как будто vs как

kak budto vs kak — as if/as though vs as/like/how

What it really means

Как будто means as if/as though and introduces an apparent, imagined, or comparison-like situation: он говорит, как будто всё знает. Как is much broader: how, as, like, when, or that; in comparisons it may be enough when no “as if” meaning is intended.

Как будто often suggests that the comparison is not literally true, though speakers also use it loosely in vivid description.

Examples in natural speech

Он смотрит, как будто не понимает.
He looks as if he does not understand.
Будто ничего не случилось.
As if nothing had happened.
Она поёт как профессионал.
She sings like a professional.
Я знаю, как это сделать.
I know how to do this.
Снег блестел, как серебро.
The snow shone like silver.

Common mistakes

Do not use как будто simply for a literal role or comparison: работать как врач means work as a doctor. Use как будто when you mean an appearance or “as though.”

Memory tip

Как compares directly; как будто adds “it seems as though.”

Frequently asked questions

Is будто related to как будто?

Yes, будто can also mean as if and is often shorter or more literary.

How do I say like a doctor?

Как врач, if the comparison or role is literal.

Can как будто introduce a clause?

Yes: как будто он устал.

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