एक जैसा
एक जैसा in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe similarity or identical nature between things.
- Changes form based on gender: jaisā (M), jaisī (F), jaise (Plural).
- Commonly used in daily life for shopping, people, and routines.
- Less formal than 'samān', more common in spoken Hindi.
The Hindi phrase एक जैसा (ek jaisā) is a fundamental adjective used to describe similarity, resemblance, or identity between two or more things. At its core, it is composed of two words: ek meaning 'one' and jaisā meaning 'like' or 'similar to'. When combined, they literally translate to 'like one,' implying that the items being compared are so similar they could be considered the same or part of a single category. This phrase is incredibly versatile and is heard in almost every context of daily life in India, from comparing the taste of food to describing the appearance of siblings.
- Visual Similarity
- When two objects look identical in color, shape, or size, we use 'ek jaisā'. For example, two blue shirts of the same brand are 'ek jaise'.
ये दोनों मोबाइल एक जैसे दिखते हैं। (These two mobiles look exactly alike.)
Beyond physical appearance, the phrase extends to abstract concepts like behavior, opinions, or situations. If two people share the same viewpoint on a political issue, their thoughts are said to be ek jaise. If every day feels repetitive and boring, a person might complain that every day is ek jaisā. It is important to note that this adjective is declinable, meaning its ending changes based on the gender and number of the noun it describes. For a masculine singular noun, it is ek jaisā; for masculine plural, ek jaise; and for feminine (both singular and plural), it is ek jaisī.
- Behavioral Resemblance
- It is often used to describe how children behave like their parents. 'Uska swabhav apne pita jaisa hai' (His nature is like his father's) can be simplified to 'Dono ka swabhav ek jaisa hai' (Both have the same nature).
हम दोनों की पसंद एक जैसी है। (Both of our likes/tastes are the same.)
In a cultural context, 'ek jaisā' can also carry a connotation of monotony. In a fast-paced city like Mumbai or Delhi, people often use it to describe the 'mechanical' nature of life—waking up, commuting, working, and sleeping—where every day feels like a carbon copy of the previous one. This nuance makes it a powerful word for expressing both positive alignment (having the same goals) and negative stagnation (lack of variety).
- Comparative Logic
- In logic or mathematics, while 'barābar' means equal in value, 'ek jaisā' refers more to the quality or appearance of the objects.
Using एक जैसा correctly requires understanding its grammatical agreement with the subject. Since it functions as an adjective, you must look at the noun it is qualifying. If you are comparing two masculine things, you use the plural form ek jaise. If you are comparing two feminine things, you use ek jaisī. If you are saying one thing is 'like' another, you often use the construction '[A], [B] jaisā hai', but when saying 'A and B are similar', you use '[A] aur [B] ek jaise hain'.
- Masculine Singular
- Used when referring to a single masculine concept or item. 'Yeh rang us rang ke ek jaisā hai' (This color is similar to that color).
उनका घर हमारे घर के एक जैसा है। (Their house is just like ours.)
When the comparison involves multiple items, the plural form is mandatory. This is the most common usage. In Hindi, 'dono' (both) or 'sab' (all) frequently precede the items being compared. For example, 'Dono bhai ek jaise dikhte hain' (Both brothers look alike). Notice how 'jaise' ends with an 'e' sound because 'bhai' (brothers) is plural here.
- Masculine Plural
- Used for multiple masculine nouns. 'Sare kamre ek jaise hain' (All the rooms are the same).
ये जूते एक जैसे नहीं हैं। (These shoes are not the same.)
For feminine nouns, the word changes to ek jaisī. This applies regardless of whether the feminine noun is singular or plural. For instance, 'Dono behne ek jaisi hain' (Both sisters are alike) or 'Yeh saree us saree ke ek jaisi hai' (This saree is just like that saree). The 'ī' ending is the hallmark of the feminine gender in Hindi adjectives.
- Feminine Usage
- Used for feminine nouns like 'gadi' (car), 'kitab' (book), or 'baat' (matter). 'Dono kitabein ek jaisi hain'.
तुम्हारी और मेरी समस्या एक जैसी है। (Your problem and mine are the same.)
Finally, 'ek jaisā' can be used as an adverbial phrase to describe how an action is performed. While less common than its adjectival use, one might say 'Sab ek jaisa sochte hain' (Everyone thinks the same way). In this case, 'ek jaisa' describes the manner of thinking.
