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.'
彼らはすぐに仲良くなった。類は友を呼ぶんだね。
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.
趣味が同じ人たちが自然と集まった。類をもって集まるものだ。
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.
彼の周りにはいつも似た者同士が集まる。まさに同類相求むだ。
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.
あの二人は本当に似た者同士だね。
Those two are really birds of a feather.
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.
あいつらは同じ穴の狢だよ。
Those guys are birds of a feather (in a negative sense).
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.
彼とは気が合うんだ。
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.
初めて会ったのに波長が合った。
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.
類は友を呼ぶというけど、本当にそうだね。
They say birds of a feather flock together, and it's really true.
あの二人は似た者同士だ。
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.
友達になれると思ってたよ。類は友を呼ぶってね。
I knew we'd be friends. Birds of a feather, right?
彼らはみんな似た者同士で、いつも一緒に噂話をしている。
They're all birds of a feather, always gossiping together.
彼も同類だと思った。
I thought he was a bird of a feather too.