よう

noun

appearance, manner; like, as if

1. appearance, manner, way

Describes how something appears or the manner in which something is done.

雨(あめ)が降(ふ)るようだ。

It looks like it's going to rain.

Appearance/seeming usage

彼(かれ)は怒(おこ)っているようです。

It seems like he's angry.

Appearance/seeming usage with ようです

天気予報(てんきよほう)によると、明日(あした)は雪(ゆき)が降(ふ)るようです。

According to the weather forecast, it looks like it will snow tomorrow.

Appearance/seeming usage

2. like, as if, similar to

Used to make comparisons or indicate similarity.

夢(ゆめ)のようです。

It's like a dream.

～のよう = like ~

子供(こども)のように走(はし)り回(まわ)った。

I ran around like a child.

～のように = like ~, in the manner of ~

まるで映画(えいが)のような景色(けしき)だった。

The scenery was just like something out of a movie.

まるで～のような = just like ~

3. (in order) to, so that

Expresses purpose or aim when followed by に.

忘(わす)れないようにメモした。

I took notes so that I wouldn't forget.

～ないように = so as not to ~

分(わ)かるように説明(せつめい)してください。

Please explain so that I can understand.

～ように = so that ~

遅刻(ちこく)しないように、早(はや)めに家(いえ)を出(で)ました。

I left home early so that I wouldn't be late.

～ないように = so as not to ~

よう is versatile: 1) ～のよう (like, similar to), 2) ～ようだ/です (seems like, appears to be), 3) ～ように (in order to, so that). The kanji 様(よう) can be used. Related patterns: ような (like a ~), ように (like, in the manner of; so that), ようにする (to make sure to), ようになる (to come to be able to).

general

Added 2026.1.7 21:34 · Revised 2026.3.5 21:46

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