真似る
Meaning in Englishto mimic, to imitate
Animated kanji stroke order
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Word context
What it means
True to its meaning, 真似る means to imitate or mimic someone or something by copying their actions, style, or mannerisms; it describes intentionally reproducing another’s behavior, often for learning, entertainment, or social commentary, and it commonly appears in phrases like の真似をする.
Main meanings
- To imitate or copy someone or something, often for learning or entertainment
- To model one’s behavior or style after another person or thing
- To imitate for humorous or satirical effect, sometimes with a light or critical vibe
How to use it
Common in everyday language across casual and neutral registers; use with の真似をする or 〜の動作を真似る to indicate copying someone’s actions or style, and the construction often signals learning, play, or social commentary rather than formal or technical description.
Variants and close terms
- 模倣する (mohō suru) — imitate, copy
- 真似をする (mane o suru) — to imitate
- お手本にする (otehon ni suru) — to model after
- 似る (niru) — to resemble (related, not identical)
Composition
- 真: true, real
- 似: resemble
- る: verb ending
- Combined meaning: to imitate by making something resemble the original; expresses deliberate copying of actions or style
Etymology
真 true, real; 似 resemble; the compound conveys the notion of making something truly resemble the original, with the verb form 真似る evolving from the noun 真似 meaning imitation into a verb that denotes the act of imitation.
Word class
verb (godan)