like, as if, the same as
~
This form is used at the end of a sentence to state that something is like or resembles something else. It acts like an archaic adjective and means is like or is as if.
Noun + の +
Used to directly compare a subject to a noun, stating it is like that noun.
時間は矢の
Time is like an arrow.
Verb Casual Non-Past Form + が or かの +
Used with a verb in its casual non-past form to state that a situation is as if the action were happening. You can use either が or かの to connect them.
火が燃えるが
It is as if a fire is burning.
雪が舞うかの
It is as if snow is dancing.
This grammar point is highly literary and mostly used in writing, poetry, or fixed idioms. In modern spoken Japanese, みたい or ようだ is used instead.
~
This is the adverbial form, meaning it is used to modify verbs or adjectives. It describes how an action is performed, translating to doing something like or as if.
Noun + の or かの +
Connects a noun comparison to a following verb. Adding かの adds a stronger nuance of as if it were.
彼は風の
He ran away like the wind.
氷かの
To get cold as if it were ice.
When modifying a verb,
~
This form is used when the comparison directly modifies another noun, translating to a noun that is like another noun or verb.
Noun + の or かの +
Compares the following noun to the preceding noun. Either の or かの can be used.
花の
A scent like a flower
夢かの
Time as if it were a dream
Verb Casual Non-Past Form + が or かの +
Describes the following noun as if a certain action were occurring. Uses either が or かの.
空を飛ぶが
A speed as if flying in the sky
星が降るかの
A night as if stars are falling
Noun + である + が or かの +
A slightly more formal variant comparing two nouns by asserting as if it is the first noun.
神であるが
A power as if one were a god
王であるかの
An attitude as if one were a king