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そっくり

B1 adverb #4,000 most common 13 min read

そっくり

sokkuri Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips そっくり in 30 Seconds

Explanation そっくり in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of 'sokkur' as a very strong version of 'looks like'. It is a word you can use when you see two things that are almost the same. For example, if you see a baby and their father, and they have the same face, you can say 'Sokkur!'. It is a fun, easy word because it sounds like what it means—something 'snapping' into place perfectly. You don't need complex grammar to use it. Just saying 'Sokkur desu ne!' (They are exactly alike, aren't they!) is enough to communicate. Focus on the visual meaning first. Imagine two stickers that are exactly the same. That is 'sokkur'. It is a great word for beginners because it helps you express surprise and make connections with people by noticing family resemblances. Remember: it is more than just 'similar'; it is 'exactly the same look'.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'sokkur' in simple sentences with the particle 'ni'. The basic pattern is 'A wa B ni sokkur da'. This means 'A looks exactly like B'. For example, 'Kare wa otōsan ni sokkur da' (He looks just like his father). You should also know that 'sokkur' can be used for things, not just people. If you see a fake iPhone that looks just like a real one, you can use this word. At this level, you might also see 'sokkur-na' followed by a noun, like 'sokkur-na ningyō' (a doll that looks exactly like someone). It’s a very useful word for describing your surroundings and people you know. Just be careful not to confuse it with 'niteru', which is for things that are only a little bit similar. 'Sokkur' is for when you are really surprised by how identical two things are.

At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance of 'sokkur' as both a description of likeness and its secondary meaning of 'entirely' or 'all'. You are expected to use it naturally in conversations about family, hobbies (like celebrity lookalikes), and comparisons. You should also be able to distinguish 'sokkur' from formal terms like 'kokuji' (resemblance) and idiomatic terms like 'uri-futatsu' (two peas in a pod). A B1 learner knows that 'sokkur' often implies a sense of amazement or emotional reaction. You should also be comfortable using it as an adverb in sentences like 'Kyūryō o sokkur nusumareta' (My entire salary was stolen), where it emphasizes the completeness of the action. This level requires you to handle the 'na', 'no', and 'ni' versions of the word correctly depending on the sentence structure.

At the B2 level, you should master the subtle contexts where 'sokkur' is used versus its synonyms. You understand that while 'sokkur' is common in speech, it might be replaced by 'kokuji' in a news report or 'dōitsu' in a legal context. You can use 'sokkur' to describe not just physical appearance, but also voice, handwriting, personality, and even abstract concepts like 'a situation that is exactly like one from ten years ago'. You should also be aware of the 'Sokkur-san' culture in Japan and how the word is used in entertainment. Your use of the word should reflect an understanding of social registers—knowing that 'sokkur' is perfect for a friendly chat but might be a bit too casual for a formal presentation. You can also handle complex structures like 'sokkur ni tsukurarete iru' (is made to look exactly like).

At the C1 level, you have a deep appreciation for the onomatopoeic origins and the 'wholeness' nuance of 'sokkur'. You understand how the word evolved from meaning 'entirely/without exception' to its modern primary meaning of 'identical likeness'. You can use the word in sophisticated discussions about art forgery, genetic inheritance, or cultural mimicry. You are also proficient in using the idiom 'uri-futatsu' and the formal 'kokuji' and 'ruiji' to provide variety in your speech and writing. You can identify when 'sokkur' is being used sarcastically or for rhetorical effect. Your mastery includes the ability to use 'sokkur' as an adverb to describe the preservation of a state, such as in historical preservation ('the town was preserved sokkur as it was in the Edo period'). You understand the emotional resonance the word carries in Japanese storytelling.

At the C2 level, your understanding of 'sokkur' is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You can navigate the most subtle linguistic boundaries, such as the difference between 'sokkur' and 'manma' (just as it is) or 'uri-futatsu'. You are capable of using 'sokkur' in literary analysis or high-level sociolinguistic discussions about Japanese 'monomane' culture. You understand the historical shifts in the word's usage and can spot archaic or rare uses in classical modern literature. You can use 'sokkur' to create vivid, idiomatic descriptions in creative writing, leveraging its emphatic nature to paint clear pictures for the reader. Your command of the word's various grammatical roles (adverb, noun, adjective) is flawless, and you can switch between them and their formal counterparts with ease, always choosing the word that perfectly fits the desired tone and social context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

そっくり in 30 Seconds

Sokkur means 'exactly alike' or 'the spitting image'. It is used for visual, behavioral, or vocal identity between two different people or things.
It also means 'entirely' or 'in its entirety', used when an action affects a whole amount or preserves a state completely.
Grammatically, it uses the particle 'ni' for the target of resemblance (A wa B ni sokkur) and 'na' to modify nouns.
It is more emphatic and emotional than 'niteru' (similar) and is frequently used in family contexts and entertainment.

