Subject + 像 + Object
Reach for this when you want to compare two things by saying one resembles the other — 'A looks like B,' 'A is like B.' The basic Chinese simile. Use it for physical resemblance ('she looks like her mom'), abstract similarity ('Hong Kong is like a bridge'), or rough analogies ('this problem is like a puzzle'). Neutral, everyday register — works in casual speech, songs, news, and writing.
Structure
Subject + 像 + Object + (一样)
xiàng
How to Think About It
像 is the comparison verb — it does all the work English splits between 'like,' 'resembles,' and 'looks like.' No 是 needed before it. Add 一样 at the end ('just like') for stronger emphasis: 他像他爸爸 vs 他像他爸爸一样. Without 一样 the comparison is loose ('similar to'); with it the comparison is tight ('exactly like').
Examples
她像她妈妈一样漂亮。
Tā xiàng tā māma yíyàng piàoliàng.
She is just as pretty as her mom.
这朵云像一只猫。
Zhè duǒ yún xiàng yī zhī māo.
This cloud looks like a cat.
他笑起来像个孩子。
Tā xiào qǐlái xiàng gè háizi.
When he smiles, he looks like a kid.
她像她妈妈。
Tā xiàng tā māma.
She looks like her mom.
这个孩子像个小大人。
Zhège háizi xiàng gè xiǎo dàrén.
This kid is like a little adult.
今天的天气像春天一样。
Jīntiān de tiānqì xiàng chūntiān yīyàng.
Today's weather is just like spring.
Common Mistake
Learners insert 是 before 像 because English uses 'is like.' 像 is already a verb — adding 是 is doubling up. The pattern is just Subject + 像 + Object.
她是像一个明星。
她像一个明星。
Don't Confuse With
A 跟 B 一样
Direct equality of degree or kind: A and B are the same. 我跟他一样高 = he and I are the same height. 像...一样 says 'similar to'; 跟...一样 says 'the same as.' Slight but real difference.
A 好像 B
好像 = 'seems like / it looks as if.' It introduces a guess or impression, often about a whole situation. 他好像生病了 = it seems like he's sick. 像 directly compares two nouns; 好像 expresses an inference.
A 比 B (更) ...
比 makes a direct comparison of degree (A is more X than B). 他比我高 = he's taller than me. 像 says A resembles B; 比 says A surpasses B on some measure. Different jobs.
好像...
Means 'seems like / it appears.' Adds uncertainty. 像 alone makes a confident comparison; 好像 hedges.
Subject + 是 + Object
Pure identity statement ('A is B'). 像 says A RESEMBLES B without claiming they're the same thing.
Practice
这只狗 ___ 一只熊。
Show answer
像
他像他爸爸 ___ 高。 (use the 'just like' tail)
Show answer
一样
Put in order: [像 / 她 / 妈妈 / 一样 / 她 / 漂亮]
Show answer
她像她妈妈一样漂亮。
Translate to Chinese: 'This cake looks like a flower.'
Show answer
这个蛋糕像一朵花。
Write a sentence comparing two things using A 像 B (+ 一样).
Show answer
Example answer: 我哥哥像我爸爸一样喜欢看球赛。 (My older brother likes watching games just like my dad.)
Fill in: 他____他爸爸。 (resembles)
Show answer
像
Fill in: 这朵云像一只____。
Show answer
猫
Arrange: 一样 / 像 / 春天 / 今天 / 一样 / 暖和
Show answer
今天像春天一样暖和。
Translate to Chinese: This city is like a big village.
Show answer
这个城市像一个大村子。
Use 像 to compare a person or place to something else.
Show answer
我的中文老师像我的朋友。
Hear It in Real Episodes
This pattern appears in 3 Fluentide episodes. Press play to hear the sentence:
她像一个大球。
She is like a big ball.
Doubao AI Gives Fashion Advice to Chinese YouthBeginner
这只狗像真的一样。
This dog looks like it is real.
ByteDance Seedance AI Sparks Video RaceBeginner
Related Grammar Patterns
Acquire by listening
Hear Subject + 像 + Object in real Chinese, not in a textbook.
Fluentide picks the next news episode at your level, so this pattern shows up again and again in real context. The transcript marks it, the audio drills it. Free to start.