ごとし (gotoshi)

Meaning & usage

ごとし is a classical simile word meaning 'like' or 'as if', used in literary or formal writing. It follows a noun, with ごとき modifying a following noun and ごとし ending the sentence, as in 人生は旅のごとし.

Example sentences 4

1. 光陰こういん矢やのごとし。若わかいうちに勉強べんきょうせよ。

   Time flies like an arrow; study while you are young.

2. 彼の決断は疾風のごとしで、迷いがなかった。

   His decisions were like a gale, with no hesitation at all.

3. 人生は旅のごとし。終わりなど誰にも分からぬ。

   Life is like a journey; no one knows how it will end.

4. 彼女の笑顔は春の日差しのごとし。

   Her smile is like the spring sunshine.