～ごとく (〜gotoku)
JLPT N1
Explanation
To seem like; as if; as though.
Formation
Verb-て + ごとく / Noun + の + ごとく
Detailed Explanation
The ～ごとく grammar point is used to express similarity or resemblance. It is quite formal/literary, meaning 'as if,' 'as though,' or 'like.' It can be used with verbs and nouns.
Examples
彼は鳥のごとく飛んでいるように見えた。
Kare wa tori no gotoku tonde iru you ni mieta.
He looked as though he was flying like a bird.
彼は死んだごとく眠っていた。
Kare wa shinda gotoku nemutte ita.
He was sleeping as though he were dead.
彼女はアイドルのごとく崇められている。
Kanojo wa aidoru no gotoku agamerarete iru.
She is revered as if she were an idol.
彼は風のごとく走った。
Kare wa kaze no gotoku hashitta.
He ran like the wind.
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.