同じ
私と彼の意見は同じです。
His and my opinions are the same.
Identical in quality, nature, or status; not different.
この本とあの本は同じ内容です。
This book and that book have the same content.
私たちは同じ学校に通っています。
We go to the same school.
Used to indicate equality between two or more things or people. Often followed by の (no) when modifying a noun.
Unchanging; constant; unchanged.
状況は同じままです。
The situation remains the same.
Used to describe a state that continues without change.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Same vs. Similar
同じ means 'identical' or 'exactly the same,' while 同じような means 'similar.' For example, 同じ本 (the same book) vs. 同じような本 (a similar book).
Gold Rule
Using の with 同じ
When 同じ modifies a noun, it must be followed by の (e.g., 同じ本). Without の, it functions as an adverb (e.g., 同じように).
Word Origin
From Old Japanese *oponasi* (same), combining the prefix *o-* (honorific) and *pana* (side, part), with the adjectival suffix *-si*. The modern form emerged in the Heian period.
Usage Notes
同じ is a na-adjective and can directly modify nouns with の (e.g., 同じ本). It can also function as an adverb meaning 'likewise' or 'in the same way' when used with に (e.g., 同じように). In casual speech, it may be shortened to おなじ.