The Japanese word そっくり (sokkur) is a fascinating and highly versatile term that primarily functions as an adverb or a 'no-adjective' (though often used with the copula 'da'). At its core, it conveys the idea of two things being virtually indistinguishable from one another. Whether you are talking about a child who looks exactly like their parent, a counterfeit designer bag that mimics the original perfectly, or a voice impressionist who captures a celebrity's tone to a tee, sokkur is the go-to word. It carries a nuance of 'entirety'—implying that not just one feature, but the whole essence or appearance has been replicated or inherited.

Visual Identity: Used when the physical appearance of two people or objects is so similar that it causes a double-take.
Behavioral Mimicry: Can describe personality traits or habits that are identical between individuals, such as a son having his father's exact temper.

In everyday Japanese society, you will hear this word constantly in social settings. It is a common compliment (or observation) when meeting someone's family. Japanese culture places a significant emphasis on lineage and resemblance, so saying 「お父さんにそっくりですね！」 (You look just like your father!) is a standard social lubricant. Beyond family, it is used in the world of 'monomane' (mimicry/impressions), where performers strive to be sokkur to the stars they are imitating. The word evokes a sense of completeness, as if one thing has been 'poured' into another container without losing a single drop of its likeness.

この双子は、声までそっくりだ。
(These twins even have voices that are exactly alike.)

Furthermore, the word has a second, slightly more formal or literal meaning: 'entirely' or 'all'. For example, 'sokkur nokosu' means to leave something exactly as it was, without touching any part of it. However, in modern conversational Japanese, the 'identical likeness' meaning is by far the most dominant. When using it to describe likeness, the particle に (ni) is used to indicate the person or thing being resembled. For example, AはBにそっくりだ (A is the spitting image of B).

偽物が本物とそっくりで、見分けがつかない。
(The fake is so like the real thing that I can't tell them apart.)

Common Context: Family: Comparing children to parents or grandparents is the #1 usage. It acknowledges genetic heritage.
Common Context: Products: Used when discussing 'knock-off' brands or generic versions of famous products that look identical.

It is important to note that sokkur is quite informal and emotive. In a highly formal academic paper or a legal document, you might see words like 酷似 (kokuji - strong resemblance) or 同一 (dōitsu - identical). However, in the office, at home, or with friends, sokkur provides the perfect level of emphasis to express surprise at a coincidence or a striking similarity. It implies a '100%' match rather than just a '70%' match which might be covered by niteru.

彼は話し方がおじいさんにそっくりだね。
(His way of speaking is exactly like his grandfather's, isn't it?)

Nuance of 'Entirety': The 'entirety' meaning (leaving nothing out) explains why the word is used for likeness—it means the likeness is complete, leaving no detail out.

To wrap up this introduction, remember that sokkur is more than just 'similar'. It is the word for 'clones', 'twins', and 'perfect replicas'. When you see two things and your first thought is 'Wow, they are the same!', that is the moment to use sokkur. It bridges the gap between mere resemblance and absolute identity, making it one of the most useful descriptive terms in the Japanese language for expressing amazement at visual or behavioral parallels.

Using そっくり (sokkur) correctly involves understanding its grammatical flexibility. It can act as an adverb, a noun that takes the copula, or an adjective that modifies other nouns. The most common structure you will encounter is [Person A] は [Person B] にそっくりだ. Here, the particle に (ni) is crucial; it marks the target of the resemblance. If you say 'Tanaka-san wa sato-san ni sokkur da', you are saying Mr. Tanaka is the spitting image of Mr. Sato.

The 'Na-Adjective' Usage: When modifying a noun directly, you use 'na'. Example: そっくりな人形 (sokkur-na ningyō) - a doll that looks exactly like (someone).
The 'No-Adjective' Usage: Sometimes 'no' is used when it acts as a noun. Example: そっくりの双子 (sokkur-no futago) - identical twins.

One of the unique features of sokkur is that it can also be used as an adverb to describe how an action is performed—specifically, the action of leaving something in its original state. This is the 'entirely/all' meaning. For example, 'Kyūryō o sokkur tsuma ni watasu' means 'To hand over my salary in its entirety to my wife'. In this context, it doesn't mean the salary 'looks like' the wife; it means the whole amount, without a single yen missing, is transferred. This dual nature can be confusing for beginners, but the context usually makes it very clear.

彼は、若い頃のお父さんにそっくりだ。
(He looks exactly like his father did when he was young.)

Let's look at more complex sentence patterns. If you want to say something 'looks like' something else but isn't necessarily a person, you can use 'mitaime' or 'yō da', but sokkur adds that extra layer of 'identicalness'. For instance, in the world of art forgery: 'Kono gaga wa honmono ni sokkur ni egakarete iru' (This painting is painted to look exactly like the original). Here, sokkur ni functions as an adverb modifying the verb egakarete iru (is painted).

このケーキ、本物の果物にそっくりに見える！
(This cake looks exactly like real fruit!)

