Meaning
For multiple people to say the same thing at the same time or agree completely.
Cultural Background
The phrase highlights the importance of 'consensus' in Japanese society. It is often used in media to show that a certain feeling is shared by the 'general public' ({世論|よろん}). In Japanese companies, presenting a united front is crucial. If a team {口|くち}を{揃|そろ}えて a proposal, it carries much more weight than individuals speaking separately. In Japanese detective dramas, this phrase is a staple. When suspects have perfectly matching stories, it actually makes the detective suspicious that they {口|くち}を{合|あ}わせた (coordinated) rather than just {口|くち}を{揃|そろ}えた.
Use it for emphasis
Don't just say 'everyone said.' Use this phrase to show that you were impressed or surprised by how identical their opinions were.
Check the number of people
Ensure there are at least two, preferably three or more people involved before using this idiom.
Meaning
For multiple people to say the same thing at the same time or agree completely.
Use it for emphasis
Don't just say 'everyone said.' Use this phrase to show that you were impressed or surprised by how identical their opinions were.
Check the number of people
Ensure there are at least two, preferably three or more people involved before using this idiom.
News Watch
Listen for this phrase in Japanese news. It's the #1 way they describe public consensus or witness reports.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct particle and verb form.
{目撃者|もくげきしゃ}たちは{口|くち}（ ）{揃|そろ}（ ）、{犯人|はんにん}の{顔|かお}を{見|み}ていないと{言|い}った。
The standard idiom is {口|くち}を{揃|そろ}えて.
Which situation best fits the use of {口|くち}を{揃|そろ}える?
Choose the best context:
The idiom is used when multiple people express the same opinion or information.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {新|あたら}しい{先生|せんせい}、どう？ B: クラスのみんな、（ ）「{教|おし}え{方|かた}が上手だ」って{言|い}ってるよ。
{口|くち}を{揃|そろ}えて is used to show that everyone in the class has the same opinion.
Match the idiom to the nuance.
Match: 1. {口|くち}を{揃|そろ}える, 2. {口|くち}を{合|あ}わせる
{口|くち}を{合|あ}わせる often implies people 'synced' their stories on purpose (often to lie).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{目撃者|もくげきしゃ}たちは{口|くち}（ ）{揃|そろ}（ ）、{犯人|はんにん}の{顔|かお}を{見|み}ていないと{言|い}った。
The standard idiom is {口|くち}を{揃|そろ}えて.
Choose the best context:
The idiom is used when multiple people express the same opinion or information.
A: {新|あたら}しい{先生|せんせい}、どう？ B: クラスのみんな、（ ）「{教|おし}え{方|かた}が上手だ」って{言|い}ってるよ。
{口|くち}を{揃|そろ}えて is used to show that everyone in the class has the same opinion.
Match: 1. {口|くち}を{揃|そろ}える, 2. {口|くち}を{合|あ}わせる
{口|くち}を{合|あ}わせる often implies people 'synced' their stories on purpose (often to lie).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, you can use it for two people if they say the same thing at the same time or share the exact same opinion.
No, it's neutral. It can be used for praise ('Everyone praised him') or complaints ('Everyone complained about the weather').
'Ikudouon' is a formal four-character idiom used mostly in writing. '{口|くち}を{揃|そろ}える' is much more common in daily speech.
Not necessarily. It can mean they spoke at the same time, OR that they gave the same opinion at different times.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in formal writing and journalism.
Related Phrases
{異口同音|いくどうおん}
synonymDifferent mouths, same sound.
{口|くち}を{合|あ}わせる
similarTo coordinate stories.
{足並|あしなみ}を{揃|そろ}える
builds onTo keep in step with others.
{口|くち}が{滑|すべ}る
contrastA slip of the tongue.
