〜ごとき
Formation
Meaning
Indicates similarity or comparison. When following a person's name or a first-person pronoun, it often expresses contempt (belittling) or humility (belittling oneself). It is a formal and literary expression.
Note
A formal and literary expression used for metaphors, comparisons, or examples. 'Gotoku' functions as an adverb, 'gotoshi' as a predicate at the end of a sentence, and 'gotoki' as an adjective modifying a noun. When following a person's name or a first-person pronoun, it often expresses contempt (belittling) or humility (belittling oneself).
Examples
まるで夢であるかのごとき体験だった。
It was an experience as if it were a dream.
あたかも走馬灯を眺めるが如く、記憶が駆け巡った。
Past memories swept through my mind as if I were looking at a revolving lantern.
主が命じるが如し。
It is as the Lord commands.
月日は流れるが如く過ぎ去った。
Days and months passed as if they were flowing.
私のごとき未熟な者に、このような大役は務まりません。
Such a major role is too much for an immature person like me.
風のごとく走り去った。
It ran away like the wind.
光陰矢のごとし。
Time flies like an arrow.
人生は朝露の如し。
Life is like the morning dew.