似 (sì) - to resemble & to be similar to

似Tone 4

sì ｜ 6 strokes ｜ radical: 亻

树檀

似 · sì

to resemble;

to be similar to;

to seem;

to appear as if;

used in comparisons.

to resembleto be similar toto seem

Usage highlights

SimilarSeemResembleAs ifApproximateLikeness

Synonyms

  • 像— to resemble; to be like
  • 如— like; as
  • 类— kind; type; similar

Antonyms

  • 异— different; dissimilar
  • 非— not; non-

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The twins look very similar (相似).
  • It seems like it's going to rain (似乎要下雨).
  • He acts as if he owns the place (好似他是主人).

Collocations

  • Similar(相似)
  • Seem(似乎)
  • Resemble(类似)
  • As if(好似)
  • Approximate(近似)
  • Likeness(神似)

Idioms

  • As if seeing an old friend(似曾相识)
  • Neither human nor ghost(人不像人，鬼不像鬼)
  • Resembling yet not truly being(似是非是)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Used extensively in classical Chinese poetry and prose to draw comparisons and create imagery.
  • The concept of 'semblance' (似) is important in Chinese art, where capturing the 'spirit' (神似) is often valued over mere formal likeness (形似).

FAQ