How to use 跟…似的
跟 + comparison model / situation + 似的
跟…似的 compares someone or something with a model, image, or imagined situation. It can describe resemblance, manner, or the degree of a quality. The model may be a person or object, but a fuller situation can also supply the comparison. English often uses like or as if, and the result can be vivid, affectionate, critical, or humorous.
Place the comparison model between 跟 and 似的. The standard pronunciation of 似的 in this expression is shìde, with neutral-tone 的. A preceding 得 complement can connect an adjective or action to the comparison. Like other similes, the sentence asserts a resemblance on a relevant dimension rather than claiming that the subject literally is the comparison model.
Examples with pinyin and English
这两个孩子长得跟双胞胎似的。
These two children look like twins.
The comparison model is the noun 双胞胎.
他跑得跟风似的。
He runs like the wind.
A 得 complement links the action to a vivid simile.
房间里热得跟夏天似的。
It is as hot as summer in the room.
The comparison illustrates the degree of heat.
What to remember
- Read 似的 as shìde in this expression.
- Keep the comparison model inside 跟…似的.
- Use context to identify the dimension of resemblance.
Practise the pattern
Use one example as a model. Change the people, objects or situation, keeping the grammar pattern in the same order. Read the explanation again to check how your sentence uses the construction.
Look up the grammar words
Source and editorial notes
Explanation and examples written for Laowai using the grammar curriculum as a topic reference. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.