Translation guide
This English proverb means that children often resemble their parents in character, behavior, or talents. Japanese has several equivalent proverbs and expressions, ranging from direct natural parallels to more literal translations.
To express that a child's traits, behavior, or abilities are similar to those of their parents.
Literally 'the child of a frog is a frog.' A very common proverb meaning that children take after their parents, often used for abilities or professions.
彼の父親も医者で、彼も医者になった。蛙の子は蛙だね。
His father was a doctor, and he became a doctor too. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Literally 'like parent, like child.' Emphasizes that the child's character or behavior is a direct result of the parent's influence.
彼女の礼儀正しさは母親譲りだ。この親にしてこの子ありだ。
Her politeness comes from her mother. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Literally 'eggplants don't grow on melon vines.' A more literary proverb meaning children inherit their parents' traits.
彼の頑固さは父親そっくりだ。瓜の蔓に茄子はならぬというからね。
His stubbornness is just like his father's. As they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
蛙の子は蛙 is a neutral observation about resemblance, often used for talents or professions. この親にしてこの子あり can carry a stronger nuance of 'like parent, like child' and may imply that the child's behavior (good or bad) is due to the parent's upbringing.
In casual conversation, you can simply say 親子そっくり (parent and child are exactly alike) or 親に似ている (resembles the parent) to convey the same idea without using a proverb.