Like/Similar To (처럼/같이)

처럼 and 같이 both mean 'like' or 'similar to' and are largely interchangeable. They attach to nouns to create simile expressions: 꽃처럼 예뻐요 (pretty like a flower), 아이같이 순수해요 (innocent like a child).

While their basic meaning is the same, there are subtle differences. 처럼 is slightly more common in writing and tends to feel more literary. 같이 is versatile and also means 'together' in other contexts (같이 가요 = let's go together), so context matters. When modifying the following expression, both work equally well.

처럼/같이 can also follow verb clauses in the pattern -(으)ㄴ/는 것처럼/같이: 모르는 것처럼 행동했어요 (acted as if not knowing). This usage creates 'as if' or 'like' comparisons and is frequently tested on TOPIK exams.