How to say "similar" in Japanese

• 同様どうようJLPT N3approx.Common
  no-adjective, na-adjective, noun (suffix)The common choice for the 'same / just like' sense: one thing is essentially the same as, or equal to, another — as when comparing a result or method with one mentioned before.
  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.
• 同じようおなじよう
  na-adjectiveTreats two things as similar because they are, in effect, the same — literally 'the same way'. Less common than 同様, it suits plain statements that one thing is much the same as another.
  彼女かのじょはあなたが持もっているのと同おなじようなかばんを持もっている。↗

  She has the same bag as you have.
• 類同るいどう
  na-adjective, nounCovers 'similar' as 'of the same type': things belonging to the same kind. Less common, it is seldom the word you want for plain 'similar'; 同様 or 同じよう is usually the safer pick.

Use the common 同様 for 'the same as / just like' comparisons, 「同じよう」 when you mean something is effectively the same way, and the less common 類同 only for things being of the same type.

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

• 同様どうようsame
• 同じようおなじようsimilar
• 類同るいどうsimilar
• 近いちかいsimilar