словно vs будто

slovno vs budto — as if/as though vs as if

What it really means

Словно introduces an imagined comparison and often sounds more literary or vivid: «словно сон» is “like a dream.” Будто can do the same, but is more conversational and also introduces reported or doubted content. Both can introduce subordinate clauses or noun comparisons; their spelling is one word.

Examples in natural speech

Он словно не слышал вопроса.
He acted as if he had not heard the question.
Снег сверкал, словно серебро.
The snow glittered like silver.
Она будто ждала этого.
She seemed as if she had been waiting for this.
Будто кто-то постучал.
It sounded as if someone knocked.
В комнате было словно тихо перед бурей.
The room was quiet as if before a storm.

Common mistakes

Do not force словно into a plain factual report where будто or как будто is intended. Do not write «слов но» or confuse a comparison with a real causal clause; punctuation follows the comparison’s syntax.

Memory tip

Словно paints an image; будто leaves more room for conversational suspicion or reported appearance.

Frequently asked questions

Are словно and будто interchangeable in comparisons?

Often, but словно is more literary and image-focused, while будто is more ordinary and can also mark reported content.

Can словно take a noun without a verb?

Yes: «словно сон», «словно ребёнок» are compact comparisons, with the case form determined by the construction.

Does будто always need бы?

No. Plain будто is fully grammatical; будто бы is a related form that adds a more explicit hearsay or distancing nuance.

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