If you walk through a bustling Indian bazaar, the phrase एक जैसा will be ringing in your ears. It is the language of comparison, bargaining, and quality assurance. Shopkeepers use it to reassure customers, while customers use it to point out that they've seen the same product elsewhere for a cheaper price. It is a word of the streets, the home, and the workplace alike.
- In the Kitchen
- Mothers often tell their children, 'Roz ek jaisa khana nahi banta' (The same food isn't made every day), emphasizing variety in Indian cuisine.
क्या हर दुकान पर भाव एक जैसा है? (Is the price the same at every shop?)
In Bollywood movies and TV serials, 'ek jaisā' is a plot device. Think of the classic 'lost and found' tropes where twins are separated at birth. Characters will often exclaim, 'Tum dono to bilkul ek jaise dikhte ho!' (You two look exactly alike!). It builds the drama of mistaken identity. In romantic songs, lovers might say their hearts beat 'ek jaisa' or their dreams are 'ek jaise', signifying their deep connection and unity.
- In Corporate Life
- In offices, managers might complain that all reports look 'ek jaise', implying a lack of original thought or 'copy-pasting'.
सबका काम एक जैसा नहीं होता। (Everyone's work is not the same/equal.)
You will also hear it in news broadcasts and political debates. Anchors might compare the manifestos of two parties by saying, 'Dono partiyon ke vaade ek jaise hain' (The promises of both parties are similar). Here, it serves as a tool for critical analysis. Even in sports, if two players have a similar playing style, commentators will use this phrase to draw parallels between a veteran and a newcomer. Truly, 'ek jaisā' is the glue of comparative Hindi speech.
While एक जैसा seems straightforward, learners often stumble over gender agreement and the distinction between 'similarity' and 'identity'. Because English uses 'the same' or 'similar' for almost everything, the nuances of Hindi grammar can be tricky. The most frequent error is failing to change the ending of 'jaisā' to match the noun.
- Mistake 1: Gender Mismatch
- Saying 'Dono ladkiyan ek jaisa hain' instead of 'ek jaisi'. In Hindi, adjectives must agree with the feminine noun 'ladkiyan'.
Incorrect: ये किताबें एक जैसा हैं।
Correct: ये किताबें एक जैसी हैं।
Another common mistake is confusing 'ek jaisā' with 'vahi' (the very same). 'Vahi' refers to the exact same individual object, whereas 'ek jaisā' refers to a different object that looks or acts like the first one. If you lose your pen and find it, you say 'Yeh vahi pen hai'. If you buy a new pen that looks like your old one, you say 'Yeh mere purane pen jaisa hai'. Using 'ek jaisa' when you mean 'the exact same physical object' can lead to confusion.
- Mistake 2: Using 'Samān' Everywhere
- Learners often use the academic word 'samān' in casual conversation. While technically correct, it sounds stiff. 'Ek jaisa' is much more natural for daily talk.
Incorrect: हम दोनों के पास एक जैसा विचार हैं।
Correct: हम दोनों के विचार एक जैसे हैं। (Note the plural agreement with 'vichaar').
Finally, remember that 'ek jaisā' usually comes at the end of the comparative phrase or right before the verb. Placing it randomly in the sentence can break the flow. For example, 'Ek jaisa dono hain' is grammatically weak compared to 'Dono ek jaise hain'. Practice the rhythm of the sentence to avoid sounding like a machine translation.
Hindi is rich with synonyms for similarity, each carrying a slightly different weight or register. While एक जैसा is the most common and versatile, knowing its alternatives will help you sound more sophisticated and precise in your descriptions.
- समान (Samān)
- This is the formal/Sanskritized version of 'ek jaisa'. It is used in mathematics (equal), law (equality), and formal writing. You would hear 'Sabhi manushya saman hain' (All humans are equal).
गणित में, ये दोनों संख्याएँ समान हैं। (In math, these two numbers are equal.)
Another great alternative is miltā-jultā. This literally means 'meeting and joining' and is used to describe things that are 'similar' but not necessarily 'identical'. If you find a dress that is almost like the one you want but has a different pattern, it is 'miltā-jultā'. It implies a looser connection than 'ek jaisā'.
