Indicates appearance or how something seems (e.g., 'it appears that...'); used to express conjecture based on appearance or evidence (often in forms like 'you da'/'you ni mieru').
彼は疲れているようだ。
He seems tired.
窓が割れているように見える。
It looks like the window is broken.
彼女は何かに驚いたようだ。
She seems to have been surprised by something.
Indicates a manner or method ('the way to...'); often used in instructions or to indicate how something should be done ('...so that...', 'in order to...'). Frequently appears after the -masu stem.
説明書に書いてあるように組み立ててください。
Please assemble it following how it's written in the manual.
忘れないようにメモをしておいた。
I wrote a note so I wouldn't forget.
Refers to the form, style, or appearance of something (its manner or design).
この建物は江戸時代の様式のような外観だ。
This building has an appearance like Edo-period style.
彼女は上品な様でパーティーに現れた。
She showed up at the party with an elegant appearance.
Expresses likeness or similarity ('like', 'similar to'); used after nouns (e.g., '...no you na').
子どものように笑う。
To laugh like a child.
この問題は前回のもののようだ。
This problem seems similar to the last one.
Refers to a thing, matter, or such (i.e., 'a thing like that'); often appears in phrases like 'such a thing' ('sonna you').
そんなような話は聞いたことがある。
I've heard stories like that before.