Translation guide
To look like or be similar to someone or something. In Japanese, the most common way to express resemblance is with the verb 似る (にる) or the adjective 似ている (にている). The choice depends on whether you are describing a general similarity or a specific visual resemblance.
Express that one person or thing is similar to another in appearance, character, or nature.
The most common and natural way to say 'resemble' in Japanese. It is the te-iru form of 似る, indicating a state of being similar. Used for both people and things.
He resembles his father.
This cloud resembles a dog.
The dictionary form of 'to resemble'. Less common in everyday speech than 似ている, but used in certain grammatical constructions or formal writing.
Personality can sometimes resemble the mother's.
An adverb meaning 'exactly alike' or 'the spitting image'. Used to emphasize a very strong resemblance.
She is the spitting image of her mother.
Pattern: [person/thing] に似ている. The particle に marks what is being resembled.
This painting resembles the Mona Lisa.
Express that someone's actions, personality, or way of doing things is similar to another's.
Describe objects, concepts, or situations that share characteristics.
A more formal term meaning 'to be similar' or 'to bear resemblance'. Often used in technical or written contexts.
These two incidents resemble each other.
Literally 'to have points in common'. Used when focusing on shared characteristics rather than direct resemblance.
There are many resemblances between the two.
The plain form 似る is rarely used to describe a current resemblance. Use 似ている instead. Saying 彼は父親に似る sounds like 'He will resemble his father' or is a general statement, not a description of his current appearance.
He resembles his father. (correct)
He resembles his father. (unnatural/incorrect for current state)
似ている is a general resemblance. そっくり means 'exactly alike' or 'identical in appearance'. Use そっくり when the similarity is striking or nearly perfect.
He resembles his father. (general)
She resembles her mother.
This song resembles that one.
The twins resemble each other.
He is the spitting image of his father.