「What does it look like?」と「How does it look?」の違い｜like と how の使い分け
“What does he look like?”
“How does he look?”
These two questions sound similar, but the meaning is different.
The good news: there is a very simple rule.
The Main Idea
- What... like → description (facts)
- How... → opinion (your feeling)
Think:
- like = describe
- how = evaluate (give your opinion)
1. Look (Appearance)
What does he look like? → description
You describe the person. Give facts.
- “He’s tall and has short black hair.”
- “She has glasses and a friendly smile.”
How does he look? → opinion
You give your feeling or judgement.
- “He looks tired.”
- “She looks great!”
Difference:
- What...like? = “Tell me about his appearance.”
- How...? = “What do youthink about his appearance?”
2. Taste (Food)
What does it taste like? → description
You compare or describe the taste.
- “It tastes like chicken.”
- “It tastes like green tea.”
How does it taste? → opinion
You say if it’s good or bad.
- “It tastes good.”
- “It tastes a bit strange.”
Difference:
- What...like? = “What is it similar to?”
- How...? = “Do you like it?”
3. Feel (Touch / Experience)
What does it feel like? → description
You describe the feeling.
- “It feels like silk.” (very smooth)
- “It feels like sand.”
How does it feel? → opinion
You give your reaction.
- “It feels nice.”
- “It feels uncomfortable.”
Difference:
- What...like? = describe the feeling
- How...? = give your opinion
Simple Pattern (Very Important)
You can use this pattern again and again:
- What does it ___ like? → description
- How does it ___? → opinion
Examples:
- look
- taste
- feel
This helps you speak more naturally in many situations.
Why This Matters
We want to give the correcttype of answer to the question.
Example:
- “How does he look?” → I will give my opinion
- “What does he look like?” → I will describe him
What Not to Say
- ✘ “How does he look like?”
✔ “What does he look like?”
✔ “How does he look?”
- ✘ “What does it taste?” (no like)
✔ “What does it taste like?”
✔ “How does it taste?”
- ✘ “How does it feel like?”
✔ “What does it feel like?”
✔ “How does it feel?”
Quick Practice
Choose the best option.
1. You want a description of a person:
→ “______ does he look like?”
a) What
b) How
2. You want an opinion about food:
→ “______ does it taste?”
a) What
b) How
3. You touch something for the first time:
→ “What does it ______ like?”
a) feel
b) feels
4. Your friend tries new food:
→ “How ______ it taste?”
a) do
b) does
5. You want to compare a drink:
→ “What does it taste ______?”
a) like
b) as
Final Thought
Keep this simple rule in mind:
- What ... like? → describe
- How ... ? → give your opinion
This small difference helps you ask clearer questions and give correct answers.
Once you learn this pattern, you can use it with many verbs (not just look, taste, and feel).
Answers:
1) a
2) b
3) a
4) b
5) a