Both “ようだ” (you da) and “みたいだ” (mitai da) are used to express similarity or appearance, especially judgments on situations. but they have slightly different use in Japanese. When it comes to using them ようだ is more formally written while みたいだ (mitai da) is more used in casual speech.
- ようだ (you da):
- Usage: It indicates that something appears to be a certain way based on the speaker’s observation or inference.
- Example: 彼は疲れているようだ (Kare wa tsukarete iru you da) – It seems like he is tired.
- みたいだ (mitai da):
- Usage: It also indicates that something appears to be a certain way, but it implies that the speaker’s judgment is based on external cues or resemblance.
- Example: 彼は疲れているみたいだ (Kare wa tsukarete iru mitai da) – He looks tired (based on his appearance).
The key difference lies in the source of information.
“ようだ” focuses on the speaker’s own observation or inference, while “みたいだ” relies more on external cues or resemblance.
Please note that both phrases are used to express an inference or appearance, and their exact usage may vary depending on the context and speaker’s intention.
Example sentences for each phrase:
- ようだ (you da):
- 彼は怒っているようだ。 (Kare wa okotte iru you da.) It seems like he is angry.
- 雨が降りそうな空模様だ。 (Ame ga furisou na sora moyou da.) The sky looks like it’s going to rain.
- みたいだ (mitai da):
- 彼は疲れているみたいだ。 (Kare wa tsukarete iru mitai da.) He looks tired.
- その車は新しいみたいだ。 (Sono kuruma wa atarashii mitai da.) That car seems to be new.