we are all in the same boat; bats are also birds
Proverb meaning that even those who seem different or less capable are still part of the same group; often used to encourage inclusion or to note that everyone shares the same fate.
He's inexperienced, but we're all in the same boat, so let's welcome him as a member of the team.
As the saying goes, 'bats are also birds' — even if abilities differ, we're all comrades.
Means 'they are all alike; there is little difference among them,' often with a slightly negative nuance, while 蝙蝠も鳥のうち emphasizes inclusion despite differences.
Means 'six of one, half a dozen of the other; there is not much difference,' focusing on similarity of faults or situations, whereas 蝙蝠も鳥のうち is about belonging to the same group.
Standard kanji form of the proverb.
Variant kanji spelling using 内 instead of うち.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling, sometimes seen in less formal contexts.
A traditional Japanese proverb. The literal meaning is 'even bats are among birds,' referring to the fact that bats, though they fly like birds, are mammals. The phrase is used figuratively to express that everyone, regardless of differences, belongs to the same group or shares the same circumstances.