Translation guide
The concept of similarity can be expressed in Japanese through nouns, adjectives, and grammatical patterns. The most common and versatile way is the noun 類似 (ruiji), but depending on context, you may use 共通点 (kyōtsūten) for shared characteristics, 似ている (niteiru) for describing resemblance, or patterns like ようだ (yō da) and みたいだ (mitai da) for making comparisons.
To express that two or more things share qualities or characteristics in a general, often formal or analytical sense.
A formal noun meaning 'similarity' or 'resemblance'. Often used in technical, academic, or business contexts.
この二つの事件には類似点が多い。
There are many similarities between these two cases.
Means 'common point' or 'shared characteristic'. Focuses on what is the same between things, rather than just resemblance.
A technical term for 'similarity', especially in mathematics (geometry) or biology. Not used in everyday conversation.
To say that someone or something looks or seems similar to another.
The most common way to say 'is similar' or 'resembles'. Used for people, objects, situations, etc.
彼は父親に似ている。
He resembles his father.
この二つの絵はよく似ている。
These two pictures are very similar.
Pattern for comparing two things: AはBと似ている (A is similar to B).
東京の気候はニューヨークと似ている。
Tokyo's climate is similar to New York's.
Means 'exactly alike' or 'spitting image'. Stronger than 似ている.
To say that something is like something else in a non-literal way, often using 'like' or 'as if'.
Means 'is like' or 'seems'. Used for comparisons and conjecture. Formal/written nuance.
彼の声はまるでプロの歌手のようだ。
His voice is just like a professional singer's.
Casual equivalent of 〜のようだ. Very common in spoken Japanese.
あの雲、犬みたいだね。
That cloud looks like a dog, doesn't it?
Suffix meaning '-ish' or 'like'. Attaches to nouns and adjectives. Often implies a negative or stereotypical quality.
彼の言い方は子供っぽい。
His way of speaking is childish.
To point out a specific aspect in which things are similar.
Pattern meaning 'similar in that...' or 'similar in terms of...'. Useful for specifying the similarity.
この二つの製品はデザインという点で似ている。
These two products are similar in terms of design.
Means 'share (something) in common'. Focuses on a shared feature.
彼らは趣味が共通している。
They share similar hobbies.
似ている (niteiru) means 'similar' or 'resembles'. そっくり (sokkuri) means 'identical in appearance' or 'spitting image'. 同じ (onaji) means 'the same'. Use 似ている for general similarity, そっくり for striking resemblance, and 同じ when things are identical.
この二つのバッグは似ているけど、同じじゃない。
These two bags are similar, but not the same.
あの双子はそっくりだ。
Those twins look exactly alike.
English 'similarity' is often translated as 類似 (ruiji), but this can sound overly formal in casual speech. In everyday conversation, use 似ている (niteiru) or 共通点 (kyōtsūten) instead.
彼と私は趣味が似ている。
He and I have similar hobbies.
彼らには共通点がたくさんある。
They have many similarities.
Figures that are in a relationship of similarity.
彼女は母親にそっくりだ。
She is the spitting image of her mother.