Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing that two things have the same meaning depends on context. Common patterns include using 同じ意味 (onaji imi) for direct equivalence, 同義 (dōgi) in formal or technical settings, and phrases like ～と同じ意味だ for comparisons. For verbs, ～と同じことを意味する is natural. In casual speech, 同じこと (onaji koto) often suffices.
To state that two words, phrases, or symbols have the same meaning.
The most common and neutral way to say 'same meaning'. Can be used in both spoken and written Japanese.
「大きい」と「でかい」は同じ意味です。
"Ōkii" and "dekai" have the same meaning.
Do these two words have the same meaning?
Pattern for comparing: 'has the same meaning as ~'. Replace ～ with the word or phrase being compared.
「嬉しい」は「楽しい」と同じ意味ではありません。
"Ureshii" does not have the same meaning as "tanoshii".
Formal or technical term for 'synonymous' or 'same meaning'. Often used in dictionaries or academic contexts.
この二語は同義です。
These two words are synonymous.
Literally 'the same thing'. In casual conversation, it can imply 'same meaning' when context is clear.
結局、言ってることは同じことだよ。
In the end, what you're saying means the same thing.
To say that one thing means the same as another, using verbs like 意味する (imi suru).
Formal pattern: 'means the same thing as ~'. Suitable for explanations and written language.
この記号は「禁止」と同じことを意味します。
This symbol means the same thing as "prohibited".
Another formal pattern: 'expresses the same meaning as ~'. Often used in linguistic descriptions.
この二つの表現は同じ意味を表します。
These two expressions convey the same meaning.
To ask if something has the same meaning, or to deny equivalence.
Simple question: 'Does it have the same meaning?'
AとBは同じ意味ですか？
Do A and B have the same meaning?
Negative form: 'does not have the same meaning'. Can be made polite with ではありません.
この二つは同じ意味ではない。
These two do not have the same meaning.
同じ意味 explicitly refers to linguistic meaning, while 同じこと is broader and can refer to outcomes, actions, or situations being the same. Use 同じ意味 when discussing words or phrases.
「やばい」と「すごい」は同じ意味じゃないけど、同じことのように使われることもある。
"Yabai" and "sugoi" don't have the same meaning, but they are sometimes used as if they mean the same thing.
In very casual conversation, saying 同じ意味です can sound stiff. Often, 同じこと or simply 同じ is more natural when the context is clear.
それ、結局同じじゃん。
That's basically the same, isn't it?