What it means
みたいに means “like,” “similar to,” or “in the manner of.” It describes an action that resembles the behavior, appearance, or manner of a person or thing. It follows a noun directly, or it can follow a plain-form clause when the meaning is “just as” or “as if.” In a polite sentence, みたいに itself does not change; the main predicate receives the polite ending.
Usage note
みたいに is common in speech and informal writing, but it is less formal than ように. Use ように in especially formal writing or careful presentations. Do not add の after a noun before みたいに.
How to use it
私は猿みたいに木に登りました。
I climbed a tree like a monkey.
先生が教えたみたいに、私は紙を折りました。
I folded the paper the way the teacher taught.
私は猿みたいに木に登った。
I climbed a tree like a monkey.
先生が教えたみたいに、私は紙を折った。
I folded the paper the way the teacher taught.
Example sentences
姉みたいに料理を上手に作れるようになりました。
I have become able to cook well like my older sister.
先生みたいに、きれいな字を書きたいです。
I want to write neat characters like my teacher.
ロボットみたいに正確に動く掃除機を買いました。
I bought a vacuum cleaner that moves as precisely as a robot.
鳥みたいに自由に