Keywords: yóurú, 犹如, as if, just like, similar to, to seem like, Chinese simile, Chinese literary language, 犹如 meaning, how to use yóurú, 犹如 vs 好像, Chinese formal language, HSK 6 vocabulary.
Summary: Discover the meaning of 犹如 (yóurú), a formal and literary Chinese term used to say “as if” or “just like.” This page breaks down how to use 犹如 to create beautiful, vivid similes in writing and formal speech. Learn the difference between 犹如 and more common words like `好像 (hǎoxiàng)`, explore its cultural significance in Chinese literature, and master its usage with practical examples.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): yóurú
Part of Speech: Verb, Conjunction
HSK Level: HSK 6
Concise Definition: To be just like; as if; similar to.
In a Nutshell:犹如 (yóurú) is the “poetic” or “black-tie” version of “like” or “as if”. It's a sophisticated word used to make elegant and powerful comparisons. You'll find it in novels, song lyrics, and formal speeches, but almost never in casual, everyday conversation. Using 犹如 elevates a comparison from a simple observation to a striking, literary simile.
Character Breakdown
犹 (yóu): While this character most commonly means “still” or “yet,” it has a classical meaning of “to be like” or “similar to.” Think of it as setting up