What it means
じみた attaches to a noun and describes something as having the distinctive quality or appearance associated with that noun. It often conveys an unfavorable, exaggerated, or critical nuance, such as seeming overly sarcastic, childish, or theatrical. The form is mainly used before another noun, and it is more common in written or formal description than in casual conversation.
Usage note
じみた is not itself a polite form; politeness is expressed by the rest of the sentence, such as using でした instead of だった. It usually suggests more than a neutral resemblance, so do not automatically translate it as simple “like” without considering its critical or excessive nuance.
How to use it
彼の発言は皮肉じみたものでした。
His remark had a sarcastic quality.
彼の発言は皮肉じみたものだった。
His remark had a sarcastic quality.
Example sentences
彼の芝居じみた謝罪は、かえって会議の空気を重くした。
His theatrical apology only made the atmosphere in the meeting heavier.
新しい校則について、担当者の役人じみた説明では、生徒の不安は解消されなかった。
Regarding the new school rules, the staff member's bureaucratic explanation did not relieve the students' anxiety.