- हुबहू (Hubahū)
- This Urdu-origin word means 'exactly the same' or 'spitting image'. It is used for carbon copies or twins who cannot be distinguished.
वह हुबहू अपनी माँ की तरह दिखती है। (She looks exactly like her mother.)
For more abstract or poetic contexts, you might use sadrish (resembling) or tulya (comparable). These are rarely used in daily conversation but appear frequently in literature and formal speeches. Understanding these helps you navigate different social strata in India, from the street vendor using 'ek jaisa' to the professor using 'samān'.
- Comparison Table
- - Ek Jaisa: General use, identical/similar.
- Milta-julta: Resembling, roughly similar.
- Saman: Formal, equal in value/status.
- Hubahu: Exact replica, no difference.
How Formal Is It?
"दोनों प्रस्तावों का प्रारूप एक जैसा है।"
"ये दोनों शर्ट एक जैसी हैं।"
"अरे, हम दोनों के फोन तो एक जैसे हैं!"
"देखो, ये दोनों गुड़िया एक जैसी हैं!"
"सब एक जैसा ही सीन है भाई।"
Fun Fact
The word 'jaisa' belongs to a set of correlative adjectives in Hindi: Jaisa (as), Vaisa (so/like that), Kaisa (how/what like). Adding 'Ek' to 'Jaisa' creates a specific meaning of mutual similarity.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'jaisa' as 'jeesa'. It should be 'jai-saa'.
- Shortening the final 'aa' sound in 'jaisa'.
- Treating 'ek' and 'jaisa' as one word without a slight pause.
- Mispronouncing the 'ai' sound as 'ee'.
- Not aspirating sounds where needed in other Hindi words, though not applicable here.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize as it uses basic words 'ek' and 'jaisa'.
Requires attention to gender and number agreement (jaisa/jaisi/jaise).
Very common in speech, easy to incorporate into daily sentences.
Clearly audible and frequently used in various contexts.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective Agreement
Adjectives ending in 'ā' change to 'ī' for feminine and 'e' for masculine plural. 'Ek jaisā' -> 'Ek jaisī' / 'Ek jaise'.
Postposition 'Ke'
When comparing X to Y, we often use 'X, Y ke jaisā hai'. Example: 'Yeh ghar uske ghar ke jaisa hai'.
Plurality with 'Dono'
When using 'dono' (both), the adjective must be in the plural form 'jaise' or 'jaisi'. Example: 'Dono ek jaise hain'.
Adverbial usage
'Ek jaisa' can describe a verb. Example: 'Sab ek jaisa sochte hain' (Everyone thinks similarly).
Negation
Place 'nahi' before the verb. Example: 'Dono ek jaise nahi hain'.
Examples by Level
ये दोनों पेन एक जैसे हैं।
These two pens are the same.
The word 'jaise' is plural because there are two pens.
मेरा घर और तुम्हारा घर एक जैसा है।
My house and your house are similar.
'Ek jaisa' refers to the similarity in design or look.
सबका रंग एक जैसा है।
Everyone's color is the same.
'Rang' (color) is masculine singular.
क्या ये दोनों एक जैसे हैं?
Are these two the same?
A simple question using the plural form.
ये दोनों बिल्लियाँ एक जैसी हैं।
These two cats are alike.
'Jaisi' is used because 'billi' (cat) is feminine.
हम दोनों एक जैसे दिखते हैं।
We both look alike.
Uses the verb 'dikhte' (look/appear).
ये खिलौने एक जैसे हैं।
These toys are identical.
'Khilone' (toys) is masculine plural.
उसका फोन मेरे फोन जैसा है।
His phone is like my phone.
Here 'jaisa' is used as a comparison 'like'.
हमारी पसंद एक जैसी है।
Our likes/tastes are the same.
'Pasand' is feminine in Hindi.
दोनों भाइयों का स्वभाव एक जैसा है।
Both brothers have a similar nature.
'Swabhav' (nature/temperament) is masculine.
बाज़ार में सब कपड़े एक जैसे मिल रहे हैं।
All clothes in the market are looking the same.
Implies a lack of variety.
क्या ये दोनों जूते एक जैसे हैं?
Are these two shoes identical?
'Joote' is masculine plural.
मेरी और तुम्हारी साइकिल एक जैसी है।
My bicycle and yours are the same.
'Cycle' is feminine in Hindi.
