похож на vs такой как
pokhozh na vs takoy kak — similar to vs such as/like
Register: neutral
What it really means
Похож на means "similar to" or "looks like" and compares one specific person or thing with another. Похож takes на + accusative: похож на отца (looks like his father), похожа на маму (looks like her mother). Такой как means "such as," "like," or "of the kind that" and introduces an example or category: города такие как Москва (cities such as Moscow).
They answer different questions. Похож на asks whether two things resemble each other. Такой как says that the following item is an example of the type just mentioned. Do not use такой как when you mean physical resemblance.
Examples in natural speech
Он похож на своего отца.
He looks like his father.
Эта история похожа на правду.
This story sounds like the truth.
Мне нравятся фрукты, такие как яблоки и груши.
I like fruits such as apples and pears.
В городах, таких как Москва, много музеев.
In cities such as Moscow, there are many museums.
Твой брат совсем на тебя не похож.
Your brother doesn't look like you at all.
Нужен человек, такой как ты.
We need a person like you.
Common mistakes
Do not say "Он похож такой как отец" for he looks like his father; use похож на отца. Also remember agreement: похож, похожа, похоже, похожи. In такой как phrases, такой agrees with the category noun and the example’s case depends on its role.
Memory tip
Похож на compares resemblance; такой как introduces an example or type.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between похож на and такой как in Russian?
Похож на means similar to or looks like and compares two things. Такой как means such as or like and introduces an example or member of a category.
How do you say he looks like his father in Russian?
Say "Он похож на своего отца." Похож takes на plus the accusative case.
How do you say cities such as Moscow in Russian?
Say "города, такие как Москва." Такой agrees with plural города, and the phrase такой как introduces Moscow as an example.
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