A + 像 + B
Reach for A 像 B when you want to compare two things by saying one resembles or feels like the other — 'A is like B.' Add 一样 at the end to make it a stronger 'just like.' It's the everyday way to draw a comparison, paint a quick picture, or describe family resemblance. 像 also handles 'looks like,' 'sounds like,' 'feels like,' depending on context, and it can stand alone or pair with 一样 for emphasis.
Structure
A + 像 + B (+ 一样)
A + xiàng + B (+ yíyàng)
How to Think About It
像 is the simile workhorse. By itself it says 'resembles' (他像他爸爸 = he resembles his dad). Add 一样 to lock in 'just like / the same as' (他像他爸爸一样高 = he's tall just like his dad). The pattern works for appearance, behavior, sound, or feel. It does NOT mean A and B are identical — only that one is similar to or reminiscent of the other. For an outright 'equals,' use 是 instead of 像.
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.
Common Mistake
Learners use 像 when they actually mean 是 ('is'). 他像我的老师 = he resembles my teacher (looks like, acts like). 他是我的老师 = he IS my teacher. Mixing these up turns a literal identity statement into a vague comparison or vice versa.
他像我的中文老师。 (when you mean: he IS my teacher)
他是我的中文老师。
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.
Practice
这只狗 ___ 一只熊。
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像
他像他爸爸 ___ 高。 (use the 'just like' tail)
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一样
Put in order: [像 / 她 / 妈妈 / 一样 / 她 / 漂亮]
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她像她妈妈一样漂亮。
Translate to Chinese: 'This cake looks like a flower.'
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这个蛋糕像一朵花。
Write a sentence comparing two things using A 像 B (+ 一样).
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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.)
Hear It in Real Episodes
This pattern appears in 1 Fluentide episode:
Related Grammar Patterns
Acquire by listening
Hear A + 像 + B 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, no card.