दुकानदार ने कहा कि सब माल एक जैसा है।
The shopkeeper said all the goods are the same.
Common market phrase for quality assurance.
ये दोनों सवाल एक जैसे हैं।
These two questions are identical.
'Sawal' (question) is masculine.
शहर की सभी इमारतें एक जैसी दिखती हैं।
All the buildings in the city look the same.
Describes urban monotony.
मेरा हर दिन एक जैसा बीतता है।
Every day of mine passes in the same way.
Expresses routine or boredom.
इन दोनों फिल्मों की कहानी एक जैसी है।
The stories of these two movies are similar.
'Kahani' (story) is feminine.
हमें एक जैसे कपड़े नहीं पहनने चाहिए।
We should not wear identical clothes.
Using 'ek jaise' with a modal verb.
उसकी और मेरी समस्या एक जैसी है।
His problem and mine are the same.
'Samasya' is feminine.
क्या आपको नहीं लगता कि ये दोनों विचार एक जैसे हैं?
Don't you think these two ideas are similar?
A more complex question structure.
इन दोनों कारों की रफ़्तार एक जैसी है।
The speed of these two cars is the same.
'Raftaar' is feminine.
गाँव के सब घर एक जैसे बने हुए हैं।
All the houses in the village are built the same way.
Focuses on the manner of construction.
उसकी आवाज़ बिल्कुल अपनी माँ के एक जैसी है।
Her voice is exactly like her mother's.
Uses 'bilkul' for emphasis.
दोनों राजनीतिक दलों के वादे एक जैसे हैं।
The promises of both political parties are similar.
Political context.
समाज में सबको एक जैसा अवसर मिलना चाहिए।
Everyone should get the same opportunity in society.
Abstract concept of equality.
वैज्ञानिकों के अनुसार, इन दोनों रसायनों का प्रभाव एक जैसा है।
According to scientists, the effect of these two chemicals is the same.
Scientific/Formal register.
आजकल के सभी गाने एक जैसे सुनाई देते हैं।
All of today's songs sound the same.
Critique of modern music.
उनकी कार्यशैली और हमारी कार्यशैली एक जैसी है।
Their style of working and ours are identical.
'Karyashaili' (working style) is feminine.
क्या यह संभव है कि दो अलग लोग एक जैसा सोचें?
Is it possible for two different people to think the same way?
Philosophical inquiry.
इन दोनों शहरों की संस्कृति एक जैसी लगती है।
The culture of these two cities feels similar.
Comparing abstract cultural traits.
व्यापार में उतार-चढ़ाव तो एक जैसे ही रहते हैं।
Ups and downs in business remain the same.
Expressing a constant reality.
इतिहास में कई घटनाएँ एक जैसी प्रतीत होती हैं।
In history, many events seem similar.
Uses formal 'prateet hona' (to seem/appear).
लेखक ने दोनों पात्रों को एक जैसा चित्रित किया है।
The author has portrayed both characters similarly.
Literary analysis context.
वैश्वीकरण के कारण पूरी दुनिया एक जैसी होती जा रही है।
The whole world is becoming the same due to globalization.
Sociological commentary.
मनुष्य की बुनियादी ज़रूरतें हर जगह एक जैसी होती हैं।
Human's basic needs are the same everywhere.
Universal truth.
इन दोनों कानूनी मामलों के तथ्य एक जैसे हैं।
The facts of these two legal cases are identical.
Legal register.
शिक्षा प्रणाली में एक जैसा पाठ्यक्रम होना अनिवार्य है।
It is mandatory to have a uniform curriculum in the education system.
Policy-related discussion.
उनकी कविताओं का भाव और लय एक जैसी है।
The emotion and rhythm of their poems are the same.
Analyzing artistic elements.
क्या दो अलग-अलग संस्कृतियों का विकास एक जैसा हो सकता है?
Can the development of two different cultures be identical?
Complex historical question.
अद्वैत दर्शन के अनुसार, आत्मा और परमात्मा एक जैसे ही हैं।
According to Advaita philosophy, the soul and the supreme soul are essentially one and the same.
High philosophical register.
मशीनी युग में मानवीय संवेदनाएँ एक जैसी होती जा रही हैं।
In the machine age, human emotions are becoming uniform/standardized.
Critical philosophical thought.
