How to say "same" in Japanese

• 同じおなじJLPT N5approx.Common
  prenominal modifier, na-adjectiveThe general word for saying that two or more things are the same, identical or equal; this is the default choice, whether the point is matching items, an unchanged condition or people sharing something.
  ジャズが使つかう音符おんぷは、バッハが使つかったのと同おなじだ↗

  Jazz uses the same notes that Bach used.
• 同様どうようJLPT N3approx.Common
  no-adjective, na-adjective, noun (suffix)Covers 'same' in the sense of 'just like' or 'similar to' something else: it draws a parallel, presenting one thing as the same as, or going the same way as, another.
  この車くるまは新車しんしゃ同様どうようだ。↗

  This car is like new.
• 同一どういつJLPT N3approx.Common
  no-adjective, na-adjectiveEmphasizes that things are not merely alike but exactly identical — one and the same; choose it when strict identity or equality is the point, not casual resemblance.
  これは私が先日せんじつなくしたのと同一どういつの鉛筆えんぴつである。↗

  This is the same pencil that I lost the other day.
• ともJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, noun (prefix)Not a free-standing way to say 'same': it is really a suffix meaning 'both' or 'all' of the people or things just mentioned, so it is only a marginal match for 'same' itself.

Use 「同じ」 for the plain statement that things are the same, 同様 for 'just like' comparisons, 同一 when stressing that things are one and the same, and 「とも」 only as a suffix meaning 'both' or 'all'.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 同じおなじsame
• 同様どうようsame
• 同一どういつidentical
• おそろsame
• 同じいおなじいsame
• 変わらぬかわらぬconstant
• ともsame
• 一いつsame (mind, path, etc.)