In Japanese, there are various expressions to describe how something looks like something else. Whether you want to express a simple resemblance or a more detailed comparison, it’s essential to know the appropriate words and phrases for different situations. This guide will provide you with formal and informal ways to express this concept, and it includes tips, examples, and even touches on regional variations when necessary.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions
When speaking formally in Japanese, it’s important to use polite language. Here are some expressions you can use:
1.1 似る（にる）- To resemble
This verb is the simplest and most commonly used to express resemblance in a formal context. You can use it when two things have a similar appearance or share certain characteristics. For instance:
- この絵は彼の作品に似ています。（Kono e wa kare no sakuhin ni niteimasu.）
This painting resembles his artwork. - 彼女はお母さんに似ています。（Kanojo wa okaasan ni niteimasu.）
She looks like her mother.
1.2 そっくり（sokkuri）- Exactly alike / Spitting image
This word is used to emphasize a strong resemblance to the point of being almost identical. It’s often used when comparing people or objects. Here are a couple of examples:
- 彼女は母親とそっくりですね。（Kanojo wa hahaoya to sokkuri desu ne.）
She looks exactly like her mother. - 彼の新しい車は私の車とそっくりです。（Kare no atarashii kuruma wa watashi no kuruma to sokkuri desu.）
His new car looks just like mine.
2. Informal Expressions
When speaking informally with friends, family, or someone of the same age, you can use less formal expressions. Let’s explore some examples:
2.1 似てる（niteru）- To resemble
This is the casual version of 似る (niru). It is widely used in everyday conversations. A couple of examples include:
- この写真の猫、あなたの猫に似てるね。（Kono shashin no neko, anata no neko ni niteru ne.）
This cat in the picture looks like your cat. - この本と私が持っている本が似てる。（Kono hon to watashi ga motteiru hon ga niteru.）
This book looks like the one I have.
2.2 〜み（~mi）- Resembling a certain quality
By attaching み (mi) to the end of a noun, you can express the quality or characteristic that two things have in common. This form is often used in casual speech. For example:
- あの公園、春の風景みがする。（Ano kōen, haru no fūkei mi ga suru.）
That park looks like a scene from spring. - この料理、母の味みがする。（Kono ryōri, haha no aji mi ga suru.）
This dish tastes like my mother’s cooking.
3. Regional Variations
Japanese dialects have slight variations in expressions. Here are a couple of regional differences when expressing resemblance:
3.1 よる (yoru) – To resemble
In the Kansai dialect, particularly in Osaka, よる (yoru) is used instead of 似る (niru) when expressing resemblance. For instance:
- この店、大阪の有名な店とよってるね。（Kono mise, Ōsaka no yūmei na mise to yotteru ne.）
This shop looks like a famous one in Osaka. - あの二人、兄弟とよってるらしいよ。（Ano futari, kyōdai to yotteru rashii yo.）
Those two look like siblings.
3.2 かっぱらｯぽい (kapparappoi) – To look like a Kappa
In parts of Hokkaido, the expression かっぱらｯぽい (kapparappoi) is used to say that something looks strange or unusual. It can be used humorously to describe something that doesn’t match or stands out. Here’s an example:
- 昨日の雪、ちょっとかっぱらｯぽくない？（Kinō no yuki, chotto kapparappokunai?）
Doesn’t yesterday’s snow look a bit strange?
Remember, regional variations should be used appropriately and with caution.
Now armed with these expressions, you can confidently describe how something looks like something else in Japanese. Whether you’re having a formal conversation, chatting with friends, or exploring regional variations, you can accurately convey your thoughts and observations. Enjoy using these phrases, and have fun exploring the rich and diverse Japanese language!