ब्रह्मांड की विशालता में पृथ्वी जैसी कई दुनियाएँ एक जैसी हो सकती हैं।
In the vastness of the universe, many worlds like Earth could be identical.
Scientific hypothesis.
साहित्यिक चोरी और प्रेरणा के बीच की रेखा बहुत एक जैसी लगती है।
The line between plagiarism and inspiration often seems very similar.
Nuanced intellectual debate.
सत्ता की प्रकृति हर काल और परिस्थिति में एक जैसी ही रहती है।
The nature of power remains the same in every era and circumstance.
Political philosophy.
क्या हम कभी यह जान पाएंगे कि दो मस्तिष्क एक जैसा अनुभव करते हैं?
Will we ever be able to know if two brains experience things identically?
Neuroscience/Epistemology.
भाषा के व्याकरणिक ढांचे कई बार एक जैसे प्रतिमान दिखाते हैं।
Grammatical structures of languages often show identical paradigms.
Linguistic analysis.
शून्यता और पूर्णता का अनुभव अंततः एक जैसा ही होता है।
The experience of emptiness and fullness is ultimately the same.
Mystical/Spiritual context.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Everything is the same. Used when there is no variety.
यहाँ तो सब एक जैसा है, कुछ नया नहीं।
— Exactly the same. Emphasizes perfect similarity.
ये दोनों कापियां बिल्कुल एक जैसी हैं।
— To treat everyone equally or the same way.
वह सबके साथ एक जैसा व्यवहार करता है।
Often Confused With
'Vahi' means 'the exact same one' (identity), while 'ek jaisa' means 'similar/alike' (resemblance).
'Samān' is more formal and often implies mathematical or legal equality, whereas 'ek jaisa' is for general similarity.
'Barābar' focuses on being equal in measure, size, or level, while 'ek jaisa' focuses on appearance or quality.
Idioms & Expressions
— Cast in the same mold / Birds of a feather. Used for people with similar (usually bad) traits.
वे दोनों नेता एक ही थैली के चट्टे-बट्टे हैं।
Informal— Two sides of the same coin. Used for things that are closely related or similar.
सुख और दुख एक ही सिक्के के दो पहलू हैं।
Neutral— To be in the same boat. Facing the same situation.
हम दोनों बेरोज़गार हैं, हम एक ही नाव में सवार हैं।
Neutral— To treat everyone the same way without considering differences (often negatively).
सबको एक ही लकड़ी से हांकना गलत है।
Informal— Times change; days don't remain the same forever.
हिम्मत मत हारो, सबके एक जैसे दिन नहीं रहते।
Neutral— To keep saying the same thing over and over.
वह सुबह से एक ही राग अलाप रहा है।
Informal— To be cast in the same mold; to be identical in nature.
ये दोनों भाई एक ही सांचे में ढले हैं।
Neutral— Each one better than the other (similar but escalating in quality).
वहाँ एक से एक कलाकार आए थे।
Neutral— People of the same sort (often fickle).
वे सब एक ही थाली के बैंगन हैं, उन पर भरोसा मत करो।
InformalEasily Confused
Both words deal with similarity.
'Jaisā' is a comparative 'like' (A is like B), while 'ek jaisā' means 'identical' or 'alike' (A and B are similar to each other).
वह शेर जैसा है (He is like a lion) vs वे दोनों एक जैसे हैं (They are alike).
Sounds similar and also deals with comparison.
'Vaisā' means 'like that' or 'in that manner'. It is a correlative to 'jaisā'.
जैसा करोगे, वैसा भरोगे (As you sow, so shall you reap).
Starts with 'ek' and implies intensity.
'Ekdam' means 'completely' or 'suddenly'. It is an adverb of intensity.
वह एकदम चुप हो गया (He became completely silent).
Both suggest 'one'.
'Ek hī' means 'only one' or 'the very same individual', while 'ek jaisā' refers to two or more similar things.
हम एक ही घर में रहते हैं (We live in the same house).
Both mean similar.
'Milta-julta' is used for partial similarity or resemblance, while 'ek jaisa' is for strong similarity or being identical.
ये रंग उससे मिलता-जुलता है (This color is similar to that one).
Sentence Patterns
[Noun 1] और [Noun 2] एक जैसे हैं।
आम और सेब एक जैसे हैं।
इन दोनों का [Property] एक जैसा है।
इन दोनों का रंग एक जैसा है।
मेरा [Noun] [Pronoun] के एक जैसा है।
मेरा कुर्ता तुम्हारे कुर्ते के एक जैसा है।
क्या आपको लगता है कि [Concept] एक जैसा हो सकता है?
