Translation guide
The English word 'alike' is used to say that two or more things are similar. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives, adverbs, and sentence patterns depending on whether you are describing similarity in appearance, nature, or manner. The most common ways include using 似ている (niteiru) for resemblance, 同じ (onaji) for sameness, and 同様 (dōyō) for formal similarity. Learners should be careful not to directly translate 'alike' as a single word, as Japanese often uses verbs or adjectives instead.
To say that two or more people or things look or seem similar.
This is the most common and natural way to say 'alike' when referring to resemblance in appearance or character. It is the te-form of 似る (niru), used to describe a state of being similar.
Those two are really alike.
These twins look very much alike.
An adverb meaning 'exactly alike' or 'spitting image'. Used for strong resemblance, often in casual speech.
He is the spitting image of his father. (He and his father look exactly alike.)
A more formal or literary way to say 'resemble each other' or 'be alike'. Often used in written language.
Their opinions are alike.
To say that things are identical or share the same characteristics.
Means 'same' or 'identical'. Used when things are not just similar but essentially the same. Can be used as an adjective or adverb.
We think alike. (lit. We have the same thoughts.)
These two cars are almost alike (the same).
A formal word meaning 'similar' or 'alike'. Often used in written or business contexts.
Means 'equal' or 'equivalent'. Used for mathematical or logical equality, or when things are exactly alike in value or quantity.
To say that actions are done in the same way.
To say that two or more people or things share a characteristic or action.
Pattern meaning 'A and B are alike/the same'. Used to emphasize that both are equal in some respect.
The older brother and the younger brother are alike.
Pattern meaning 'both A and B are similar/alike'. Focuses on resemblance.
Cats and tigers are alike.
Do not try to translate 'alike' as a single Japanese word in all contexts. English uses 'alike' as an adjective or adverb, but Japanese often uses verbs like 似る or adjectives like 同じ. For example, 'They look alike' is naturally 似ている, not a direct translation of 'alike'.
似ている (niteiru) means 'resemble' or 'look similar', implying similarity but not identity. 同じ (onaji) means 'the same', implying no difference. Use 似ている for appearance or vague similarity, and 同じ for exact sameness.
These two pictures are alike, but not the same.
結果は前回と同様だった。
The results were alike (similar) to the previous ones.
この二つの量は等しい。
These two quantities are alike (equal).
This rule applies alike to other cases.