Comparison with 'Niteru': 'Niteru' is 'similar'. 'Sokkur' is 'identical'. If you say someone 'niteru', they might just have the same eyes. If they are 'sokkur', they are a clone.
The 'Sokkur-san' Phenomenon: Adding '-san' makes it a noun referring to a person who is a lookalike. 'Kare wa boku no sokkur-san da' (He is my lookalike).

In terms of formality, sokkur is neutral enough for most daily situations, but it leans towards the casual. If you are in a business meeting comparing two data sets that are identical, you would likely use 全く同じ (mattaku onaji) or 一致している (itchi shite iru). However, if you're out for lunch with a colleague and you see someone who looks like your boss, sokkur is the perfect word to whisper.

泥棒は、犯人の似顔絵にそっくりだった。
(The thief looked exactly like the police sketch.)

Finally, consider the emotional weight. Sokkur often carries a sense of wonder or shock. It is an 'exclamation' word. When you use it, you are usually highlighting a surprising level of similarity. This is why it is so common in storytelling and gossip. 'Did you see her new boyfriend? He's sokkur to her ex!' This usage highlights the dramatic flair the word brings to a conversation compared to more clinical terms for similarity.

The word そっくり (sokkur) is ubiquitous in Japanese media, social gatherings, and commerce. If you are watching a Japanese variety show (バラエティ番組), you are almost guaranteed to hear it. These shows frequently feature segments where 'regular' people who look like famous actors or singers come on stage. The audience and panel will shout 'Sokkur!' or 'Sokkur-san da!' as a reaction to the uncanny resemblance. This 'lookalike culture' is a major part of Japanese entertainment, and the word is the central pillar of that genre.

Variety TV: Used to describe the quality of impressions (monomane) and physical lookalikes.
Shopping/Fashion: Used by customers to describe 'dupes' or items that look like high-end brands.

In a family setting, sokkur is the standard way to discuss heritage. When a baby is born, the first thing relatives do is debate who the child looks like. 'Me wa mama ni sokkur da ne' (The eyes are exactly like Mama's) or 'Hana wa papa ni sokkur' (The nose is just like Papa's). This usage is warm and affectionate. It’s a way of confirming the child's place in the family lineage. In this context, using a more formal word like ruiji (similarity) would sound cold and clinical, while sokkur feels personal and observant.

あの二人は、話し方からしぐさまでそっくりで驚いた。
(I was shocked that those two were exactly alike, from their way of speaking to their gestures.)

You will also hear sokkur in the context of crime and investigation—though often in a dramatized way in anime or police procedurals. A witness might say, 'Hannin wa kono shashin no otoko ni sokkur deshita' (The criminal looked exactly like the man in this photo). In these scenarios, the word carries the weight of a definitive identification. Because sokkur implies an almost 100% match, it is a powerful statement in a testimony. It suggests there is no room for doubt about the likeness.

このイラスト、本人の特徴をよく掴んでいてそっくりだ。
(This illustration captures the person's features so well, it's a perfect likeness.)

Anime/Manga: Commonly used when a character meets a doppelgänger or discovers a long-lost relative.
News Reports: Used when reporting on counterfeit currency or high-quality forged documents.

Finally, the 'entirety' meaning of sokkur is often heard in financial or logistical contexts, albeit less frequently than the 'likeness' meaning. You might hear a news report about someone who had their bag stolen with the contents 'sokkur' (everything inside). Or a story about a house that was moved 'sokkur' to a new location. This usage emphasizes that nothing was changed or left behind. It’s a very vivid way to describe a total transfer or preservation of state.

宝くじで当たったお金を、そっくり寄付した。
(I donated the entire amount of money I won in the lottery.)

In summary, whether you are admiring a child's resemblance to their parents, laughing at a comedian's impression, or talking about a total loss of property, sokkur is the word that paints a picture of 'completeness' and 'exactness' better than any other in the Japanese vocabulary.

The most common mistake learners make with そっくり (sokkur) is confusing it with 似ている (niteru). While both describe resemblance, they operate at different intensities. Niteru is a general 'similar' or 'looks like'. You can use niteru for a 50% resemblance. Sokkur, however, is for a 95-100% resemblance. Using sokkur when someone only vaguely resembles another person can sound like an exaggeration or even sarcasm. If you aren't sure, niteru is the safer, more conservative choice.

Particle Errors: Learners often use 'o' (object marker) instead of 'ni'. Remember: [Target] にそっくり. You are not 'doing' something to the target; you are existing in a state of likeness relative to them.
Confusing the Two Meanings: Mistaking 'entirely' for 'resemblance' in sentences like 'sokkur nokosu'. In this case, it doesn't mean 'leave it looking like something else', but 'leave it all behind'.

