〜ごとき

〜ごとき expresses like / such as (dismissive) — a pattern for making comparisons in Japanese. Comparing items, qualities, and degrees works differently in Japanese than in English, with specific particles and patterns for different types of comparison.

This is a highly advanced pattern found mainly in literary works, formal speeches, legal documents, and academic writing. It is rarely used in casual conversation.

When to Use#

• When belittling or dismissing something as insignificant
• When comparing something in a contemptuous or literary way

When NOT to Use#

• In casual conversation — this sounds literary or stiff; use a simpler expression

Example Sentences#

• そのような予備的観察ごとき、出版に値しません。 — Such preliminary observations are not worthy of publication.
• 腐敗は病のごとく、社会の基盤を蝕んでいきます。 — Corruption, like a disease, erodes the foundation of society.
• 彼の偽善は毒のごとく、組織全体を汚染しました。 — His hypocrisy, like poison, contaminated the entire organization.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

Common Mistakes#

1. Using 〜ごとき in casual conversation — This pattern sounds overly formal or literary in casual speech. Reserve it for formal writing, presentations, or situations that call for elevated language.
2. Direct translation from English — The concept expressed by 〜ごとき may not map one-to-one with its English translation. Focus on understanding the Japanese usage through example sentences rather than relying on the English gloss.

Related Patterns#

• 〜ようだ (seems / looks like) — Next step