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March 24, 2026
似的shìde(shi4de5)
The word 似的 (shì de) is used to indicate similarity or resemblance, often translated as 'like' or 'similar to' in English. It is commonly used in conversational Mandarin to draw comparisons between things or to express that something appears to be a certain way. This word helps add nuance in descriptions, making them more relatable and illustrative.
Frequency#1504DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, emphasizing similarity can reflect the value placed on relationships and familial ties. The use of 似的 can often be heard when discussing family traits or cultural similarities, highlighting connections between people.
Memory Tip
Think of 似 (shì) as resembling a 'sister' (sounds like 'si') and 的 (de) as a possessive marker. Imagine a sister looking similar to you, emphasizing the connection, 'like' or 'similar to'. Visualize two sisters side by side, showcasing their resemblance.
Meanings of 似的
shìde(shi4de5)
1seems as if
2rather like
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 似的
似的Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
助词zhùcíparticle (part.)Part of Speech
#1504Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 似的
Podcast: 似的
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AI Study Notes for 似的
Quick Contrast
类似的 (lèisì de) vs 似的 (shì de): use 似的 when emphasizing a general resemblance rather than a specific similarity.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 似 (shì) as resembling a 'sister' (sounds like 'si') and 的 (de) as a possessive marker. Imagine a sister looking similar to you, emphasizing the connection, 'like' or 'similar to'. Visualize two sisters side by side, showcasing their resemblance.
Usage Notes
Learners often mistakenly use 似的 in formal contexts where simpler expressions would suffice. It is more commonly used in informal speech. Be cautious of tone differences that can alter meaning; ensure you pronounce it as shì de with the correct tones.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 5, 似的 connects with other descriptive words and phrases. Focus on building phrases that use 似的 with nouns to create comparisons, such as in '像...似的 (xiàng...shì de)', which means 'like...'.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, emphasizing similarity can reflect the value placed on relationships and familial ties. The use of 似的 can often be heard when discussing family traits or cultural similarities, highlighting connections between people.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 似的 with 似乎 (shì hū), which means 'seems' or 'appears'. For example, saying '她似乎的很开心' is incorrect; the correct form is '她似的很开心', meaning 'She seems very happy'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 似的
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Grammar Patterns of 似的
似的 functions as a grammatical particle — it carries no standalone meaning but signals a grammatical relationship. Particles attach to specific positions in the sentence (clause-final 吗/吧/呢, post-verbal 了/过/着, post-noun 的) and rarely move. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The two of them acted as if they had never met before.
Example Sentences for 似的 (10)
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1
就好像是你的意见、你的好恶根本不重要似的。
jiù hǎo xiàng shì nǐ de yì jiàn、 、 nǐ de hǎo è gēn běn bù zhòng yào sì。
It's as if your opinions, your likes and dislikes just don't count.
2
你为什么做每件事情都跟你非要赢似的?
nǐ wéi shí mó zuò měi jiàn shì qíng dū gēn nǐ fēi yào yíng sì de?
Why must you do everything as if you have to win?
3
他们发现了一处迷宫似的地道。
tā mén fā xiàn le yī chǔ mí gōng sì de dì dào。
They found a labyrinth of tunnels under the ground.
4
公司对待我的态度就好像是我上班时溜号了似的。
gōng sī duì dài wǒ de tài dù jiù hǎo xiàng shì wǒ shàng bān shí liū hào le sì de。
The company treated me as though I were skiving.
5
戴维坐在那里,好像被尼克的声音迷住了似的。
dài wéi zuò zài nà lǐ, , hǎo xiàng bèi ní kè de shēng yīn mí zhù le sì。
Davey sat as if hypnotized by the sound of Nick's voice.
6
她像个男人似的握了手,坚实而又有力。
tā xiàng gè nán rén sì de wò le shǒu, , jiān shí ér yòu yǒu。
She shook hands in a mannish way, her grip dry and firm.
7
克劳利连珠炮似的对韦特骂个不停。
kè láo lì lián zhū páo sì de duì wéi tè mà gè bù tíng。
Crowley maintained a stream of invective and abuse against Waite.
8
她像个顽皮的孩子似的,坐在椅子上来回摇晃。
tā xiàng gè wán pí de hái zǐ sì de, , zuò zài yǐ zǐ shàng lái huí yáo。
She rocks back and forth on her chair like a mischievous child.
9
她开始像个小孩似的放声大哭。
tā kāi shǐ xiàng gè xiǎo hái sì de fàng shēng dà kū。
She started to blubber like a child.
10
她的声音像个小姑娘似的,而且带着一股急不可耐。
tā de shēng yīn xiàng gè xiǎo gū niáng sì de, , ér qiě dài zháo yī gǔ jí bù kě。
Her voice was girlish and eager.
Cultural Notes for 似的
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, emphasizing similarity can reflect the value placed on relationships and familial ties. The use of 似的 can often be heard when discussing family traits or cultural similarities, highlighting connections between people.
Frequently Asked Questions about 似的
It's typically more informal, so in formal writing, it's better to use clearer comparative structures.
Not exactly. While both convey similarity, 似的 is used more for descriptions, while 像 is often used to compare actions or states.
You can say '她的笑容像阳光似的' (tā de xiàoróng xiàng yángguāng shì de), meaning 'Her smile is like the sunshine'.