Processing keyword: ～ごとく (〜gotoku)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ごとく (〜gotoku)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～ごとく (〜gotoku) is a formal and literary expression in Japanese used to indicate similarity or comparison, equivalent to "like" or "as if" in English. It is often found in written language, poetry, and formal speeches.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• As if
• Like
• The same as

Usage

The expression ～ごとく is used to compare one action or state to another, emphasizing that something occurs or exists in the same way as something else.

Formation

Formation	Example
Verb (Dictionary Form) + ごとく	見るごとく
Noun + の + ごとく	風のごとく
Adjective + ごとく	静かなごとく

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Diagram of Formation

[Verb (Dictionary Form)] + ごとく
[Noun] + の + ごとく
[Adjective] + ごとく

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ～ように (〜you ni)
  • Also means "like" or "as if"
  • More commonly used in everyday conversation
  • Example: 鳥のように空を飛びたい。
• ～みたいに (〜mitai ni)
  • Casual form meaning "like" or "seems like"
  • Used in informal speech
  • Example: 彼は子供みたいに遊んでいる。

Differences

• ～ごとく (〜gotoku)
  • Formal, literary expression
  • Often found in written texts and formal speeches
• ～ように (〜you ni) / ～みたいに (〜mitai ni)
  • Used in everyday conversation
  • ～みたいに is more casual than ～ように

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 鳥のごとく空を飛びたい。
   • Tori no gotoku sora o tobitai.
   • I want to fly in the sky like a bird.
2. 彼は風のごとく走った。
   • Kare wa kaze no gotoku hashitta.
   • He ran like the wind.
3. その歌声は天使のごとく美しい。
   • Sono utagoe wa tenshi no gotoku utsukushii.
   • That singing voice is beautiful like an angel's.
4. 水のごとく流れる時間。
   • Mizu no gotoku nagareru jikan.
   • Time flows like water.
5. 彼女は花のごとく優しい心を持っている。
   • Kanojo wa hana no gotoku yasashii kokoro o motte iru.
   • She has a gentle heart like a flower.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Literary Use: ～ごとく is often used in literature, poetry, proverbs, and formal speeches to create a vivid or poetic image.
• Formality: The use of ～ごとく adds a formal or classical tone to the sentence.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 敵は去るごとし。
  • Teki wa saru gotoshi.
  • The enemy disappears like a monkey.
  • An idiomatic expression meaning the enemy flees quickly.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using ～ごとく in Casual Conversation
  • Incorrect: 昨日、ごとく映画を見た。
    • Kinō, gotoku eiga o mita.
  • Correction: 昨日、ように映画を見た。
    • Kinō, you ni eiga o mita.
  • ～ごとく is too formal for casual conversation; use ～ように instead.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device
  • Think of "ごとく" as "got it like that" to remember it means "like/as if."
• Practice by Reading
  • Read literary texts or poems to see ～ごとく used in context.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～ごとく means "like" or "as if" and is used to draw comparisons.
• It is a formal and literary expression.
• Formed by attaching ごとく to the verb dictionary form, adjective, or noun + の.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the function of ～ごとく in a sentence?
   • A) To indicate a request
   • B) To make a comparison
   • C) To show a reason
2. Which of the following is the correct use of ～ごとく?
   • A) 彼は猫ごとく寝ている。
   • B) 彼は猫がごとく寝ている。
   • C) 彼は猫のごとく寝ている。
3. Is ～ごとく appropriate for casual conversation?
   • A) Yes
   • B) No

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Answers:

1. B) To make a comparison
2. C) 彼は猫のごとく寝ている。
3. B) No

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