まるで
marude
The English phrase 'as if' is translated into Japanese as まるで (marude).
まるで is used to describe something that is not true but seems to be true in a particular way. In this context, it functions as an intensifier that sets up the comparison for the rest of the sentence. Unlike the English conjunction 'as if' which can stand alone, まるで is an adverb that requires a predicate to complete the sense of comparison.
How do you pronounce it?
marude
Did you know?
- If you use まるで to describe a person's behavior, it can sometimes imply a sense of mockery or sarcasm, suggesting they are 'acting' like something they are not.
- While まるで usually means 'as if', it can also mean 'completely' or 'entirely' when used with a negative verb to say something is 'totally not' the case.
- Unlike English where 'as if' can be a sarcastic one-word reply, using まるで alone as a response would be confusing and is not a natural conversational habit.
Examples in context
- まるで酔っているようだ。She looks as if she were drunk.This sentence shows how to use まるで.Tatoeba #195145 by KK_kaku_, translation #32319 by CK
- まるで夢を見ているようだよ。I feel as if I were dreaming.This sentence uses まるで.Tatoeba #158843 by bunbuku, translation #255684 by CK
- まるで夢を見ているようだった。I felt as if I were in a dream.Tatoeba #195139 by bunbuku, translation #32313 by CK
- 彼は上司のように振る舞っている。He is behaving as if he were the boss.
- 彼女は王族のように優雅に歩いた。She walked gracefully as if she were a princess.
- 彼は上手な料理人みたいに料理を作るね。He cooks as if he were a skilled chef.
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are watching a very talented street musician.
- 美咲 Misakiあの人はまるでプロの歌手みたいだね。Ano hito wa marude puro no kashu mitai da ne.That person is just like a professional singer.
- 陽太 Yota本当だね、まるでステージの上にいるみたいだよ。Hontou da ne, marude suteeji no ue ni iru mitai da yo.You're right, it's as if he's on a stage.
- 美咲 Misakiすごい才能だね。Sugoi sainou da ne.He has amazing talent.
- 陽太 Yotaうん、驚いたよ。Un, odoroita yo.Yeah, I was surprised.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
