Use '犹如' to elevate your writing by creating vivid, literary comparisons.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to express similarity or metaphor in formal writing.
- Functions similarly to 'as if' or 'just like'.
- Adds a literary and elegant tone to descriptive sentences.
Overview
- 1概述：“犹如”是一个具有文学色彩的连词，主要用于书面语中。它表达的是一种强烈的比喻关系，即甲事物在某些方面与乙事物非常相似，甚至让人产生错觉。2) 用法模式：通常结构为“A 犹如 B”，或者“A 犹如 B 一样”。它常用于修辞手法中，使语言更生动、形象。3) 常见语境：多见于文学作品、诗歌、演讲稿或正式的散文中，用于描写自然景观、人的心理状态或抽象概念。例如，形容时间过得快，或者形容人的心情。4) 近义词辨析：“犹如”与“好像”、“如同”意思相近，但“犹如”的语气更庄重，文学色彩更浓。相比之下，“好像”更口语化，适用于日常对话。
Examples
那段记忆犹如昨日发生的一样清晰。
everydayThat memory is as clear as if it happened yesterday.
他的演说犹如春风化雨，温暖了听众的心。
formalHis speech was like a gentle spring breeze, warming the hearts of the audience.
这片森林犹如绿色的海洋。
informalThis forest is like a green ocean.
该理论犹如一把钥匙，打开了科学探索的大门。
academicThis theory is like a key that opened the door to scientific exploration.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
犹如亲生
like one's own child
犹如隔世
like a lifetime ago
犹如天成
as if made by nature
Often Confused With
They are almost identical in meaning and formality. '如同' is perhaps slightly more common in formal logical comparisons.
‘似乎’ emphasizes uncertainty or a subjective guess, whereas ‘犹如’ emphasizes the similarity between two objects.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
‘犹如’ is primarily used in formal or literary contexts to draw a comparison. It is less common in casual spoken Chinese. When using it, ensure the two things being compared share a clear logical similarity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use ‘犹如’ to express simple similarity where '像' would be more natural. Also, avoid using it to express uncertainty (e.g., 'it seems like it might rain'), as '犹如' is for comparison, not speculation.
Tips
Boost your descriptive writing
Replace generic words like '像' with '犹如' in your essays to make your descriptions more sophisticated and evocative.
Avoid overusing in casual chats
Using '犹如' in casual text messages or slang-heavy conversations can make you sound overly formal or distant.
Literary elegance in Chinese
Chinese poetry and prose often use '犹如' to create imagery, reflecting a cultural preference for subtle and aesthetic comparisons.
Word Origin
The word is composed of '犹' (still/like) and '如' (as/like). Both characters carry the meaning of similarity, reinforcing each other to create a strong comparative term.
Cultural Context
The term reflects the classical Chinese aesthetic of using nature-based metaphors to describe human experiences. It is frequently found in classical poetry and high-level prose.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'You' (犹如) looking at a mirror reflection. The reflection is 'just like' you!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“好像”在口语和书面语中都能使用，非常通用。而“犹如”带有较强的书面色彩，多用于文学创作或正式场合，显得更文雅。
不一定。加“一样”可以增强比喻的完整感，不加则显得更为简洁精炼，两者在语法上都是正确的。
可以在口语中使用，但会显得比较正式或刻意。在日常随意交谈中，使用“像”或“好像”会更加自然。
“犹如”主要作连词，引导比喻成分。它通常连接主语和比喻对象，不单独作谓语。
Test Yourself
湖面平静得___一面镜子。
此处需要一个比喻词来连接湖面和镜子，'犹如'最符合书面语境。
下列句子使用“犹如”最恰当的是：
“犹如”用于比喻，只有B选项构成了一个完整的比喻关系。
岁月 / 犹如 / 流水 / 一去不复返
这是标准的比喻句结构，逻辑通顺。
Score: /3
Summary
Use '犹如' to elevate your writing by creating vivid, literary comparisons.
- Used to express similarity or metaphor in formal writing.
- Functions similarly to 'as if' or 'just like'.
- Adds a literary and elegant tone to descriptive sentences.
Boost your descriptive writing
Replace generic words like '像' with '犹如' in your essays to make your descriptions more sophisticated and evocative.
Avoid overusing in casual chats
Using '犹如' in casual text messages or slang-heavy conversations can make you sound overly formal or distant.
Literary elegance in Chinese
Chinese poetry and prose often use '犹如' to create imagery, reflecting a cultural preference for subtle and aesthetic comparisons.
Examples
4 of 4那段记忆犹如昨日发生的一样清晰。
That memory is as clear as if it happened yesterday.
他的演说犹如春风化雨，温暖了听众的心。
His speech was like a gentle spring breeze, warming the hearts of the audience.
这片森林犹如绿色的海洋。
This forest is like a green ocean.
该理论犹如一把钥匙，打开了科学探索的大门。
This theory is like a key that opened the door to scientific exploration.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More daily_life words
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
