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B1 adjective #1,500 le plus courant 6 min de lecture

似ている

Top 1,500

At the A1 level, you use 'niteiru' to talk about simple physical similarities, especially between family members. You learn that 'A wa B ni niteiru' means 'A looks like B'. You might use it to describe your pets or simple objects. The focus is on the present state of looking alike. You should remember that the particle 'ni' is essential. For example, 'Watashi wa haha ni niteimasu' (I look like my mother). This level focuses on basic sentences and polite forms like 'niteimasu'. You don't need to worry about complex nuances yet, just the basic 'Subject looks like Object' pattern.

At the A2 level, you start using 'niteiru' to describe more than just faces. You can talk about similar hobbies, similar clothes, or similar tastes in food. You begin to use modifiers like 'totemo' (very) or 'sukoshi' (a little) to describe the degree of similarity. You also learn the past tense 'niteita' (resembled) and the negative 'niteinai' (doesn't look like). You might say 'Kono ryouri wa nihon-ryouri ni niteiru' (This dish is similar to Japanese food). You also start using 'nita' to modify nouns, such as 'nita kutsu' (similar shoes).

At the B1 level, you use 'niteiru' for abstract concepts and situations. You can compare ideas, business plans, or cultural traits. You understand the difference between 'niteiru' and 'onaji' (same) clearly. You start to use 'niteiru' in complex sentences with conjunctions like 'node' or 'kara'. For example, 'Kangaekata ga niteiru node, hanashi ga aimasu' (Because our ways of thinking are similar, we get along well). You also encounter synonyms like 'sokkuri' and learn when to use them for emphasis. You can describe similarities in voice, personality, and atmosphere.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'niteiru' with precision in professional and social contexts. You understand the nuance of 'nite-kuru' (becoming similar) versus 'niteiru' (being similar). You can use 'niteiru' to discuss social trends or literary themes. You might use it in the passive or causative forms in specific contexts, though rare. You also recognize formal equivalents like 'ruiji shiteiru'. You can explain *how* things are similar using specific nouns like 'keishiki' (format), 'kouzou' (structure), or 'shisou' (ideology). Your usage is fluid and grammatically accurate with various particles.

At the C1 level, you use 'niteiru' and its derivatives to discuss subtle nuances in art, philosophy, and linguistics. You can distinguish between 'niteiru' and more advanced terms like 'kinji' (approximation) or 'houfutsu saseru' (to be reminiscent of). You use the word to analyze complex data or historical parallels. You might use it in idiomatic expressions or sophisticated sentence structures. For example, 'Kono sakuhin wa, dokotonaku kyonen no jusousaku ni niteiru kan ga aru' (This work has a certain feel of resembling last year's award-winning piece). You understand the cultural weight of resemblance in Japanese society.

At the C2 level, 'niteiru' is just one tool in a vast arsenal of comparative language. You use it with native-level intuition, often opting for more specific kanji compounds or literary expressions when appropriate, but using 'niteiru' for its simple, direct impact. You can discuss the etymology of the kanji '似' and how the concept of 'resemblance' differs between Japanese and Western thought. You can use it in high-level academic writing or legal contexts where the degree of 'resemblance' (ruijisei) is a critical point of debate. Your mastery allows you to use it with perfect tone and register.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

似ている en 30 secondes

Used to describe resemblance or similarity between people, things, or ideas.
Always used in the 'te-iru' form (niteiru) to show a continuous state.
Requires the particle 'ni' (e.g., A wa B ni niteiru).
Can be modified by words like 'sokkuri' (exactly) or 'sukoshi' (a little).

The Japanese word 似ている (niteiru) is a fundamental verb form used to describe resemblance, similarity, or likeness between two or more entities. Grammatically, it is the 'te-iru' (progressive or state) form of the verb 似にる (niru). While 'niru' is the dictionary form, in daily conversation and descriptive contexts, the state of 'resembling' is almost always expressed as 'niteiru' because resemblance is viewed as a continuous state rather than a momentary action.

Etymology: The kanji 似じ (ji/ni) consists of the 'person' radical (亻) and the phonetic component 'by' (以). It originally depicted the idea of a person standing next to something to show a likeness or a copy. In modern Japanese, it covers everything from physical appearance to abstract concepts like business models or personality traits.

彼らは声がとても似ている。 (Their voices are very similar.)

