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犹如 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
犹如yóurúsimilar toHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, rank #11471, Hard
犹如yóurúappearing to beHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, rank #11471, Hard
yóurú(you2ru2)you ru T2
  1. 1similar to
  2. 2appearing to be
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March 24, 2026

犹如(猶如)yóurú(you2ru2)

犹如 (yóu rú) is used to express similarity or comparison, often translated as 'similar to' or 'as if.' It is commonly used in both formal and literary contexts to draw parallels between two subjects, emphasizing resemblance and likeness.

Strokes13Frequency#11471DifficultyHard
Cultural note

In Chinese literature and poetry, the use of 犹如 is prevalent, reflecting the culture's appreciation for metaphorical language and vivid imagery. It often appears in classical texts and modern prose to enhance the expressive quality of writing.

Memory tip

Think of 犹 (yóu) as a dog (犭 radical) that is as loyal as a friend. Like a loyal friend, it shows a resemblance (如, rú) to someone you trust. Imagine a dog that behaves just like its owner, highlighting the concept of similarity.

Meanings of 犹如

yóurú(you2ru2)
1similar to
2appearing to be
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 犹如

犹如Simplified
猶如Traditional
13Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#11471Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 犹如

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Podcast: 犹如

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AI study notes for 犹如

Quick Contrast

如同 vs 犹如: Use 犹如 to emphasize a more formal or literary comparison, while 如同 is more commonly used in everyday speech.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 犹如 with just any comparative phrase; it carries a more poetic tone. It's often used in writing, speeches, and formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include 犹如...般 (as if...), indicating a strong comparison.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 犹如 connects with other advanced vocabulary that deals with comparisons and descriptions. Focus on using it in complex sentences to refine your understanding of nuanced comparisons.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 犹如 by using it in overly casual contexts. For example, saying '他犹如很忙' (He is similar to very busy) is incorrect; instead, say '他犹如很忙碌' (He seems very busy).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 犹如

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Component characters

犹yóuas if
7 strokes犭
View full entry
如rúas
HSK 56 strokes女
View full entry

How to say similar to in Chinese

“similar to” in Chinese is犹如yóurú

犹如 (yóu rú) is used to express similarity or comparison, often translated as 'similar to' or 'as if.' It is commonly used in both formal and literary contexts to draw parallels between two subjects, emphasizing resemblance and likeness.

When to use 犹如

Be careful not to confuse 犹如 with just any comparative phrase; it carries a more poetic tone. It's often used in writing, speeches, and formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include 犹如...般 (as if...), indicating a strong comparison.

犹如 or something close to it

如同 vs 犹如: Use 犹如 to emphasize a more formal or literary comparison, while 如同 is more commonly used in everyday speech.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 犹如 by using it in overly casual contexts. For example, saying '他犹如很忙' (He is similar to very busy) is incorrect; instead, say '他犹如很忙碌' (He seems very busy).

Write 犹如

犹
如

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Grammar patterns of 犹如

犹如 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

最后上完蜡后,它看起来____缎子般光滑亮泽。

The final stage of waxing left it with a satin sheen.

Example sentences for 犹如 (7)

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1
最后上完蜡后,它看起来犹如缎子般光滑亮泽。

zuìhòu shàng wán là hòu, tā kànqǐlai yóurú duàn zi bān guānghuá liàng zé。

The final stage of waxing left it with a satin sheen.
2
他说人们谈起解雇犹如在讲恐怖故事。

tā shuō rénmen tán qǐ jiěgù yóurú zài jiǎng kǒngbù gùshi。

He described talk of sackings as scare stories.
3
她双唇努起犹如一朵玫瑰花蕾,在他的鼻子上吻了一下。

tā shuāng chún nǔ qǐ yóurú yī duǒ méigui huālěi, zài tā de bízi shàng wěn le yíxià。

She puckered her lips into a rosebud and kissed him on the nose.
4
斯塔维桑有锦绣前程, 这前程犹如一朵未被采摘的花朵,娇容无损,摇曳多姿.

Sī tǎ wéi Sāng yǒu jǐn xiù qiánchéng, zhè qiánchéng yóurú yī duǒ wèi bèi cǎizhāi de huāduǒ, jiāo róng wú sǔn, yáo yè duō zī.

Stuyvesant had his career before him , untouched and quivering, like a still ungathered flower.
5
他的双眼深不见底,犹如两湾棕色的深潭。

tā de shuāng yǎn shēn bújiàn de, yóurú liǎng wān zōngsè de shēn tán。

His eyes were like bottomless brown pools.
6
掌声犹如给她注射了一支强心剂.

zhǎngshēng yóurú gěi tā zhùshè le yī zhī jiàng xīn jì.

The applause acted on her like a shot of adrenaline.
7
狗惊慌万状, 犹如关在圈里的牲口,吓得转着圈乱蹦乱踢.

gǒu jīnghuāng wàn zhuàng, yóurú guān zài juān lǐ de shēng kǒu, hè de zhuǎi zhe juān luàn bèng luàn tī.

Fear - stricken, the dog turned and flurried like an animal in a pen.

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Cultural Notes for 犹如

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, similes are often straightforward and less poetic, while in Chinese, comparisons like 犹如 carry deeper connotations and often invoke imagery or emotion.

Frequently asked questions about 犹如

It's more appropriate for formal writing or speeches; in casual conversation, simpler comparisons are preferred.

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