Correct
相似 vs 相像 vs 相同
/ xiāngsì vs xiāngxiàng vs xiāngtóng /
Strokes
Definition
相似, 相像 and 相同, all three words describe similarity, but they differ in degree of likeness and usage context.
1. 相似 (xiāngsì) – "Similar" (General Resemblance, Often Abstract)
Meaning:
"Similar" (shares some traits but not identical).
Usage:
- Used for abstract concepts, ideas, or general resemblance.
- Common in formal writing, science, and comparisons.
- Does not imply exact sameness.
Examples:
- 这两个问题很相似。 (These two problems are very similar.)
- 他们的观点相似。 (Their viewpoints are similar.)
2. 相像 (xiāngxiàng) – "Alike" (Visual or Surface Similarity)
Meaning:
"Alike" (often refers to appearance, looks, or surface resemblance).
Usage:
- Used for physical or visible similarities.
- More colloquial than 相似.
- Often used for people, objects, or things that look alike.
Examples:
- 这对双胞胎长得很相像。 (These twins look very alike.)
- 这两幅画很相像。 (These two paintings look very similar.)
3. 相同 (xiāngtóng) – "Identical" or "Exactly the Same"
Meaning:
"Identical" or "the same" (no difference).
Usage:
- Used when two things are completely the same (in nature, content, or structure).
- Stronger than 相似 and 相像.
- Common in formal, technical, or scientific contexts.
Examples:
- 我们的答案完全相同。 (Our answers are exactly the same.)
- 这两把钥匙是相同的。 (These two keys are identical.)
Key Differences Summary
| Word | Meaning | Usage Context | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 相似 (xiāngsì) | Similar (some resemblance) | Abstract ideas, general comparisons | 他们的性格相似 (Their personalities are similar.) |
| 相像 (xiāngxiàng) | Alike (looks similar) | Physical appearance, visual resemblance | 他们长得相像 (They look alike.) |
| 相同 (xiāngtóng) | Identical (exactly the same) | Complete sameness (no difference) | 我们的意见相同 (Our opinions are identical.) |
When to Use Which?
- Use 相似 for general similarity (ideas, concepts, traits).
- Use 相像 for visual resemblance (people, objects, appearances).
- Use 相同 for complete sameness (no difference at all).
Example
相似 can be applied to things as well as people. 相像 is mostly applied to people. 相似 is more literary.
The Adjectives 相似 and 相像 both mean "to be similar or have something in common".
1
Zhè
这
liǎng
两
zuò
座
jiànzhùwù
建筑物
de
的
bùjú
布局
fēicháng
非常
xiāngsì
相似
。
(
yòngyú
用于
shìwù
事物
)
The layouts of the two buildings are similar. (applied to things)
2
Zhè
这
běn
本
xiǎoshuō
小说
de
的
gùshì
故事
qíngjié
情节
hé
和
nā
那
běn
本
xiǎoshuō
小说
yǒu
有
hěnduō
很多
xiāngsì
相似
de
的
dìfāng
地方
。
(
yòngyú
用于
shìwù
事物
)
The novel has many similar plots as that one. (applied to things)
3
Zhè
这
liǎng
两
gè
个
mínzú
民族
de
的
shēnghuó
生活
xíguàn
习惯
wánquán
完全
bùtóng
不同
,
jīhū
几乎
méiyǒu
没有
shénme
什么
xiāngsì
相似
zhī
之
chǔ
处
。
(
yòngyú
用于
shìwù
事物
)
The lifestyles of the two nations are completely different. (applied to things)
4
Tā
她
de
的
yántánjǔzhǐ
言谈举止
gēn
跟
tā
她
mǔqīn
母亲
shí
十
fēn
分
xiāngxiàng
相像
(
xiāngsì
相似
)
。
Her behavior is very similar to her mother. (applied to people)
The Adjective 相同 means "to be identical, or the same, with no difference".
In the examples below, neither 相似 nor 相像 can replace 相同.
5
Zánmen
咱们
xīngqīrì
星期日
zài
再
jùhuì
聚会
yī
一
cì
次
,
shíjiān
时间
、
dìdiǎn
地点
hé
和
shàngcì
上次
xiāngtóng
相同
。
Let's get together on Sunday again and the time and the place are the same as the last one.
6
Zhè
这
jǐ
几
ge
个
rén
人
yǒuzhe
有着
xiāngtóng
相同
de
的
xìngqù
兴趣
hé
和
àihào
爱好
。
They have similar interests and hobbies.
7
Jī
几
fēng
封
xìn
信
bǐjì
笔迹
xiāngtóng
相同
,
kěndìng
肯定
shì
是
yī
一
gè
个
rén
人
xiě
写
de
的
。
The handwriting of these letters is the same,and it must be written by one person.
8
Zhè
这
liǎng
两
gè
个
wèntí
问题
de
的
xìngzhì
性质
xiāngtóng
相同
,
kěyǐ
可以
fàngzài
放在
yīqǐ
一起
tǎolùn
讨论
。
We can discuss the two problems together, for their natures are the same.
Mistake
❌ Wrong: 这两本书的内容很相像。 (These two books’ contents look alike.) → Use 相似 for abstract similarity.
✅ Correct: 这两本书的内容很相似。 (These two books’ contents are similar.)
❌ Wrong: 我们的手机型号相似。 (Our phone models are similar.) → If they’re the exact same model, use 相同.
✅ Correct: 我们的手机型号相同。 (Our phone models are identical.)