How to Say ‘Like family’ in Japanese
家族みたいな
kazoku mitai na
[kazoku mitai na]
🇯🇵 In Japan: [家族みたいな] sounds warm and personal, but in business networking it can feel unusually intimate unless the relationship is already close. Use it carefully in professional follow-up.
Phrase Breakdown
家族
kazoku
[kazoku]
family
The base noun in the comparison, meaning family.
家族 みたいな安心感がありました。
There was a sense of comfort like family.
みたいな
mitai na
like; resembling
Used after a noun to mean “like” or “resembling.”
子どもみたいな笑顔ですね。
You have a smile like a child’s.
Words in this phrase
みたい
mitai
[mitai]
like; similar to
Adds the meaning of resemblance, often in warm or emotional descriptions.
家族みたい なチームですね。
It is a team like family.
な
na
[na]
attributive marker
Connects 家族みたい to the following noun, making it modify that noun.
家族みたいな 雰囲気が好きです。
I like the family-like atmosphere.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager