も同然だVirtually; as good as
も同然だ says that something is not literally identical to a stronger state, but the remaining difference is practically unimportant. It often corresponds to “virtually,” “practically,” or “as good as” and gives the judgment force.
How the judgment works
The speaker first recognizes that the literal facts fall short of some stronger state, then judges that the difference no longer matters for the present purpose. The context should make both sides clear: what is still technically incomplete, and why it can nevertheless be treated as complete.
Noun and verb patterns
With a noun, the construction assigns practical or social status. With a past verb, it treats a result as virtually reached.
彼は十年来の友人で、もう家族も同然だ。
He has been my friend for ten years and is practically family now.
AnalyzeHe is not literally a relative, but the relationship is treated as socially equivalent to family.
必要な書類はすべて提出した。あとは承認を待つだけなので、手続きは終わったも同然だ。
All the necessary documents have been submitted. Since all that remains is to wait for approval, the procedure is as good as finished.
AnalyzeApproval is still pending, so the procedure is not literally over.
Negative form
休暇中も毎日仕事の連絡に対応していて、休んでいないも同然だ。
I have been dealing with work messages every day of my vacation, so it is practically as if I have not taken any time off.
AnalyzeSome rest may technically have occurred, but it was too limited to count as a real vacation.
Sameness and natural outcomes
と同じ makes an ordinary comparison, while も同然だ says forcefully that a remaining difference can be ignored. By contrast, て当然だ means that an outcome is natural, expected, or deserved; it does not equate that outcome with another state.
More examples
彼女は幼い頃から一緒に育ったので、姉も同然だ。
We grew up together from childhood, so she is practically a sister to me.
Analyze返事を一か月も放置したのだから、断ったも同然だ。
Leaving the message unanswered for a whole month was practically the same as refusing.
Analyze毎月の返済で給料がほとんど残らず、ただ働きも同然だ。
The monthly repayments leave almost none of my salary, so I am practically working for nothing.
Analyze地図も通信手段もない山中では、助けを呼べないも同然だ。
Deep in the mountains without a map or any means of communication, you are virtually unable to call for help.
Analyze最大のライバルが敗退した今、彼は優勝したも同然だ。
Now that his greatest rival has been eliminated, he is as good as the winner.
Analyze奨学金の採用通知が届き、留学の夢はかなったも同然だ。
The scholarship acceptance notice has arrived, so the dream of studying abroad is as good as fulfilled.
Analyze