As...As (像...一样)
像...一样
The pattern 像...一样 expresses that something is similar to or the same as something else, equivalent to "like" or "as...as" in English.
Pattern
A + 像 + B + 一样 + (Adjective)
Explanation
像...一样 is used to draw a comparison of similarity. 像 introduces the standard of comparison (what you are comparing to), and 一样 means "the same." Together they express that the subject resembles or is equal to the standard. An adjective or verb phrase can follow 一样 to specify in what way they are similar.
The basic pattern is: A 像 B 一样 + Adjective. For example, 她像她妈妈一样漂亮 means "She is as beautiful as her mother." You can also use it without a following adjective: 他像老师一样 simply means "He is like a teacher."
This pattern can be used for literal comparisons (comparing two real things) and figurative/metaphorical comparisons (similes). For similes, 像...一样 creates vivid imagery: 他跑得像风一样快 (He runs as fast as the wind). In negative form, use 不像...一样 or more commonly A 跟 B 不一样 to express dissimilarity.
Examples
她像她妈妈一样漂亮。
Tā xiàng tā māma yīyàng piàoliang.
She is as beautiful as her mother.
他像孩子一样开心。
Tā xiàng háizi yīyàng kāixīn.
He is as happy as a child.
时间像水一样流过去了。
Shíjiān xiàng shuǐ yīyàng liú guòqù le.
Time flowed past like water.
他说中文像中国人一样流利。
Tā shuō Zhōngwén xiàng Zhōngguórén yīyàng liúlì.
He speaks Chinese as fluently as a Chinese person.
Common Mistakes
Wrong
她像漂亮一样她妈妈。
Correct
她像她妈妈一样漂亮。
The comparison standard (B) must come between 像 and 一样. The adjective comes after 一样.
Wrong
他像比老师一样。
Correct
他像老师一样。
Do not combine 比 with 像...一样. 比 is for unequal comparison; 像...一样 is for similarity.
Wrong
她不像她妈妈一样不漂亮。
Correct
她不像她妈妈一样漂亮。
Put 不 before 像 to negate the comparison. Do not negate the adjective after 一样.
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