Translation guide
The English word 'identical' is used to say that two or more things are exactly the same in every detail. In Japanese, the most common way to express this is with 同じ (onaji), which means 'same'. For stronger emphasis on being exactly alike, you can use 全く同じ (mattaku onaji) or 同一 (dōitsu). This guide covers natural ways to express 'identical' in different contexts.
To say that two or more things are completely identical, with no differences.
To say that two statements, ideas, or pieces of information are essentially the same.
Works for abstract concepts as well as physical objects. Can mean 'identical in meaning'.
同じ is the general word for 'same' and can be used in most situations. 同一 is more formal and emphasizes exact identity, often used in official or technical contexts. そっくり is used for appearance and implies a striking resemblance, often in casual speech.
同じ日に生まれた。
Born on the identical day.
同一の書類を提出してください。
Please submit the identical document.
彼はお父さんにそっくりだ。
He is identical to his father.
These two pictures look identical.
彼は父親と同じ顔をしている。
He has an identical face to his father.
Emphasizes that something is completely identical, with no difference at all. More emphatic than 同じ alone.
その双子は全く同じ服を着ていた。
The twins were wearing identical clothes.
このコピーはオリジナルと全く同じだ。
This copy is identical to the original.
A more formal word meaning 'identical' or 'the very same'. Often used in technical, legal, or written contexts.
二つのサンプルは同一の結果を示した。
The two samples showed identical results.
これは同一人物による犯行だ。
This is a crime committed by the identical person.
Means 'exactly alike' or 'spitting image'. Often used for appearance, especially when people or things look identical.
あの兄弟はそっくりだね。
Those brothers are identical, aren't they?
この偽物は本物にそっくりだ。
This fake is identical to the real thing.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'as alike as two peas in a pod', literally 'two halves of a melon'. Used for people who look identical.
彼女と妹は瓜二つだ。
She and her sister are identical.
この二つの文は同じ意味です。
These two sentences have identical meanings.
Means 'synonymous' or 'having the same meaning'. Used in linguistic or technical contexts.
この二つの用語は同義だ。
These two terms are identical in meaning.
The English word 'identical' is often translated as 同一 (dōitsu) in dictionaries, but in everyday conversation, 同じ (onaji) or 全く同じ (mattaku onaji) is much more natural. Using 同一 in casual speech can sound overly formal or stiff.
The English word 'identical' is often translated as 同一 (dōitsu) in dictionaries, but in everyday conversation, 同じ (onaji) or 全く同じ (mattaku onaji) is much more natural. Using 同一 in casual speech can sound overly formal or stiff.