What it means
〇〇ごとき is a formal, literary expression meaning “something like 〇〇,” “as if 〇〇,” or, after a noun, “someone or something as insignificant as 〇〇.” It presents the comparison as elevated, rhetorical, or deliberately distancing rather than casual. A noun may be followed directly by ごとき, especially when expressing humility or contempt, while のごとき and かのごとき are used in descriptive comparisons and hypothetical appearances.
Usage note
ごとき is uncommon in ordinary conversation and can sound literary, dramatic, contemptuous, or self-deprecating. The direct pattern nounごとき often belittles the noun, whereas nounのごとき and clauseかのごとき more typically express an elevated comparison or an “as if” appearance.
How to use it
私ごときがその役を務めるのは不適切です。
It is inappropriate for someone like me to serve in that role.
これは夢のごとき光景でした。
This was a scene like a dream.
彼はすべてを知っているかのごとき口調で語りました。
He spoke in a tone as if he knew everything.
私ごときがその役を務めるのは不適切だ。
It is inappropriate for someone like me to serve in that role.
これは夢のごとき光景だった。
This was a scene like a dream.
彼はすべてを知っているかのごとき口調で語った。
He spoke in a tone as if he knew everything.
Example sentences
夜明け前、港には、海そのものが怒り狂ったかのごとき轟音が響き渡った。
Before dawn, a roar as if the sea itself had become enraged reverberated through the harbor.
彼女は十年も研究してきたかのごとき落ち着きで、初めての実験を進