ようだ
ようだ
expression
it seems; it appears; it looks like
1.
it seems; it appears; it looks like
Expresses the speaker's judgment or inference based on what they have observed or sensed. Indicates that something appears to be a certain way.
2.
like; similar to; as if
Used to make comparisons or similes, expressing that something resembles or is similar to something else.
3.
in such a way that; so that
Used with verbs to express a desired manner or goal, indicating the way something should be done.
One of the most versatile and frequently used expressions in Japanese. Written as 様だ when using kanji, though the hiragana form is more common. Attaches to the plain form of verbs, い-adjectives, な-adjective stems + な, and nouns + の.
Common patterns
- verb plain + ようだ: 来るようだ (it seems they're coming)
- い-adjective + ようだ: 寒いようだ (it seems cold)
- な-adjective + なようだ: 元気なようだ (seems healthy)
- noun + のようだ: 春のようだ (like spring)
- ように + verb: 聞こえるように話す (speak so one can be heard)
- ようにする: to make an effort to; to make sure to
- ようになる: to come to; to become able to
Similar words
- みたいだ: colloquial equivalent of ようだ (sense 1 and 2); ようだ is more formal
- らしい: based on hearsay or indirect evidence, while ようだ is based on the speaker's own observation
- そうだ (appearance): based on visual impression of the moment, while ようだ involves more deliberate judgment