同じ
onaji[o̞na̠ʑi]
The English word "same" is translated into Japanese as 同じ (onaji).
同じ is used to describe things that are identical or not different regarding themselves. While it means "the same", it refers to true identity rather than just similarity.
Meaning: not different as regards self, identical (adj)
Which one should you use?
Use 同じ when two things are identical.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 同じ is considered colloquial. In very casual speech, speakers may use 一緒 to express the same idea.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike many Japanese adjectives, 同じ can directly modify a noun without requiring a particle like の between them.
How do you pronounce it?
onaji
Did you know?
- The word 同じ originates from the 'irrealis' and 'continuative' forms of two different verb versions of the character 同.
- Because 同じ implies true identity, using it when things are merely 'similar' can make you sound overly intense or even slightly humorous to a native speaker.
- The pronunciation of 同じ can actually shift from onaji to a long-vowel version, onːaji, depending on the context or emphasis used in speech.
Examples in context
- 毎年同じだよ。It's the same every year.This example shows how to use 同じ to describe something that does not change from year to year.Tatoeba #10531344 by small_snow, translation #6029150 by Huskion
- 同じ心境です。I feel the same.This example uses 同じ to express having the same feelings or state of mind.Tatoeba #11592443 by small_snow, translation #1731530 by Spamster
- 同じ寮なんだ。We all live in the same dorm.This example demonstrates using 同じ to describe sharing a common residence.Tatoeba #12422814 by small_snow, translation #3893117 by AlanF_US
- 彼と私は同じ大学に通っています。He and I go to the same university.
- 私たちは同じバスを待っています。We are waiting for the same bus.
- その二つの研究には共通のテーマがあります。Those two studies have a common theme.
- この2つの計画には共通の目標があります。These two plans have a common goal.
- 346 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are at a cafe deciding what to order.
- 大翔 Hiroto僕はこれにする。Boku wa kore ni suru.I'll have this.
- 陽葵 Himari私も同じのをお願い！Watashi mo onaji no o onegai!The same for me, please!
- 大翔 Hiroto了解。じゃあ、二人ともこれだね。Ryōkai. Jā, futari tomo kore da ne.Got it. So, we're both having this.
- 陽葵 Himariうん、美味しそうだもん。Un, oishisō da mon.Yeah, it looks delicious.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “same” translations and entries 同じ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 同じ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
