verb / conjunction HSK 4
like · as · as if · to be like · according to
Meaning
如 is a literary and formal word meaning 'like' or 'as' that appears frequently in written Chinese and set phrases. It compares one thing to another or indicates accordance with something. While less common in everyday spoken Mandarin than 像, it remains essential for understanding written Chinese and formal expressions.
Usage
如 appears most often in fixed phrases, idioms, and formal writing rather than casual speech. Common patterns include 如果 (if), 如此 (like this), 如何 (how), and 如同 (just like). It's also used in formal comparisons and classical expressions.
Examples
- 01如果明天下雨，我们就不去了。, .If it rains tomorrow, we won't go.
- 02她的笑容如阳光般温暖。.Her smile is as warm as sunshine.
Common collocations
- 如果if
- 如此so, like this
- 如何how, what about
- 如同just like
Antonyms
Origin
The character 如 originally depicted a woman with an open mouth, suggesting compliance or accordance. Its meaning evolved to express similarity and comparison.