# What is equivalent query as SQL LIKE clause? **URL:** \ **Category:** Elasticsearch\ **Created:** [December 16, 2016, 7:59am UTC](https://discuss.elastic.co/t/what-is-equivalent-query-as-sql-like-clause/69258 "2016-12-16T07:59:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![tanimoto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/dec6dc/32.png) [@tanimoto](https://discuss.elastic.co/u/tanimoto)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2016, 7:59am UTC](https://discuss.elastic.co/t/what-is-equivalent-query-as-sql-like-clause/69258/1 "2016-12-16T07:59:40Z")
I'm comparing ES search results with SQL. ES version is 2.4.2. Is there exactly same query with SQL LIKE clause? I use wildcatd with \* but it returns lots of similar words, not only exact partial match. I'm using it in Japanese. ---
**Author:** ![dadoonet](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/elastic/user_avatar/discuss.elastic.co/dadoonet/32/137187_2.png) [@dadoonet](https://discuss.elastic.co/u/dadoonet)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2016, 8:28am UTC](https://discuss.elastic.co/t/what-is-equivalent-query-as-sql-like-clause/69258/2 "2016-12-16T08:28:46Z")
You need to understand first how elasticsearch is working behind the scene. I'd encourage you reading [https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/elasticsearch/guide/current/mapping-analysis.html](https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/elasticsearch/guide/current/mapping-analysis.html) Then, don't use wildcard unless you really have a use case for it. Use match queries and provide the right analyzer for your use case. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/elastic/original/3X/1/a/1ac57faf039f6b580b3f104ef42a2a89e41014de.png) [@system](https://discuss.elastic.co/u/system)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2017, 8:28am UTC](https://discuss.elastic.co/t/what-is-equivalent-query-as-sql-like-clause/69258/3 "2017-01-13T08:28:45Z")
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