds.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:他长得犹如他爸爸。Correct:他长得像他爸爸。
犹如 carries a formal, literary tone. In ordinary spoken language about everyday topics, use 像 for comparison instead.