This word is versatile, used for people, objects, ideas, and even situations. It implies that while things are not identical, they share significant commonalities.

Nuance of State: Because resemblance is a state, 'niteiru' is used for present similarities. If you say 'nita', it often functions as an adjective modifying a noun, like 'nita hito' (a similar person/someone who looks like someone else).

この絵は本物の写真に似ている。 (This painting resembles a real photo.)

Abstract Usage: Beyond physical looks, it is used for 'kangae-kata' (ways of thinking) or 'seishitsu' (properties/nature). If two problems are similar in logic, you use 'niteiru'.

二人の考え方はよく似ている。 (The two people's ways of thinking are very similar.)

この偽物は本物にそっくり似ている。 (This fake looks exactly like the real thing.)

双子だから顔が似ているのは当然だ。 (Since they are twins, it's natural that their faces look alike.)

In conclusion, 'niteiru' is the go-to expression for any degree of similarity that isn't absolute identity.

Using 似ている correctly requires understanding its particle requirements and its role as a stative verb. The most critical rule is the use of the particle に (ni). Unlike English where we say 'similar TO', Japanese uses 'ni' to mark the target of comparison.

Sentence Structure: [Subject] は [Target] に似ている。 (Subject resembles Target.) If you are saying two things resemble each other, you use [A] と [B] は似ている。

君はお母さんに似ているね。 (You look like your mother, don't you?)

Degree modifiers are frequently used with 'niteiru' to specify how close the resemblance is. Common modifiers include 'sokkuri' (exactly), 'chotto' (a little), 'yoku' (well/very), and 'zenzen' (not at all - used with negative 'niteinai').

Modifying Nouns: When using the concept as an adjective to modify a noun, you use 'nita' (past form used attributively) or 'niteiru'. 'Nita' is more common for 'similar [noun]'. Example: 'nita koto' (similar things).

二人は似たような服を着ていた。 (The two were wearing similar clothes.)

Negative Form: To say things are not similar, use 'niteinai' or 'niteimasen'. This is common when refuting a comparison.

その二つの事件は全く似ていない。 (Those two incidents are not similar at all.)

この味は、以前食べた料理に似ている気がする。 (I feel like this taste is similar to a dish I ate before.)

彼と私は性格が似ているので、仲が良い。 (He and I have similar personalities, so we get along well.)

筆跡が似ているから、代筆が疑われた。 (Because the handwriting was similar, ghostwriting was suspected.)

Mastery of 'niteiru' involves knowing when to use it over more specific words like 'kinji' (approximation) or 'rui-ji' (similarity in formal contexts).

You will encounter 似ている in a vast array of social and professional settings in Japan. One of the most common places is within family discussions. Japanese culture places a high value on lineage and physical resemblance, so phrases like 'Otousan ni niteiru ne' (You look like your father) are standard greetings at family reunions.

Daily Life: In shopping, you might hear a customer say 'Kore, mae katta no ni niteiru' (This is similar to the one I bought before). It’s used to compare products, colors, or textures.

あの俳優、誰かに似ていると思わない？ (Don't you think that actor looks like someone?)

In the workplace, 'niteiru' is used to compare projects, strategies, or market trends. A manager might say 'Kono keikaku wa kyonen no mono ni niteiru' (This plan is similar to last year's).

Media & Entertainment: On variety shows, there is a popular genre called 'monomane' (impersonation). Judges often comment on how much the performer 'niteiru' to the celebrity they are mimicking.

声だけ聞くと、本人にそっくり似ている。 (If you only listen to the voice, it sounds exactly like the person themselves.)

この二つの曲、メロディーが似ているね。 (These two songs have similar melodies, don't they?)

日本料理と韓国料理は、どこか似ているところがある。 (Japanese and Korean cuisine have some similarities.)

君の筆跡は、僕の兄の字に似ている。 (Your handwriting resembles my brother's writing.)

その話、どこかで聞いたことがあるような、似た話を知っている。 (That story... I know a similar story that I feel like I've heard somewhere before.)

Whether it's discussing DNA, software code, or the flavor of a new seasonal snack, 'niteiru' is the linguistic bridge for comparison.

While 似ている seems straightforward, learners often stumble on its grammatical nuances and word choice. The most frequent error is using the wrong particle. English speakers often want to use 'to' (to) or 'with' (to), but in Japanese, the target must be marked with に (ni).

