Translation guide
This guide covers how to express that two or more things are similar in Japanese, from casual to formal, and from general resemblance to specific shared characteristics.
To say that two things are similar in a broad sense, without specifying how.
The most common and versatile way to say 'be similar'. Used for appearance, character, or nature. Often used in the progressive form 似ている rather than 似る.
この二つの絵はとても似ている。
These two pictures are very similar.
He resembles his father.
The dictionary form of 'resemble'. Less common in everyday speech than 似ている, but used in formal or written contexts.
その双子は顔がよく似る。
The twins look very much alike.
Emphasizes a strong similarity. 'Very similar' or 'look a lot alike'.
あの兄弟はよく似ているね。
Those brothers look a lot alike, don't they?
Means 'identical' or 'spitting image'. Stronger than 似ている, often used for striking resemblance.
彼女は母親にそっくりだ。
She is the spitting image of her mother.
To express that things share similar characteristics, properties, or qualities.
Used when multiple things share common traits or patterns. Slightly formal.
彼らの意見は似通っている。
Their opinions are similar.
Means 'have in common'. Focuses on shared aspects rather than overall resemblance.
この二つの問題は多くの点で共通している。
These two problems are similar in many respects.
Formal term for 'similar', often used in technical or legal contexts.
この製品は既存のものと類似している。
This product is similar to existing ones.
To say that words, concepts, or roles are alike.
Means 'synonymous' or 'equivalent in meaning'. Used for words or expressions.
この二つの言葉はほぼ同義である。
These two words are almost synonymous.
A straightforward way to say 'similar in meaning'.
この二つの単語は意味が似ている。
These two words have similar meanings.
To describe physical resemblance or analogous structure.
Literally 'the shape is similar'. Used for objects, designs, etc.
この雲は犬の形に似ている。
This cloud is shaped like a dog.
Mathematical term for 'similar' (geometry). Also used in formal descriptions of shape.
この二つの三角形は相似している。
These two triangles are similar.
To compare quantities, levels, or extents.
Means 'about the same (degree/amount)'. Used with adjectives or verbs.
彼は私と同じくらい背が高い。
He is about as tall as I am.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'they're pretty much the same' or 'there's not much difference'. Often used dismissively.
どっちを選んでも似たようなものだよ。
Whichever you choose, it's pretty much the same.
似ている is a general 'similar', while そっくりだ means 'identical' or 'spitting image'. Use そっくりだ for striking resemblance, especially in appearance.
彼はお父さんに似ている。
He looks like his father.
彼はお父さんにそっくりだ。
He is the spitting image of his father.
類似している is very formal and can sound stiff in everyday conversation. Stick to 似ている or 似通っている for most situations.