क्या आपको लगता है कि सबका भाग्य एक जैसा हो सकता है?
[Abstract Noun] की प्रकृति प्रायः एक जैसी ही रहती है।
मानवीय लालच की प्रकृति प्रायः एक जैसी ही रहती है।
[Philosophy] के अनुसार [Subject] और [Object] एक जैसे ही हैं।
वेदांत के अनुसार जीव और ब्रह्म एक जैसे ही हैं।
सब कुछ एक जैसा लग रहा है।
आज सब कुछ एक जैसा लग रहा है।
अरे! ये तो बिल्कुल एक जैसा है!
अरे! ये खिलौना तो बिल्कुल मेरे वाले के एक जैसा है!
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very common in both spoken and written Hindi.
-
Dono ladkiyan ek jaisa hain.
→
Dono ladkiyan ek jaisi hain.
Adjectives must agree with the feminine gender of 'ladkiyan'.
-
Yeh vahi pen jaisa hai.
→
Yeh us pen jaisa hai.
'Vahi' means the exact same object. You can't be 'like' the exact same object in this context; you are 'like' another object.
-
Sare kamra ek jaisa hai.
→
Sare kamre ek jaise hain.
'Sare' (all) implies plural, so 'kamra' must become 'kamre' and 'jaisa' must become 'jaise'.
-
Hamari soch ek jaisa hai.
→
Hamari soch ek jaisi hai.
'Soch' (thinking/thought) is a feminine noun in Hindi.
-
Dono bhai ek jaisa dikhta hai.
→
Dono bhai एक जैसे दिखते हैं।
Both the adjective 'jaise' and the verb 'dikhte' must be plural to match 'dono bhai'.
Tips
Gender Agreement
Always remember the trio: Jaisā (Male), Jaisī (Female), Jaise (Plural). If you're talking about a mix of genders, use 'jaise'.
Beyond 'Same'
Use 'milta-julta' if things are only 'somewhat' similar. Reserve 'ek jaisa' for things that are very close or identical.
Natural Flow
Native speakers often add 'bilkul' (completely/exactly) before 'ek jaisa' to sound more emphatic. 'Bilkul ek jaisa!'
Market Talk
In shops, use 'ek jaisa' to negotiate. If a shopkeeper shows you two different qualities, you can ask 'Kya dono ek jaise hain?'
Sentence Placement
In a standard sentence, 'ek jaisā' usually acts as the complement after the subjects. 'A aur B [ek jaise] hain.'
Catching the Ending
When listening, focus on the 'e' or 'i' at the end. It tells you if the speaker is talking about multiple things or feminine things.
The 'One' Trick
Remember that 'Ek' means 'One'. If two things are 'Ek Jaisa', they are 'One-Like'—they look like one single thing.
Monotony
Don't just use it for objects. Use it to describe a boring routine: 'Mera din ek jaisa hai'.
Jaisa vs Ek Jaisa
Use 'jaisa' for 'like' (He is like him). Use 'ek jaisa' for 'alike' (They are alike).
The 'Ai' Sound
Avoid saying 'jeesa'. The 'ai' sound in 'jaisa' is like the 'ai' in 'fair' or 'stair'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Ek' as '1' and 'Jaisa' as 'Just like'. So, '1-Just-Like' means two things are so similar they look like one.
Visual Association
Imagine two identical twins wearing the exact same clothes. That visual 'sameness' is 'ek jaisa'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to find five pairs of things in your room that are 'ek jaise' and describe them in Hindi using the correct gender (jaisa/jaisi/jaise).
Word Origin
Derived from the combination of the Hindi word 'ek' (one) and 'jaisa' (like). 'Ek' comes from the Sanskrit 'eka', while 'jaisa' is derived from the Sanskrit 'yadrisha' (of what sort/like which).
Original meaning: The original meaning implies 'of a single sort' or 'appearing as one'.
Indo-Aryan family, branching from Sanskrit through Prakrit and Apabhramsha to Modern Hindi.Cultural Context
Be careful when saying people are 'ek jaise'. While usually a compliment for twins, it can sometimes imply a lack of personality if used for a group.
