Translation guide
To express that two things or people look or seem similar, Japanese uses several nouns, verbs, and adjectives. The most common and versatile is 似ている (nite iru), meaning 'to resemble'. Other options include 類似 (ruiji) for formal contexts, そっくり (sokkuri) for striking resemblance, and 似通う (nikayou) for sharing traits. The choice depends on the degree of similarity and the context.
He resembles his father.
They look exactly alike.
To say that someone or something resembles another in appearance, personality, or nature.
The most common and natural way to say 'resemble'. It is the te-iru form of 似る (niru), indicating a state of resemblance. Can be used for people, objects, or abstract things.
He resembles his father.
This painting resembles the real thing.
The dictionary form of 'to resemble'. Used in relative clauses or formal writing, but less common in everyday speech than 似ている.
A noun meaning 'resemblance' or 'similarity'. Often used in formal, technical, or written contexts. Can be combined with する to mean 'to resemble'.
To emphasize that two things look exactly alike or are nearly identical.
To say that people or things share similar qualities, behaviors, or patterns.
A verb meaning 'to resemble each other' or 'to be similar in nature'. Often used for abstract qualities or when multiple items share traits.
To say that something is somewhat like something else, but not exactly.
Means 'vaguely resembles' or 'has a certain resemblance'. Used when the similarity is not strong or hard to pinpoint.
似ている is the general term for resemblance. そっくり emphasizes a striking, often visual, likeness. 類似 is formal and used for abstract or technical similarities.
He resembles his father. (general)
Personalities can also resemble each other.
There are many points of resemblance between the two.
This case resembles a past case.
A na-adjective or adverb meaning 'exactly alike' or 'spitting image'. Often used with だ or に似ている.
He is the spitting image of his grandfather.
The twins look exactly alike.
Literally 'two halves of a melon', meaning 'as alike as two peas in a pod'. Used for people who look extremely similar.
That parent and child look exactly alike.
Means 'living copy' or 'exact likeness'. Used for a person who strongly resembles another, often a relative.
She is the living image of her mother.
Their ways of thinking resemble each other.
These two incidents have points of resemblance.
A noun meaning 'common point' or 'shared characteristic'. Used to highlight specific resemblances.
The two have many points of resemblance.
He vaguely resembles his older brother.
Similar to どことなく, meaning 'somehow resembles'. More casual.
That dog somehow resembles a fox, doesn't it?
He is the spitting image of his father. (strong)
These two theories resemble each other. (formal)
類似 is a formal word. Using it in everyday conversation can sound stiff or unnatural. Stick to 似ている or そっくり for casual contexts.
似ているところがあるね。
I can see a resemblance.
Casual