When two things look so similar that they are hard to tell apart, they are 'sokkuri'.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe things that look exactly alike.
- Commonly used for physical appearance between family members.
- Can also mean 'exactly' when describing copies or quotes.
概要：「そっくりな」は、二つのものが驚くほど似ていることを強調する形容動詞です。単に「似ている」と言うよりも、その類似性の高さや、一見して判別が難しいほどのレベルを表現する際に用いられます。
- 1使用パターン：名詞を修飾する場合は「そっくりな人」「そっくりな服」のように「な」をつけて使用します。述語として使う場合は「あの二人はそっくりだ」のように「だ・です」に接続します。また、副詞的に「そっくりそのまま」という形で、内容や形を一切変えずに引用や複製を行う際にも使われます。
一般的な文脈：家族や親子の容姿について話す際に最も頻繁に使われます。「親にそっくりだ」という表現は非常に一般的です。また、双子や、偽物と本物を見比べる際にもよく登場します。
- 1同義語との比較：「似ている」は一般的な比較に使われますが、「そっくり」はより視覚的な同一性や、強い類似性を強調します。「酷似（こくじ）」はより硬い表現でニュースや公的な文書で使われますが、「そっくり」は日常会話で親しみやすく使われる点が特徴です。
Examples
息子はお父さんにそっくりだ。
everydayMy son looks exactly like his father.
この偽物は本物とそっくりな作りをしている。
formalThis fake is made to look exactly like the real thing.
あの人、芸能人の誰かにそっくりじゃない？
informalDoesn't that person look exactly like some celebrity?
両者のデザインは細部までそっくりである。
academicThe designs of both are identical down to the details.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
そっくりそのまま伝える
To convey exactly as it was said
生き写しのようにそっくり
Like a living image / spitting image
見分けがつかないほどそっくり
So identical that you can't tell them apart
Often Confused With
This is a broader term for 'similar'. 'Sokkuri' is a stronger, more emphatic version used for near-identical appearance.
This implies 'the same way' or 'likewise' in a more abstract or formal sense, whereas 'sokkuri' is usually physical.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Sokkuri is a versatile adjective used in both casual and formal contexts. It is most frequently used to describe physical appearance, but 'sokkuri-sono-mama' is a set phrase for copying things exactly. It is not usually used for abstract personality traits in the same way as physical looks.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it as a verb, but it is an adjective/adverb. Avoid saying 'sokkuri-suru' as it is grammatically incorrect. Always use it with 'da' or 'na' or as an adverb.
Tips
Use for visual emphasis
Use 'sokkuri' when you want to express surprise at how similar two things are. It sounds more natural and expressive than just saying 'niteiru'.
Avoid using for abstract concepts
While it can describe ideas, it is primarily used for physical appearance or concrete objects. For abstract concepts, use 'nita' or 'ruiji'.
Family resemblance is a common topic
In Japan, commenting on how much a child looks like their parent using 'sokkuri' is a very common and friendly conversation starter.
Word Origin
Originates from the verb 'sokuru' (to resemble) combined with an emphatic suffix. It evolved into its current form to emphasize the high degree of similarity.
Cultural Context
In Japanese culture, identifying family resemblance is a standard social ritual. Saying a child is 'sokkuri' to their parent is usually taken as a compliment regarding the family bond.
Memory Tip
Think of 'so' (very) + 'kkuri' (like a 'click' of two puzzle pieces fitting perfectly). When things fit perfectly, they are identical.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「似ている」は単に共通点があるという広い意味ですが、「そっくりな」は「見分けがつかないほど非常に似ている」という強い強調を含みます。
はい、使えます。例えば「本物そっくりな偽物」のように、物の形や色などが再現されている場合にも非常によく使われます。
はい、あります。他人なのに特定の有名人などに非常に似ている人を指して「あの人は有名人のそっくりさんだ」のように使います。
文脈によりますが、全く似ていない場合は「正反対」「似ても似つかない」「別物」などが使われます。
Test Yourself
その双子は本当に___。
述語として使う場合は「だ」で終わる形が適切です。
「彼と私は顔がそっくりだ。」
「そっくり」は非常に似ていることを意味します。
（お母さんに / 娘は / そっくりだ / 非常に）
日本語の語順として「誰に」が先にくるのが自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
When two things look so similar that they are hard to tell apart, they are 'sokkuri'.
- Used to describe things that look exactly alike.
- Commonly used for physical appearance between family members.
- Can also mean 'exactly' when describing copies or quotes.
Use for visual emphasis
Use 'sokkuri' when you want to express surprise at how similar two things are. It sounds more natural and expressive than just saying 'niteiru'.
Avoid using for abstract concepts
While it can describe ideas, it is primarily used for physical appearance or concrete objects. For abstract concepts, use 'nita' or 'ruiji'.
Family resemblance is a common topic
In Japan, commenting on how much a child looks like their parent using 'sokkuri' is a very common and friendly conversation starter.
Examples
4 of 4息子はお父さんにそっくりだ。
My son looks exactly like his father.
この偽物は本物とそっくりな作りをしている。
This fake is made to look exactly like the real thing.
あの人、芸能人の誰かにそっくりじゃない？
Doesn't that person look exactly like some celebrity?
両者のデザインは細部までそっくりである。
The designs of both are identical down to the details.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More family words
還暦
B160th birthday (celebration of completing a 60-year cycle).
〜くらい
B1About; approximately; to the extent that.
認め合う
B1To recognize each other's worth; to acknowledge.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Acquaintance; someone you know by sight.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
甘える
B1To be spoiled, to fawn; to behave like a pampered child.
思春期
B1Adolescence; the period of transition from childhood to adulthood.
養子
B1Adopted child; a child taken into one's family by legal means.
養親
B2Adoptive parent.