English speakers often use 'the same' for both 'identical' and 'similar'. In Hindi, 'ek jaisa' is the most common way to bridge these two concepts.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Shopping
- क्या कोई दूसरा रंग है? ये सब एक जैसे हैं।
- इन दोनों का दाम एक जैसा क्यों है?
- मुझे एक जैसा जोड़ा चाहिए।
- सब माल एक जैसा है।
Describing People
- वे दोनों भाई एक जैसे दिखते हैं।
- उनका स्वभाव एक जैसा है।
- हम दोनों की पसंद एक जैसी है।
- तुम बिल्कुल अपने पिता के एक जैसे हो।
Work/Office
- ये दोनों फाइलें एक जैसी हैं।
- सबका काम एक जैसा नहीं होता।
- हमें एक जैसा परिणाम चाहिए।
- आपकी और मेरी राय एक जैसी है।
Daily Routine
- मेरा हर दिन एक जैसा होता है।
- रोज़ एक जैसा खाना खाकर बोर हो गया हूँ।
- यहाँ का मौसम रोज़ एक जैसा रहता है।
- सब कुछ एक जैसा लग रहा है।
Comparisons
- ये दोनों फिल्में एक जैसी हैं।
- क्या ये दोनों सवाल एक जैसे हैं?
- उनका घर हमारे घर के एक जैसा है।
- ये दोनों रास्ते एक जैसे ही हैं।
Conversation Starters
"क्या आपको लगता है कि हम दोनों की पसंद एक जैसी है?"
"क्या आपके शहर में भी मौसम यहाँ के एक जैसा रहता है?"
"इन दोनों मोबाइल में से आपको कौन सा बेहतर लगा? मुझे तो दोनों एक जैसे लग रहे हैं।"
"क्या आपके घर में भी सब एक जैसा खाना खाते हैं?"
"क्या आपको नहीं लगता कि आजकल की सभी फिल्में एक जैसी होती हैं?"
Journal Prompts
अपने किसी ऐसे मित्र के बारे में लिखें जिसकी पसंद आपके एक जैसी हो।
क्या आपका हर दिन एक जैसा बीतता है? अपने दैनिक रूटीन का वर्णन करें।
दो ऐसी चीज़ों की तुलना करें जो दिखने में एक जैसी हों पर उनके गुण अलग हों।
क्या आपको लगता है कि दुनिया के सभी इंसानों की ज़रूरतें एक जैसी हैं? विस्तार से लिखें।
एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब आपने दो एक जैसी चीज़ों के बीच गलती कर दी हो।
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral and widely used in both daily conversation and informal writing. For very formal or academic contexts, 'samān' is preferred, but 'ek jaisā' is never considered wrong or rude.
Yes, it becomes 'ek jaisī'. For example, 'Dono behne ek jaisi hain' (Both sisters are alike). Always match the gender of the subject.
Yes, in a general sense, but for mathematical equality or 'fairness', 'barābar' or 'samān' are more precise. 'Ek jaisā' usually refers to quality or appearance.
'Jaisā' is used for direct comparison (like/as), while 'ek jaisā' describes a state of being identical or very similar between multiple things.
You can say 'bilkul ek jaisā' or use the Urdu-origin word 'hubahū' for a stronger emphasis on identity.
Yes, very often! It can describe physical appearance (twins) or personality traits (nature, habits).
Yes, it can describe an action. 'Sab ek jaisa sochte hain' means everyone thinks in the same manner.
The most common opposite is 'alag' (different). You can also use 'bhinn' (distinct) or 'alag-alag' (various/different).
It becomes 'ek jaise' when referring to masculine plural nouns. Since comparisons usually involve two or more things, 'ek jaise' is actually the most frequent form you will hear.
Absolutely. It's one of the most common uses. 'In dono phoolon ka rang ek jaisa hai' (The color of these two flowers is the same).
Test Yourself 200 questions
Write a sentence comparing two identical cars.
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Describe your daily routine using 'ek jaisa'.
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Say that you and your friend have the same taste in music.
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Write a formal sentence about equal rights using 'ek jaisa' or 'samān'.
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Compare two similar movies you have watched.
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How would you tell a shopkeeper that all the shirts look the same?
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Translate: 'Both sisters look exactly like their mother.'
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Write a sentence about identical twins.
