In Turkish, both Gibi and Kadar are used to relate two things. However, there is a subtle logical difference between "Likeness" and "Equality."
Gibi (Meaning: Like / As)
It is primarily used for Likeness or Resemblance. It describes how someone acts or looks by comparing them to something else.
Usage: Descriptive similes, metaphors, and styles.
Example: Murat bebek gibi uyuyor (Murat sleeps like a baby).
Kadar (Meaning: As much as / As ... as)
It is primarily used for Equality in Quantity or Degree. It compares measurements like height, weight, amount, or intensity.
Usage: Measurements, scales, and equal degrees of a quality.
Example: Senin kadar çalışkan (As hardworking as you).
Practical Examples:
Turkish Sentence | English Translation | Note |
Demir gibi güçlü | Strong like iron | Simile (Quality) |
Onun kadar uzun | As tall as him | Comparison (Height) |
Yağmur gibi yağıyor | Raining like rain (pouring) | Simile (Style) |
Altın kadar değerli | As valuable as gold | Comparison (Value) |
Melek gibi bir insan | A person like an angel | Simile (Character) |