Mistake 1: Particle Confusion: Incorrect: Kare wa otousan *o* niteiru. Correct: Kare wa otousan *ni* niteiru. The particle 'ni' indicates the point of reference for the resemblance.

❌ 彼は弟を似ている。
✅ 彼は弟に似ている。

Mistake 2: Niteiru vs. Onaji: Learners often use 'niteiru' when they mean 'onaji' (same). If two things are the exact same item or identical in every way, 'onaji' is required. 'Niteiru' implies they are separate entities that look alike.

Mistake 3: Tense Errors: Using 'niru' (dictionary form) to describe a current state. Resemblance is almost always 'niteiru'. 'Niru' is used for future potential or general rules, which is rare in daily speech.

❌ 顔が似る。
✅ 顔が似ている。

❌ その服は私のに似る。
✅ その服は私のに似ている。

❌ 二人は似ているような人だ。
✅ 二人は似たような人だ。

❌ 性格が似ているになる。
✅ 性格が似てくる。 (Becoming similar over time.)

Lastly, avoid using 'rashii' or 'mitai' when you mean 'niteiru'. 'Rashii' means 'typical of' (e.g., otoko-rashii - manly), while 'mitai' is for appearance/metaphor (e.g., yume mitai - like a dream). 'Niteiru' is specifically for comparative resemblance.

Japanese has several words that overlap with 似ている, each with its own specific flavor. Understanding these will help you sound more natural.

そっくり (Sokkuri): This means 'the spitting image' or 'exactly alike'. It is much stronger than 'niteiru'. If 'niteiru' is 60-80% similar, 'sokkuri' is 95-100%.

彼は父親にそっくりだ。 (He is the spitting image of his father.)

瓜二つ (Uri-futatsu): An idiom meaning 'like two halves of a melon'. It is used specifically for two people who look identical, usually twins or very similar siblings.

あの兄弟は瓜二つだ。 (Those brothers are like two peas in a pod.)

類似 (Ruiji): A formal, academic, or technical term for similarity. You see this in legal documents (copyright) or scientific papers.

近似 (Kinji): Used in mathematics and engineering to mean 'approximation'.

この数値は理論値に近似している。 (This value approximates the theoretical value.)

類は友を呼ぶというが、性格が似ている者同士は集まりやすい。 (They say birds of a feather flock together; people with similar personalities tend to gather.)

この二つのデザインは類似点が多い。 (These two designs have many points of similarity.)

本物と見分けがつかないほど似ている。 (It's so similar that you can't tell it apart from the real thing.)

While 'niteiru' is the generalist, choosing 'sokkuri' or 'ruiji' shows a higher level of Japanese proficiency.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

私は母に似ています。

I look like my mother.

Uses polite form 'niteimasu'.

その犬は猫に似ている。

That dog looks like a cat.

Basic 'A wa B ni niteiru' structure.

このカバンは私のに似ている。

This bag is similar to mine.

Uses 'no' to mean 'my bag'.

彼らは顔が似ている。

Their faces look alike.

Focuses on 'kao' (face) as the subject of similarity.

お父さんに似ていますね。

You look like your father, don't you?

Common social greeting.

このリンゴは梨に似ている。

This apple looks like a pear.

Simple object comparison.

声が似ています。

The voices are similar.

Similarity in sound.

全然似ていない。

Not similar at all.

Negative form with 'zenzen'.

二人はとても似ている服を着ている。

The two are wearing very similar clothes.

Adverb 'totemo' used for degree.

この味は、お母さんの料理に似ている。

This taste is similar to my mother's cooking.

Abstract similarity (taste).

彼は性格がお父さんに似ている。

His personality is similar to his father's.

Topic marker 'wa' for person, 'ga' for trait.

似たような靴を買いました。

I bought similar shoes.

'Nita' used as an adjective.

この町は私の故郷に似ている。

This town resembles my hometown.

Comparing locations.

二人の筆跡は少し似ている。

The two's handwriting is a little similar.

Modifier 'sukoshi'.

昨日の映画は、あの本に似ていた。

Yesterday's movie was similar to that book.

Past tense 'niteita'.

名前が似ているから間違えた。

I made a mistake because the names are similar.

Using 'kara' for reason.

