まるで

• Reading: まるで
• Romaji: marude
• Kanji breakdown: 丸 (maru) — circle, whole, complete (kanji form 丸で is rarely used)
• Pronunciation: /ma.ɾɯ.de/

Meaning

As if; as though; just like. Used for vivid comparisons and similes.

An adverb typically paired with ようだ, みたいだ, or のようだ to create similes: まるで夢のようだ (it is just like a dream), まるで子どものように (just like a child). Can also mean 'completely/utterly' in negative contexts: まるで分からない (I have no idea at all). Essential for descriptive and literary expression.

Examples

1. まるで映画のワンシーンのような景色だった。 The scenery looked just like a scene from a movie.
2. 彼女はまるで何も知らないかのように振る舞った。 She acted as if she didn't know anything.
3. この料理はまるでプロが作ったみたいだ。 This dish tastes like a professional made it.

Usage Guide

Context: narrative, conversation, literature

Tone: descriptive

Origin & History

Written in kanji as 丸で, from 丸 (maru, circle/whole/complete). The sense of 'completely/wholly' evolved into the comparative 'just as if' — something that completely resembles another.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal