まるで
🃏 Flashcard
まるで
maru de
Tap to reveal usage
as if; as though; just like
N3
Tap to test your recall · +10 XP
📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N3
Intermediate · Expressing nuance & contrast
Reading
maru de
Post ID
50867
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
as if; as though; just like
📖 How to use it
まるで expresses that something is just like or as if something else, often used with similes.
Attaches to
Used before a noun, adjective, or verb phrase that describes the comparison. Often paired with よう, みたい, そう, or らしい at the end of the clause.
まるで is an adverb that strengthens a comparison, meaning 'just like' or 'as if'. It is commonly used in similes, and the comparison is often made explicit with よう, みたい, そう, or らしい. For example, まるで夢のようだ means 'It's just like a dream.' Without these helping words, まるで can be used directly before a noun, as in まるで子供, but that is less common and may sound a bit literary. In everyday speech, you'll almost always hear it with みたい or よう.
彼女はまるでモデルみたいにきれいだ。
Kanojo wa maru de moderu mitai ni kirei da.
She is beautiful just like a model.
このケーキは、まるでふわふわの雲を食べているみたいだ。
Kono keeki wa, maru de fuwafuwa no kumo wo tabete iru mitai da.
This cake is like eating a fluffy cloud.
彼の話し方は、まるで先生のようだ。
Kare no hanashikata wa, maru de sensei no you da.
His way of speaking is just like a teacher's.
Not あたかも
あたかも is more formal and literary, often used in written language, while まるで is common in both speech and writing. Also, あたかも is usually paired with ごとく or よう, whereas まるで pairs with みたい or よう.
Register
Neutral to slightly informal; used in both speaking and writing, but more natural in conversation with みたい.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
まるで
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat まるで three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using まるで. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N3 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern まるで mean?
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As if; as though; just like
What JLPT level is まるで?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N3 — Intermediate · Expressing nuance & contrast. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use まるで in a sentence?
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Attach まるで (maru de) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is まるで formal or casual Japanese?
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まるで is used in both casual and polite contexts. It appears frequently in everyday conversation, textbooks, and simple written materials.
How can I remember まるで long-term?
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Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.