この二つの計画は、考え方が似ている。

These two plans have similar ways of thinking.

Abstract comparison of 'kangaekata'.

君の悩みは、私の昔の悩みに似ている。

Your troubles are similar to my old troubles.

Comparing experiences.

日本料理と中華料理は似ているところがある。

Japanese and Chinese cuisine have some similarities.

'Niteiru tokoro' (points of similarity).

その話は、どこかで聞いた話に似ている。

That story is similar to one I heard somewhere.

Relative clause 'kiita'.

彼と私は趣味が似ているので、気が合う。

He and I have similar hobbies, so we get along.

Causal connection with 'node'.

この偽札は本物にそっくり似ている。

This counterfeit bill looks exactly like the real one.

Emphasis with 'sokkuri'.

二つの事件は手口が似ている。

The two incidents have similar methods.

Professional context (modus operandi).

最近の流行は、90年代のファッションに似ている。

Recent trends are similar to 90s fashion.

Comparing time periods.

この新製品は、競合他社のものに似ていると指摘された。

It was pointed out that this new product resembles a competitor's.

Passive 'shiteki sareta'.

夫婦は長い間一緒にいると、顔が似てくると言われる。

It is said that couples' faces start to look alike after being together for a long time.

V-te kuru (process of change).

彼の文体は、夏目漱石のそれに似ている。

His writing style resembles that of Natsume Soseki.

Literary comparison using 'sore'.

この二つの言語は、文法構造が驚くほど似ている。

These two languages have surprisingly similar grammatical structures.

Adverb 'odoroku hodo'.

君の意見は、私の考えに非常に似ているが、細部が異なる。

Your opinion is very similar to mine, but the details differ.

Contrast using 'ga'.

その光景は、まるで夢の中で見た景色に似ていた。

That scene was just like a landscape I saw in a dream.

Simile with 'marude'.

この地域の建築様式は、隣国のものに似ている。

The architectural style of this region resembles that of the neighboring country.

Technical term 'kenchiku youshiki'.

似て非なるものとは、このことだ。

This is exactly what they mean by 'alike but different'.

Idiomatic expression 'nite hinaru mono'.

このメロディーの展開は、バッハのフーガに似ている感がある。

There is a sense that this melodic progression resembles a Bach fugue.

Nuance of '...kan ga aru'.

彼の政治的手法は、かつての独裁者のそれに似ていると批判を浴びている。

His political methods are being criticized for resembling those of former dictators.

High-level social commentary.

この二つの哲学体系は、根本的な概念において似ている。

These two philosophical systems are similar in their fundamental concepts.

Abstract academic comparison.

遺伝子レベルで似ているからといって、性格まで同じとは限らない。

Just because they are similar at the genetic level doesn't mean their personalities are the same.

Complex logical structure '...kara to itte... kagiranai'.

その筆致は、巨匠の晩年の作品に似ている。

The brushwork resembles the late works of the master.

Artistic terminology 'hitchi'.

この状況は、1920年代の経済恐慌直前に似ているという専門家もいる。

Some experts say this situation resembles the period just before the 1920s economic depression.

Historical parallel.

似た者同士の争いは、往々にして激しくなるものだ。

Conflicts between similar people often tend to become intense.

Proverbial usage 'nita mono doushi'.

この香りは、幼い頃に過ごした祖母の家に似ている。

This scent is reminiscent of my grandmother's house where I spent my childhood.

Evocative sensory comparison.

両者の主張は、表層的には似ているが、その立脚点は正反対である。

The arguments of both parties are superficially similar, but their starting points are polar opposites.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'hyousou-teki', 'rikkyaku-ten'.

この詩の韻律は、古代ギリシャの叙事詩に似ているという指摘は興味深い。

The observation that the meter of this poem resembles ancient Greek epics is intriguing.

Literary analysis.

人工知能の思考プロセスが人間の脳に似ているというのは、あくまで比喩に過ぎない。

That the thinking process of AI resembles the human brain is merely a metaphor.

Philosophical/Scientific distinction.

法的に「似ている」と判断される基準は、著作権法において極めて厳格である。

The criteria for being judged 'similar' legally are extremely strict in copyright law.

Legal context.

この二つの文化圏における死生観は、驚くほど似ている側面を持っている。

The views on life and death in these two cultural spheres have surprisingly similar aspects.

Anthropological comparison.

