The Meaning of maneru [真似る] In Japanese

真似る
まねる
Romaji: maneru N5

What does 真似る mean?

Translation and Meaning

to imitate, to mimic, to copy

Definition

True to its meaning, 真似る means to imitate or mimic someone or something by copying their actions, style, or mannerisms; it describes intentionally reproducing another’s behavior, often for learning, entertainment, or social commentary, and it commonly appears in phrases like の真似をする.

Type

verb (godan)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • To imitate or copy someone or something, often for learning or entertainment
  • To model one’s behavior or style after another person or thing
  • To imitate for humorous or satirical effect, sometimes with a light or critical vibe

Etymology

真 true, real; 似 resemble; the compound conveys the notion of making something truly resemble the original, with the verb form 真似る evolving from the noun 真似 meaning imitation into a verb that denotes the act of imitation.

Composition

  • 真: true, real
  • 似: resemble
  • る: verb ending
  • Combined meaning: to imitate by making something resemble the original; expresses deliberate copying of actions or style

Usage

Common in everyday language across casual and neutral registers; use with の真似をする or 〜の動作を真似る to indicate copying someone’s actions or style, and the construction often signals learning, play, or social commentary rather than formal or technical description.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: true + resemble equals imitate—picture mirroring someone so perfectly that it looks truly like the original.

Variations

  • 模倣する (mohō suru) — imitate, copy
  • 真似をする (mane o suru) — to imitate
  • お手本にする (otehon ni suru) — to model after
  • 似る (niru) — to resemble (related, not identical)

Example Phrases

  • 私は友達の話し方を真似るのが好きだ。
    Watashi wa tomodachi no hanashikata o maneru no ga suki da.
    I like to imitate my friend’s way of speaking.
    Lista:
    • 私は (watashi wa) – direct translation in en
    • 友達の (tomodachi no) – direct translation in en
    • 話し方を (hanashikata o) – direct translation in en
    • 真似る (maneru) – direct translation in en
    • のが (no ga) – direct translation in en
    • 好きだ (suki da) – direct translation in en
    O verbo 「真似る」 significa ‘imitar’; aqui ele funciona com o objeto marcado pelo を: 友達の話し方を真似る = imitar o jeito de falar do amigo. A expressão のが好きだ indica que se gosta de fazer isso.
真似る