Another mistake is the grammatical category. Sokkur is often treated as a noun/adverb, but when it modifies a noun, it needs な (na) or の (no). Beginners often say 'sokkur hito', which is incorrect. It should be 'sokkur-na hito' (a person who looks exactly like someone) or 'sokkur-san' (a lookalike). Additionally, don't confuse it with 同じ (onaji). Onaji means 'the same' (the exact same identity or category), while sokkur means 'exactly alike' (two different things that look the same).

× 彼は有名人をそっくりだ。
○ 彼は有名人にそっくりだ。
(He is the spitting image of a celebrity.)

A subtle mistake involves formality levels. While sokkur is not 'slang', it is very conversational. If you are writing a formal report about two biological samples that are identical, using sokkur might sound a bit too 'excited' or unprofessional. In those cases, use 酷似している (kokuji shite iru). Conversely, using kokuji with your friends when talking about a cute dog that looks like its owner will make you sound like a robot. Matching the register to the situation is key.

× その双子はそっくりにです。
○ その双子はそっくりです。
(Those twins are exactly alike.)

Overuse of 'Sokkur': Avoid using it for things that are only slightly similar. It loses its impact if used too lightly.
Negation: Saying 'sokkur ja nai' (not exactly alike) is fine, but usually people just say 'nitenai' (not similar) unless they are specifically refuting a claim of identicalness.

Lastly, be aware of the 'entirety' usage in negative sentences. 'Sokkur nokosu' means 'leave it all', but 'sokkur nokosanai' is rarely used. Instead, you'd say 'zenbu wa nokosanai'. The adverbial 'entirety' meaning is almost always used to emphasize that a whole amount was affected by an action, usually in a positive or declarative sense. Understanding these boundaries will help you use sokkur like a native speaker!

When you want to express similarity in Japanese, そっくり (sokkur) is just one tool in your belt. Depending on the level of similarity and the formality of the situation, you might choose a different word. The most famous alternative is the idiom 瓜二つ (uri-futatsu). Literally meaning 'two halves of a melon', it is the Japanese equivalent of 'two peas in a pod'. It is slightly more literary and sophisticated than sokkur, but carries the same meaning of being perfectly identical.

似ている (Niteru): The general verb for 'to resemble'. It is less intense than 'sokkur'. Use this for general similarities.
瓜二つ (Uri-futatsu): An idiomatic expression for perfect likeness, often used for siblings or parents/children.
酷似する (Kokuji suru): A formal, technical term meaning 'to closely resemble'. Used in news, law, and academic writing.

If you are talking about things being 'the same' rather than just 'looking the same', you should use 同じ (onaji) or 同一 (dōitsu). For example, if two people have the same name, they are onaji namae, not sokkur namae. Sokkur is about the physical or behavioral manifestation of likeness. Another interesting alternative is 生き写し (iki-utsushi), which literally means 'living copy'. This is a very strong way to say a child is the 'spitting image' of a deceased or older relative, implying the relative's appearance has been 'copied' into the new person.

二人の筆跡は酷似しており、同一人物の可能性がある。
(The handwriting of the two is strikingly similar, suggesting they may be the same person.)

In the realm of 'entirely/all', alternatives to sokkur include 丸ごと (marugoto), 全部 (zenbu), and すっかり (sukkari). Marugoto means 'whole' (like eating an apple whole), zenbu is a general 'all', and sukkari means 'completely' (often used with changes, like 'I completely forgot'). Sokkur is unique here because it implies that the state was preserved exactly as it was. If you move a room sokkur, it means every book is in the same place on the shelf.

このリンゴを丸ごと食べてしまった。
(I ate this apple whole.)

近似 (Kinji): Used in mathematics and science to mean 'approximation'.
模造 (Mozō): Meaning 'imitation' or 'counterfeit', used for physical objects.

Understanding these synonyms allows you to fine-tune your Japanese. While sokkur is incredibly common and useful, knowing when to deploy a 'melon' idiom or a formal 'resemblance' verb will make your Japanese sound much more natural and nuanced. Always consider: am I trying to be expressive, or am I trying to be precise? Sokkur is the king of expression, while kokuji and onaji are the masters of precision.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The shift from 'entirely' to 'identical' happened because if you copy something 'entirely', the result is 'identical'. It's a logical linguistic evolution!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sɒk.kʊ.ri/

US /sɑk.kʊ.ri/

The stress is neutral, but the geminate consonant (っ) creates a rhythmic break after the first syllable.

Rhymes With

びっくり (bikkuri) がっかり (gakkari) しっかり (shikkari) うっかり (ukkari) すっきり (sukkiri) ゆっくり (yukkuri) たっぷり (tappuri) ちゃっかり (chakkari)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'sokuri' without the double 'k' (missing the small tsu).
Elongating the 'o' to 'sōkkuri'.
Pronouncing 'ri' like an English 'l' or 'r' instead of the Japanese flap.
Missing the pitch accent (it is usually Atamadaka or Heiban depending on dialect).
Confusion with 'sukkari' (completely).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read as it is usually written in hiragana.

Writing 2/5

Simple hiragana, but remember the small 'tsu'.