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Use 'ek jaisa' to describe a repetitive task at work.
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Explain why two different cultures might have similar traditions.
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Translate: 'Your problem and my problem are the same.'
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Write a sentence about similar prices in different shops.
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Use 'ek jaisa' in a sentence about people's thoughts.
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Describe two identical pens on a desk.
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Translate: 'The color of the sky and the sea is similar today.'
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Write a sentence about identical architectural styles in a city.
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Translate: 'Everyone's work style is not the same.'
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Use 'ek jaisa' to compare two different phone models.
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Write a sentence about the similarity of basic human needs.
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Translate: 'They are birds of a feather (idiom).'
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Pronounce: एक जैसा (Ek Jaisā)
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Say 'Both look alike' in Hindi.
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Say 'Our thoughts are similar'.
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Say 'Everything is the same here'.
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Explain the difference between 'jaisa' and 'ek jaisa' in Hindi.
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Pronounce: एक जैसी (Ek Jaisī)
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Pronounce: एक जैसे (Ek Jaise)
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Say 'Are these two pens the same?'
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Say 'My brother is just like me'.
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Say 'The color of both is the same'.
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Say 'We have the same problem'.
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Say 'Today is like yesterday'.
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Say 'All houses are identical'.
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Say 'They think similarly'.
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Say 'The price is the same'.
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Say 'Both girls are alike'.
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Say 'I want something similar'.
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Say 'It feels like a dream'.
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Say 'We are in the same boat'.
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Say 'Everything is uniform here'.
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Translate what you hear: 'ये दोनों खिलौने एक जैसे हैं।'
Listen and identify gender: 'पसंद एक जैसी है।'
Translate: 'दोनों का स्वभाव एक जैसा है।'
Identify the number: 'वे एक जैसे दिखते हैं।'
Translate: 'क्या सब कुछ एक जैसा है?'
Translate: 'हमें एक जैसा परिणाम मिला।'
Listen and identify the object gender: 'सड़कें एक जैसी हैं।'
Translate: 'उनका काम एक जैसा नहीं है।'
Translate: 'दोनों फिल्मों की कहानी एक जैसी थी।'
Translate: 'सबका रंग एक जैसा क्यों है?'
Identify the tone: 'रोज़ एक जैसा काम...' (Bored)
Translate: 'ये दोनों चाबियाँ एक जैसी लगती हैं।'
Translate: 'हमारा अनुभव एक जैसा रहा।'
Translate: 'क्या ये दोनों मोबाइल एक जैसे हैं?'
Translate: 'बाज़ार में सब एक जैसा है।'
/ 200 correct
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Summary
The phrase 'एक जैसा' is your go-to tool for making comparisons in Hindi. Whether you're talking about twins who look alike or two shirts of the same color, remember to match the ending to the noun: 'jaisā', 'jaise', or 'jaisī'. Example: 'Dono bhai ek jaise hain.'
- Used to describe similarity or identical nature between things.
- Changes form based on gender: jaisā (M), jaisī (F), jaise (Plural).
- Commonly used in daily life for shopping, people, and routines.
- Less formal than 'samān', more common in spoken Hindi.
Gender Agreement
Always remember the trio: Jaisā (Male), Jaisī (Female), Jaise (Plural). If you're talking about a mix of genders, use 'jaise'.
Beyond 'Same'
Use 'milta-julta' if things are only 'somewhat' similar. Reserve 'ek jaisa' for things that are very close or identical.
Natural Flow
Native speakers often add 'bilkul' (completely/exactly) before 'ek jaisa' to sound more emphatic. 'Bilkul ek jaisa!'
Market Talk
In shops, use 'ek jaisa' to negotiate. If a shopkeeper shows you two different qualities, you can ask 'Kya dono ek jaise hain?'
Related Content
More general words
आभार व्यक्त करना
B1To express gratitude or thankfulness.
आचरण करना
C1To conduct oneself; behave in a particular way.
आगे
A1Forward; ahead.
आगे बढ़ना
A2To move forward or progress.
आगामी
B1Happening in the near future; upcoming or next.
आह्वान करना
B1To call, to summon, to request someone's presence.
आज रात
A2The night of the present day; tonight.
आजमाना
A2To make an attempt or effort to do something; to test.
आक्रमण करना
B2To begin military operations against a country or group.
आखिरी
A2Last, final.