猿みたい
saru mitai
The English phrase "you look like a monkey" is translated in Japanese as 猿みたい (saru mitai).
This phrase is used to describe someone whose physical appearance resembles that of a monkey.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Osaka dialect, an informal way to say this is お前、サルみたいやないか.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 猿みたい can be turned into a complete, assertive sentence by adding da to the end, resulting in 猿みたいだ.
How do you pronounce it?
saru mitai
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, the saru is often seen as a protector against evil and is frequently depicted as a guardian at the entrance of Shinto shrines.
- In traditional Japanese folklore, the monkey is viewed as a symbol of mimicry, which is why the phrase saru mitai is sometimes used for people who copy others.
- In Japanese culture, the monkey is often seen as a symbol of wit and playfulness rather than just an insult. This can make the nuance of saying 猿みたい depend heavily on whether you are joking with a friend or being mean.
Examples in context
- その顔、猿みたい。Sono kao, saru mitai.That face looks like a monkey.
- 君は猿みたいで面白い。Kimi wa saru mitai de omoshiroi.You are funny because you look like a monkey.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a funny photo together.
- 陽葵 Himariこの写真の大翔、すごい顔してるよ。Kono shashin no Hiroto, sugoi kao shiteru yo.Hiroto, you're making such a funny face in this photo.
- 大翔 Hirotoえっ、そんなにひどい？E, sonna ni hidoi?Eh, is it that bad?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、本当に猿みたい！Un, hontou ni saru mitai!Yeah, you really look like a monkey!
- 大翔 Hirotoひどすぎるよ、陽葵！Hidosugiru yo, Himari!That's too mean, Himari!