Speaking 3/5

Requires correct pitch and rhythm with the double consonant.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'sukkari' or 'shikkari' if not careful.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

似ている同じ顔声全部

Learn Next

瓜二つ酷似模倣典型生き写し

Advanced

相似合致照合擬態彷彿

Grammar to Know

Adverbial use of 'ni'

本物にそっくりに作る (To make it look exactly like the real thing.)

Na-adjective modification

そっくりな双子 (Identical twins.)

Comparison with 'to'

これとそれはそっくりだ (This and that are exactly alike.)

The 'entirety' adverb

財布をそっくり盗まれた (The wallet was stolen in its entirety.)

Emphasis with 'sono mama'

そっくりそのまま伝える (To convey it exactly as it is.)

Examples by Level

お父さんにそっくりですね。

You look exactly like your father, don't you?

Uses 'ni' to mark the person being resembled.

この二つのリンゴはそっくりだ。

These two apples are exactly alike.

A and B are compared using 'wa'.

わあ、そっくり！

Wow, they're identical!

Used as an exclamation.

この猫は私の猫にそっくりです。

This cat looks exactly like my cat.

Standard 'A wa B ni sokkur' pattern.

そっくりなカバンがあります。

There is an identical bag.

Uses 'na' to modify the noun 'kaban'.

声がそっくりですね。

Your voices are exactly alike.

Focuses on the 'voice' (koe) as the subject.

あの人は有名人にそっくりだ。

That person looks exactly like a celebrity.

Simple comparison.

二人ともそっくりでびっくりしました。

I was surprised because they both look exactly alike.

Combines 'sokkur' with 'bikkuri' (surprised).

弟はお兄さんにそっくりな顔をしています。

The younger brother has a face exactly like his older brother's.

Using 'na' to modify 'kao' (face).

この偽物は本物にそっくりに見えます。

This fake looks exactly like the real thing.

Uses 'ni mieru' (looks like).

彼女はお母さんにそっくりだと言われます。

She is told that she looks exactly like her mother.

Passive form 'iwaremasu' (is told).

そっくりな時計を安く買いました。

I bought an identical-looking watch cheaply.

Using 'na' as an adjective.

この絵は写真にそっくりですね。

This painting looks exactly like a photograph.

Comparing different mediums (art vs photo).

話し方がおじいさんにそっくりです。

His way of speaking is just like his grandfather's.

Focuses on 'hanashikata' (way of speaking).

どこかで見た人にそっくりな人がいました。

There was someone who looked exactly like someone I've seen somewhere.

Modifying 'hito' with 'na'.

このおもちゃは、本物の車にそっくりに作られています。

This toy is made to look exactly like a real car.

Uses 'ni' as an adverb to modify 'tsukurarete iru'.

彼は性格まで父親にそっくりだ。

Even his personality is exactly like his father's.

Uses 'made' (even) for emphasis.

給料をそっくり妻に渡しました。

I handed over my entire salary to my wife.

Example of the 'entirely/all' meaning.

この二つの事件は、状況がそっくりだ。

The circumstances of these two incidents are exactly alike.

Abstract comparison of 'jōkyō' (situations).

有名人のそっくりさんがテレビに出ている。

A celebrity lookalike is appearing on TV.

Uses 'sokkur-san' as a noun.

前の家とそっくりな間取りのマンションを探しています。

I'm looking for an apartment with a floor plan exactly like my previous house.

Comparing 'madori' (floor plans).

その話は、私が昨日聞いた内容とそっくりです。

That story is exactly the same as what I heard yesterday.

Comparing 'naiyō' (content/story).

彼は若い頃の俳優にそっくりだと言われている。

It is said that he looks exactly like a certain actor in his youth.

Comparing current person to past version of another.

泥棒は金庫の中身をそっくり盗んでいった。

The thief stole the entire contents of the safe.

Adverbial use meaning 'the whole lot'.

このAIが作った文章は、プロの作家の文体にそっくりだ。

This AI-generated text is exactly like a professional writer's style.

Comparing 'buntai' (writing style).

二人の筆跡がそっくりなので、代筆が疑われている。

Because their handwriting is identical, ghostwriting is suspected.

Comparing 'hisseki' (handwriting).

その映画のシーンは、現実の事件にそっくりに再現されていた。

That movie scene was reproduced to look exactly like the real incident.

Uses 'ni' to modify 'saigen sarete ita' (was reproduced).

彼は、亡くなったおじいさんの生き写しのようにそっくりだ。

He is the spitting image of his late grandfather, as if he were a living copy.

Combines with 'iki-utsushi' for emphasis.

この偽札は、手触りまで本物にそっくりにできている。

This counterfeit bill is made so that even its texture is exactly like the real thing.

Focuses on 'tezawari' (texture).

彼女のしぐさは、10年前の母親にそっくりで驚かされる。

Her gestures are exactly like her mother's were 10 years ago, which is surprising.

