Translation guide
The English verb "imitate" covers a range of actions from copying behavior to mimicking sounds. In Japanese, different words are used depending on what is being imitated and the intent behind it.
To do the same thing as someone else, often to learn or follow an example.
General verb for imitating actions or behavior. Can be used for both intentional and unintentional imitation.
子供は親の行動を真似る。
Children imitate their parents' behavior.
彼の話し方を真似てみた。
I tried imitating his way of speaking.
Formal or technical term for imitation, often used in academic or artistic contexts.
芸術は自然を模倣する。
Art imitates nature.
To follow someone's example, often with the nuance of learning from them. Implies respect and a desire to improve.
先輩を見習って頑張ります。
I'll do my best by following my senior's example.
To copy someone's voice, gestures, or style, often to entertain or tease.
Specifically refers to mimicking someone's voice or mannerisms, often as a performance or joke.
彼は有名人の物真似が上手だ。
He is good at imitating celebrities.
友達の物真似をして笑わせた。
I imitated my friend and made everyone laugh.
Can also be used for mimicking, but 物真似する is more specific for performance imitation.
To reproduce a sound, like an animal noise or a machine.
Used for imitating sounds in general.
彼は鳥の鳴き声を真似た。
He imitated a bird's chirping.
Literally 'imitate a voice', used when specifically copying a voice or sound.
彼女はアナウンサーの声を真似るのが得意だ。
She is good at imitating the announcer's voice.
To make something that looks like something else, such as a product or artwork.
Used for copying designs, products, or artistic styles. Can imply a counterfeit or a tribute.
そのブランドは高級品を模倣した商品を販売している。
That brand sells products that imitate luxury goods.
Can also be used for copying styles, but 模倣する is more precise for products.
彼は有名な画家のスタイルを真似た。
He imitated the style of a famous painter.
To use something as a pattern to replicate or learn from.
To use as a model or example to follow. Often used when learning a skill.
彼の成功を手本にしてビジネスを始めた。
I started a business by imitating his success.
To follow a precedent or example. Often used in formal contexts.
前例に倣って処理する。
We will handle it by following the precedent.
真似る is the everyday word for imitating actions, sounds, or behavior. 模倣する is more formal and often used for copying products, art, or in academic discussions. 物真似する is specifically for mimicking voices or mannerisms as entertainment.
When talking about following an example to learn, 見習う or 手本にする are more natural than 真似る. Using 真似る might sound like you are just copying without understanding.
子供はよく大人の真似をする。
Children often imitate adults.
彼は先生の物真似が完璧だ。
He can imitate the teacher perfectly.
この商品は有名ブランドを模倣している。
This product imitates a famous brand.
He imitated the teacher's catchphrase.