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How to Say ‘Like; similar to’ in Japanese

みたい

mitai

[mee-tie]

💬 Usage Tip: [みたい] means “like/seems.” Example: [家族みたい] (“like family”). More casual than [ように].

🇯🇵 In Japan: In interviews, [ように] can sound more formal; but [みたい] is common in everyday staff talk.

Phrase Breakdown

みたい

mitai

[mee-tie]

like; similar to; as if

Means “like/similar to” (casual). In interviews, you may choose a slightly more formal option such as 〜のように, but みたい is common in speech.

Example

利用者さんを家族みたいに大切にします。

I will cherish the clients like family.

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