Meaning & usage
ごとし expresses a literary comparison meaning like or as if, often used in proverbs, formal writing, and set phrases to describe something resembling something else. It follows a noun with の, as in 矢のごとし, with three related shapes: ごとし to end a sentence, ごとく as an adverb, and ごとき before a noun. It can also be written 如し, 如く, or 如き, and sounds stiff and old fashioned in everyday speech.
Example sentences 6
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光陰矢のごとしと言うのをよく耳にする。
We often hear it said that time flies.
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サッカー界に新たなスターが彗星のごとく現れた。
A new star has appeared like a comet in the soccer world.
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なんじの隣人をおのれのごとく愛すべし。
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
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彼は湯水のごとくお金を使っていた。
He spent money like it grows on trees.
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我らに負債ある者を我らの免したる如く、我らの負債をも免し給へ。
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
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人生は夢の如し。
Life is like a dream.