Comparing 'shigusa' (gestures).

この町は昔の面影をそっくり残している。

This town preserves its old appearance entirely.

Adverbial use meaning 'preserving everything'.

彼の理論は、先週発表された他人の論文にそっくりだという指摘を受けた。

It was pointed out that his theory is exactly like someone else's paper published last week.

Comparing 'riron' (theories) in a critical context.

瓜二つという言葉通り、彼ら双子は声のトーンまでそっくりだ。

Just as the expression 'uri-futatsu' suggests, those twins even have identical voice tones.

References the idiom 'uri-futatsu'.

その建築家は、師匠の作風をそっくり受け継いでいる。

That architect has inherited his master's style in its entirety.

Abstract use for inheriting a 'style' (sakufū).

この地域の伝統行事は、江戸時代の形態をそっくり留めている。

The traditional events of this region retain the form of the Edo period entirely.

Formal use of the 'entirety' meaning.

彼のモノマネは、本人の癖をそっくり捉えていて見事だ。

His impression is brilliant, capturing the person's quirks exactly.

Focuses on 'kuse' (quirks/habits).

その偽造パスポートは、ICチップのデータまで本物にそっくりに偽装されていた。

That forged passport was disguised so that even the IC chip data was exactly like the real thing.

Technical/Legal context.

彼女の描く肖像画は、モデルの魂まで写し取ったかのようにそっくりだ。

The portraits she paints are so like the subjects, it's as if she captured their very souls.

Literary/Emotive use.

このソフトウェアのインターフェースは、競合他社の製品にそっくりだとして訴えられた。

The interface of this software was sued for being exactly like a competitor's product.

Business/Legal context regarding intellectual property.

彼は自分の失敗を、そっくりそのまま他人のせいにした。

He blamed his own failure entirely on others, just as it happened.

Idiomatic use of 'sokkur sonomama' (exactly as is).

その歴史的建造物は、震災前の姿をそっくり復元することに成功した。

The historical building was successfully restored to its exact pre-earthquake appearance.

High-level restoration context.

彼の文体は、三島由紀夫のそれにそっくりで、模倣の域を超えている。

His writing style is so like Mishima's that it goes beyond mere imitation.

Literary criticism context.

この新薬の分子構造は、既存の薬剤にそっくりだが、効果は全く異なる。

The molecular structure of this new drug is exactly like existing ones, but the effects are completely different.

Scientific/Technical context.

彼女は、かつての恋人の面影をそっくり宿した若者に出会い、言葉を失った。

She was left speechless upon meeting a young man who bore the exact likeness of her former lover.

Poetic/Literary use of 'omokage' (vestige/likeness).

その村の言語体系は、隣国の古い方言をそっくり保存している稀有な例だ。

The linguistic system of that village is a rare example that preserves an old dialect from a neighboring country in its entirety.

Linguistic/Academic context.

この精巧なレプリカは、顕微鏡で見ても本物にそっくりで、専門家すら欺く。

This elaborate replica is exactly like the original even under a microscope, deceiving even experts.

Context of extreme precision.

彼は前任者の強引な手法をそっくり踏襲し、組織に混乱を招いた。

He followed his predecessor's aggressive methods exactly, causing chaos in the organization.

Organizational/Business context.

その脚本は、実際の裁判記録をそっくり台詞に落とし込んでいる。

The script incorporates actual court records into the dialogue in their entirety.

Creative process/Documentation context.

Common Collocations

父親にそっくり

そっくりな顔

そっくりそのまま

そっくり残る

声がそっくり

そっくり返る

本物にそっくり

状況がそっくり

そっくり入れ替える

瓜二つでそっくり

Common Phrases

そっくりさん

— A lookalike or double. Often used for celebrity impersonators.

テレビにドナルド・トランプのそっくりさんが出た。

そっくりそのまま

— Exactly as it is; without any change or omission. Used for information or objects.

彼の言葉をそっくりそのまま書き写した。

そっくり返る

— To throw one's head back; to be haughty or arrogant. (Note: uses different kanji 仰返る)

彼は椅子にそっくり返って座っている。

顔がそっくり

— Having identical facial features.

あの双子は顔がそっくりで見分けがつかない。

声までそっくり

— Even the voice is identical (implying more than just looks).

お母さんと声までそっくりですね。

中身をそっくり

— The entire contents of something.

カバンの中身をそっくりぶちまけた。

昔のそっくり

— Exactly like the old days.

この店は昔のそっくりな雰囲気だ。

そっくりな性格

— Identical personalities.

二人はそっくりな性格で、よく喧嘩する。

そっくりに残す

— To leave something entirely as it was.

ご飯をそっくり残してしまった。

そっくり似る

— To resemble perfectly (emphatic redundancy).

親にそっくり似ている。

Often Confused With

そっくり vs すっかり (sukkari)

Means 'completely' or 'totally' in terms of a state change (e.g., completely forgotten), whereas 'sokkur' means 'entirely' or 'identical'.

そっくり vs しっかり (shikkari)

Means 'firmly', 'solidly', or 'reliably'. Sounds similar but unrelated in meaning.

そっくり vs そっくり返る (sokkurikaeru)

Means to throw one's head back or act haughty. It shares the sound but is a specific idiomatic verb.

Idioms & Expressions

"瓜二つ"

— Two halves of a melon; perfectly identical.

二人は瓜二つだ。

literary

"生き写し"

— A living copy; the spitting image.

亡き母の生き写しだ。

emotive

"影武者"

— A shadow warrior; a body double (historical context).

彼は王の影武者だった。

historical

"二の舞"

— Repeating the same failure (not a lookalike, but a 'duplicate' action).

先輩の二の舞を演じるな。

neutral

"金太郎飴"

— Kintaro candy; something that looks the same no matter where you cut it (metaphor for lack of originality).

最近のビルは金太郎飴のようだ。

idiomatic

"似て非なるもの"

— Alike but different; something that looks similar but is fundamentally different.

それは似て非なるものだ。

formal

"類は友を呼ぶ"

— Birds of a feather flock together (similarity in character).

類は友を呼ぶというね。

proverb

"鏡を見るよう"

— Like looking in a mirror.

彼と話すと鏡を見ているようだ。

literary

"一卵性双生児"

— Identical twins (scientific term used metaphorically for identical things).

二人の考えは一卵性双生児のようだ。

technical

"二番煎じ"

— Second infusion of tea; a rehash or unoriginal imitation.

その企画は二番煎じだ。

critical

Easily Confused

そっくり vs 似ている (niteru)

Both mean 'resemble'.

Niteru is 'similar' (broad range). Sokkur is 'identical' (high intensity).

少し似ている vs そっくりだ

そっくり vs 同じ (onaji)

Both imply identity.

Onaji means the same object/category. Sokkur means two different objects that look the same.

同じ服 (the same physical shirt) vs そっくりな服 (two different but identical shirts)

そっくり vs 丸ごと (marugoto)

Both mean 'entirely'.

Marugoto usually refers to physical wholeness (eating a whole fruit). Sokkur refers to the preservation of a state or amount.

リンゴを丸ごと食べる vs 給料をそっくり渡す

そっくり vs 瓜二つ (uri-futatsu)

Both mean 'exactly alike'.

Uri-futatsu is an idiom/metaphor. Sokkur is a direct descriptive word.

二人は瓜二つだ vs 二人はそっくりだ

そっくり vs 酷似 (kokuji)

Both mean 'closely resemble'.

Kokuji is formal/written. Sokkur is conversational/spoken.

筆跡が酷似している vs 字がそっくりだ

Sentence Patterns

AはBにそっくりだ。

彼はパパにそっくりだ。

そっくりな[Noun]がある。

そっくりなカバンがある。

[Amount]をそっくり[Verb]。

お小遣いをそっくり使った。

AはBとそっくりだ。

これは本物とそっくりだ。

AはBにそっくりに[Verb]。

彼は有名人にそっくりに歌う。

そっくりそのまま[Verb]。

先生の言葉をそっくりそのまま書く。

[Abstract]がそっくりだ。

二人の考え方がそっくりだ。

[Nuance]をそっくり宿している。

彼は父親の面影をそっくり宿している。

Word Family

Nouns

そっくりさん (lookalike)

Verbs

似る (to resemble - related concept)

Adjectives

そっくりな (identical)

瓜二つ

酷似

コピー

レプリカ

模倣

How to Use It

frequency

Very Common

Common Mistakes

Using 'o' instead of 'ni'. → Aにそっくり
Resemblance is a state relative to a target, not a direct action on an object.
Using 'sokkur' for slight similarity. → 似ている
'Sokkur' implies an almost 100% match. 'Niteru' is for general similarity.
Writing 'sokuri' (そくり). → そっくり
The small 'tsu' (っ) is required for the correct meaning and pronunciation.
Using 'sokkur' for identical identity. → 同じ
If two things are the exact same item, use 'onaji'. 'Sokkur' is for two different things that look the same.
Using 'sokkur' in a very formal legal report. → 酷似
'Sokkur' is too conversational for high-level formal writing.

Tips

Family Compliments

When you meet a Japanese friend's parents, saying 'Otōsan ni sokkur desu ne!' is a very natural and polite way to start a conversation.

The Ni Particle

Always remember that the target of the resemblance is marked with 'ni'. A ni sokkur = Exactly like A.

Beyond Looks

Don't forget you can use it for voices (koe) and personalities (seikaku) too!

Intensity Matters

Only use 'sokkur' when the similarity is striking. For minor similarities, stick with 'niteru'.

TV Context

Watch Japanese variety shows to hear 'sokkur' used in real-time reactions to celebrity lookalikes.

Hiragana is Best

Even though some obscure kanji exist, always write 'sokkur' in hiragana for modern Japanese.

The 'Whole' Meaning

Use it to emphasize that a whole amount of money or content was affected: 'Zenbu' is okay, but 'sokkur' is more dramatic.

Level Up

Try using 'uri-futatsu' if you want to sound more sophisticated when describing identical twins.

The Small Tsu

The pause in 'so-k-kuri' is the most important part of the pronunciation. Don't skip it!

Safe Comparisons

When comparing someone to a celebrity, make sure the celebrity is considered attractive or talented to ensure it's a compliment!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SO' (So) and 'K' (Kloned). 'So Kloned' it looks exactly the same! Also, the 'K' sound is sharp, like a camera shutter taking a 'copy'.

Visual Association

Imagine two identical socks coming out of a laundry machine. 'Sock-kuri' (Sokkur) - the socks are exactly alike!

Word Web

Twins Mirror Clone Spitting Image Entirely Lookalike Counterfeit Family

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room that are 'sokkur' (e.g., two pens, two chairs) and say out loud: 'Kore to are wa sokkur da!'

Word Origin

Derived from the adverb 'sokkur', which originally meant 'entirely' or 'wholly'. It is thought to come from 'soko' (bottom/all) combined with a suffix, implying 'down to the very bottom' or 'without leaving anything out'.

Original meaning: Entirely; without exception; all.

Japanese (Onomatopoeic/Mimetic origin).

Cultural Context

Calling a woman 'sokkur' to her father might be taken as a comment on her lack of femininity if the father is very masculine. Use with care.

Equivalent to 'spitting image', 'dead ringer', or 'two peas in a pod'.

Sokkur-san Grand Prix (TV Show) Monomane Battle Anime doppelgänger tropes

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family Gatherings

お父さんにそっくり
お母さんの生き写し
隔世遺伝でそっくり
目元がそっくり

Shopping

本物にそっくりな偽物
有名ブランドにそっくり
そっくりなデザイン
これとそっくりなやつ

Crime/Police

犯人にそっくりな男
似顔絵にそっくり
筆跡がそっくり
手口がそっくり

Entertainment

有名人のそっくりさん
モノマネがそっくり
声がそっくり
しぐさがそっくり

Finance/Loss

給料をそっくり失う
財産をそっくり寄付する
中身をそっくり入れ替える
予算をそっくり使い切る

Conversation Starters

"「お子さん、お父さんにそっくりですね！」 (Your child looks exactly like their father!)"

"「この有名人のそっくりさん、見たことありますか？」 (Have you seen this celebrity's lookalike?)"

"「この偽物、本物とそっくりで見分けがつかないと思いませんか？」 (Don't you think this fake looks so like the real thing you can't tell them apart?)"

"「あなたの声、お姉さんにそっくりですね。」 (Your voice is exactly like your older sister's.)"

"「この二つのバッグ、そっくりだけど値段が全然違いますね。」 (These two bags are identical, but the prices are completely different, aren't they?)"

Journal Prompts

あなたは家族の誰にそっくりだと言われますか？ (Who in your family are you told you look exactly like?)

今まで見た中で、一番「そっくりだ」と思ったものは何ですか？ (What is the thing you've seen that you thought was the most 'identical'?)

もし自分のそっくりさんに会ったら、何をしますか？ (If you met your own lookalike, what would you do?)

「そっくりな偽物」を買ってしまった経験はありますか？ (Have you ever accidentally bought an 'identical fake'?)

性格が自分にそっくりな友達はいますか？ (Do you have a friend whose personality is exactly like yours?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that would sound strange. For a 50% resemblance, use 'niteru' (similar). 'Sokkur' is reserved for when you can barely tell the difference.

It can be both! 'Sokkur-na hito' and 'sokkur-no hito' are both heard, but 'na' is more common when modifying a noun directly in modern Japanese.

It's a noun meaning a lookalike, often used for celebrity impersonators or someone you meet who looks just like a friend.

Yes, but it's less common than for looks or sounds. You might say 'Aji ga sokkur da' (The taste is exactly the same).

In casual conversation with colleagues, yes. In a formal report or presentation, use 'kokuji' or 'itchi' (match) instead.

Not necessarily. If you tell someone they are 'sokkur' to a villain or someone they dislike, it could be an insult.

'Onaji' means 'the same' (identity). 'Sokkur' means 'exactly alike' (appearance). Two identical twins are 'sokkur', but they are not the 'onaji' person.

No, the 'entirety' meaning is specific to actions like giving, stealing, or leaving something behind. For 'all people', use 'zenbu' or 'mina'.

It is almost always written in Hiragana (そっくり). There is no standard Kanji for the 'identical' meaning.

They are both 'onomatopoeic' in feel, but 'sukkari' means 'completely' (as in 'completely finished'), while 'sokkur' focuses on likeness or whole amounts.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Translate to Japanese: 'He looks exactly like his father.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses 'ni' and 'sokkur da'.