翻訳において、似た意味の言葉を選ぶだけでは、原文のニュアンスは伝わらない。

In translation, merely choosing words with similar meanings is not enough to convey the nuances of the original text.

Linguistic analysis.

宇宙の構造が、ミクロの世界の原子構造に似ているという説がある。

There is a theory that the structure of the universe resembles the atomic structure of the microscopic world.

Scientific hypothesis.

「似ている」という概念そのものが、観察者の主観に大きく依存している。

The very concept of 'resembling' depends heavily on the observer's subjectivity.

Epistemological statement.

Collocations courantes

顔が似ている

声が似ている

性格が似ている

考え方が似ている

筆跡が似ている

境遇が似ている

手口が似ている

雰囲気が似ている

構造が似ている

色使いが似ている

Phrases Courantes

よく似ている

どこか似ている

全然似ていない

似たようなもの

似た者同士

お父さんに似ている

本物に似ている

自分に似ている

誰かに似ている

似て非なる

Souvent confondu avec

似ている vs 同じ (onaji)

Onaji means identical/same; niteiru means similar but distinct.

似ている vs らしい (rashii)

Rashii means 'typical of' or 'seems like'; niteiru is for comparative resemblance.

似ている vs みたい (mitai)

Mitai is for metaphors or appearances; niteiru is for inherent similarity.

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

似ている vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

stative

Always use ~te iru for the current state.

abstract

Used for ideas, systems, feelings.

physical

Used for faces, bodies, voices.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'o' instead of 'ni'.
Using 'onaji' when things are just similar.
Using 'niru' for the present state.
Confusing 'niteiru' with 'mitai'.
Forgetting the 'iru' in 'niteiru'.

Astuces

Particle Ni

Always remember that the target of similarity takes 'ni'. Practice saying 'kore ni niteiru' until it becomes natural.

Sokkuri

Use 'sokkuri' when you are surprised by how identical two things are. It adds emotion to your speech.

Family Talk

In Japan, commenting on family resemblance is a safe and polite conversation starter.

Casual Form

Drop the 'i' in 'niteiru' to sound like a native in casual settings: 'Niteru ne!'

Nita Noun

When describing a 'similar situation', 'nita joukyou' sounds more natural than 'niteiru joukyou'.

Context Clues

If you hear 'ni niteiru', look for the two things being compared in the conversation.

Nite hinaru

Learn the phrase 'nite hinaru' to describe things that look the same but are fundamentally different.

Kanji Meaning

The 'person' radical in 似 helps you remember it's often used for people looking alike.

Nita mono doushi

Use this phrase to describe friends who have the same quirks or habits.

Sound Similarity

Remember 'niteiru' works for sounds (koe) and music (kyoku) too, not just visuals.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Contexte culturel

Copying a master's style (shuhari) is a traditional way of learning.

Resemblance is often discussed at New Year's gatherings.

Similarity in products can lead to legal 'ruijisei' (similarity) disputes.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"お父さんとお母さん、どっちに似ていると言われますか？"

"この二つの商品は、何が似ていると思いますか？"

"自分に似ている有名人は誰だと思いますか？"

"兄弟で性格は似ていますか？"

"この曲、あの曲に似ていると思いませんか？"

Sujets d'écriture

自分がお父さんやとお母さんに似ていると思う部分を書いてください。

最近見た「似ているもの」について説明してください。

性格が似ている友達について書いてください。

「似て非なるもの」の例を一つ挙げて説明してください。

外国語を学ぶとき、自分の母国語に似ていると感じる部分はありますか？

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, this is correct when saying 'A and B are similar' without making one the target of the other.

Yes, but usually in dictionary contexts or future potential, like 'shourai otousan ni niru darou' (will likely resemble father in the future).

'Nita' is more common for 'similar [noun]', while 'niteiru' focuses more on the ongoing state.

Yes, 'nioi ga niteiru' is perfectly natural.

Use 'zenzen niteinai' or 'mattaku niteinai'.

It is a verb in the 'te-iru' form, but it functions like an adjective in English translations.

Yes, 'ano hito wa dareka ni niteiru' (that person looks like someone).

It is the act of mimicking someone, and 'niteiru' is the compliment given to a good impersonator.

'Niteiru' is the general term; 'sokkuri' is used only for very strong resemblance.

Use 'nite kuru'.