Translation guide
The English idiom 'birds of a feather flock together' means people with similar interests, character, or background tend to associate. This guide covers how to express this concept naturally in Japanese.
Express the idea that people with similar traits or interests naturally come together.
A well-known Japanese proverb meaning 'like calls to like.' It directly corresponds to 'birds of a feather flock together.'
They became friends right away. Birds of a feather flock together, huh.
A slightly more literal expression meaning 'to gather by kind.' Less common than 類は友を呼ぶ but still understood.
People with the same hobbies naturally gathered. Like attracts like.
A classical Chinese-derived expression meaning 'same kinds seek each other.' Very literary and rarely used in daily conversation.
Similar people always gather around him. Truly, like seeks like.
Refer to a group of people who are alike in character, interests, or behavior.
Means 'similar people' or 'two of a kind.' Often used to describe a pair or group that shares traits.
Those two are really birds of a feather.
A noun meaning 'same kind' or 'similar type.' Can be used neutrally or negatively depending on context.
Explain that people are compatible because they share interests or personality.
Means 'to get along well' or 'to be compatible.' Often used to describe why similar people become friends.
I get along with him. (We're birds of a feather.)
Literally 'wavelengths match.' A slightly more metaphorical way to say people are on the same page.
Even though we just met, we clicked. (We're birds of a feather.)
類は友を呼ぶ is a proverb describing the phenomenon, while 似た者同士 describes the people themselves. Use the proverb when making a general statement, and 似た者同士 when pointing out specific people.
They say birds of a feather flock together, and it's really true.
Those two are birds of a feather.
Do not translate 'birds of a feather' literally as 羽の鳥 (はねのとり). It will not be understood. Use the proverbs or phrases above.
I knew we'd be friends. Birds of a feather, right?
They're all birds of a feather, always gossiping together.
Literally 'badgers from the same hole.' An idiom meaning people who are alike, often with a negative connotation (partners in crime). Use carefully.
Often implies they are up to no good together. Not neutral.
Those guys are birds of a feather (in a negative sense).
彼も同類だと思った。
I thought he was a bird of a feather too.