好似

• Pinyin: hǎo sì
• Hanzi breakdown: 好 = 女 (woman) + 子 (child), meaning good; 似 = 亻 (person) + 以 (by), meaning to resemble

Meaning

To seem like; as if; as though. Indicating resemblance or comparison.

A more literary synonym of 好像 (like, seem). Used in formal writing, poetry, and elevated speech. Common collocations: 好似梦中 (as if in a dream), 好似仙境 (like a fairyland). Less common in casual conversation.

Examples

1. 夕阳下的湖面好似一面镜子，倒映着远处连绵的山峦。 Under the sunset, the lake's surface is like a mirror, reflecting the rolling mountains in the distance.
2. 她的笑容好似春风一般，让人感到温暖和舒适。 Her smile is like a spring breeze, making people feel warm and comfortable.
3. 时光飞逝，转眼间已经十年了，好似昨日的事情。 Time flies — in the blink of an eye it's been ten years, as if it were yesterday.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, poetry, description

Tone: elegant

Do Say

• 此情此景好似画中。(This scene is like something from a painting.)
• 她的歌声好似天籁。(Her singing is like heavenly music.)

Don't Say

• 日常口语中用好似 (In casual speech, use 好像 instead of the literary 好似)

Origin & History

Compound of 好 (good, very) + 似 (resemble, like). 好 here intensifies 似, creating 'very much like.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal