A 如 B
as (adjective) as B; a compact written simile
Structure
主语 ＋ 形容词 ＋ 如 ＋ 比喻的事物
What it means
A compact written simile, “as (adjective) as B”. 如 is the written 像, and the result is often a tight four-character phrase.
How it is built
Subject + adjective + 如 + thing compared: 一根丝线细如发丝 (a silk thread is as fine as a hair). 细如发丝 = 像头发丝一样细.
When to use it
Descriptive writing, set phrases and headlines: 薄如蝉翼, 白如玉，明如镜, 心急如焚, 坚如磐石, 轻如鸿毛. In speech use 像……一样 + adjective instead.
Watch out
Adjective first, then 如. ✗ 如发丝细 ✓ 细如发丝. Don’t mix the two patterns: ✗ 细如发丝一样 ✓ 细如发丝 or 像发丝一样细.
Examples
一根丝线本来就细如发丝。
A silk thread is already as fine as a hair.
绣娘在薄如蝉翼的纱上飞针走线。
The embroiderers ply their needles on gauze as thin as a cicada’s wing.
远远望去，那朵绣出来的荷花颜色淡如烟，走近了才看清一片片花瓣。
From a distance the embroidered lotus is as pale as mist; only up close can you make out each petal.
Learn this in Lesson 237 · HSK 9+: 苏绣 (Suzhou embroidery)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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