Signification
Looking exactly like someone else.
Contexte culturel
The concept of the 'double' (двойник) is a major theme in Russian literature, notably in Dostoevsky's works. This idiom is often used to introduce the uncanny feeling of meeting someone identical to oneself. It is very common for Russian relatives to compare a newborn baby to every member of the family. Using this idiom is considered a warm compliment to the parents. Many Soviet comedies used the 'identical twin' trope (e.g., 'Gentlemen of Fortune'). The idiom was frequently used in scripts to highlight the confusion between characters. On social media, Russians use this phrase when posting 'lookalike' challenges or comparing celebrities to historical figures.
Use with 'Похожи'
The most natural way to use this is with the word 'похожи' (alike). It completes the thought perfectly.
Don't change the number
Even if you are comparing three people, never say 'как три капли воды.' It sounds very strange to native speakers.
Signification
Looking exactly like someone else.
Use with 'Похожи'
The most natural way to use this is with the word 'похожи' (alike). It completes the thought perfectly.
Don't change the number
Even if you are comparing three people, never say 'как три капли воды.' It sounds very strange to native speakers.
Character vs. Looks
If you mean they act the same, add 'по характеру' (by character) to be clear.
Complimenting Parents
Telling a Russian parent their child is 'как две капли воды' with them is a very high compliment.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the idiom.
Они похожи как две ___ воды.
The idiom is 'как две капли воды' (like two drops of water).
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'They look exactly alike'?
Выберите правильное предложение:
This is the standard Russian idiom for perfect resemblance.
Match the Russian phrase with its English equivalent.
Сопоставьте фразы:
These are the closest idiomatic equivalents in both languages.
Complete the dialogue with the correct idiom.
— Ты видел брата Ивана? — Да, они похожи ...
When discussing the resemblance of brothers, this idiom is the most appropriate.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Russian vs English Idioms
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesОни похожи как две ___ воды.
The idiom is 'как две капли воды' (like two drops of water).
Выберите правильное предложение:
This is the standard Russian idiom for perfect resemblance.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the closest idiomatic equivalents in both languages.
— Ты видел брата Ивана? — Да, они похожи ...
When discussing the resemblance of brothers, this idiom is the most appropriate.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! You can use it for two phones, two cars, or even two identical houses.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your best friend.
No, it is usually neutral or positive. However, it can be used ironically to describe two people who are both equally annoying.
Because you need two things to make a comparison!
Not really, but you can just say 'Они как две капли' in very casual speech, though it's less common.
Yes, you can say 'Они все похожи как две капли воды,' but the idiom itself always stays 'две капли.'
The closest equivalent is 'Like two peas in a pod' or 'The spitting image.'
Yes, without 'воды' the phrase feels incomplete and loses its idiomatic meaning.
Absolutely, it is the most common way to describe identical twins in Russian.
Not at all. It is used every day in modern Russia.
Expressions liées
Вылитый
synonymThe spitting image of someone.
Одно лицо
synonymTo have the same face.
На одно лицо
similarTo look the same (often used for a group).
Как небо и земля
contrastAs different as heaven and earth.
