"Similar to" can be translated to Japanese as "似ている" (niteiru) or "類似している" (ruiji shiteiru).

"〜にている" and "みたいだ" serve different purposes in Japanese.

1. 〜にている:
   • This expression is often used in a formal or written context. It indicates a state or condition and is similar to "being in" or "in the state of" in English.
   • Example: 勉強にている (benkyou ni teiru) - "I am studying."
2. みたいだ:
   • This expression is used to convey a sense of resemblance or similarity. It's similar to saying "seems like" or "looks like" in English.
   • Example: 雨が降りそうみたいだ (ame ga furisou mitai da) - "It looks like it's going to rain."

In summary, "〜にている" focuses on a state or condition, while "みたいだ" emphasizes similarity or appearance.