JLPT N1 ～かのように – As if… / Just like…

The Japanese grammar pattern ～かのように is used when comparing a situation to another in a figurative way. It often implies that something seems a certain way, although it’s not actually true. It is typically translated as “as if…” or “just like…”.

★ 1. Meaning & Nuance

• ～かのように = As if (something were true, even though it’s not)
• Used to describe how something appears or feels, often with exaggeration or imagination.
• Conveys a strong impression or assumption that differs from reality.

★ 2. Formation

★ 3. Example Sentences

• まるで 天使が現れたかのように、彼女は微笑んだ。
  She smiled as if an angel had appeared.
• 彼は何も知らないかのような態度を取った。
  He acted as if he knew nothing.
• その映画は、本当に起こったかのようだ。
  The movie felt as if it actually happened.
• 彼女は幽霊を見たかのように驚いていた。
  She looked shocked as if she had seen a ghost.

★ 4. Notes & Tips

• まるで is often used before this grammar for emphasis, like “just like” or “as if.”
• This expression is literary and often appears in novels, formal writing, or storytelling.
• Don’t confuse with ～ように, which is a more general comparative phrase. ～かのように expresses a stronger sense of unreality or contrast.

★ 5. Practice Exercises

▶ A. Fill in the blanks

1. 彼女はすべてを見ていた＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿話し始めた。
2. まるで過去に戻った＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿感じがした。
3. 彼の表情は罪を犯した＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿暗かった。

▶ B. Translate into Japanese

1. He spoke as if he had been there.
2. It seemed as if time had stopped.
3. She smiled as if nothing had happened.

▶ C. Make your own sentences

Write 2 original sentences using ～かのように to describe a surreal or exaggerated situation.

★ 6. Summary Table