同样

• Pinyin: tóng yàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 同 = 冂 (enclosure) + 一 + 口 (mouth), meaning 'together/same'; 样 = 木 (wood) + 羊 (sheep, phonetic)

Meaning

Same; alike; equally. Used to indicate similarity or identical nature between things.

Used to point out that two things share the same quality, type, or nature. Functions as an adjective before nouns or as an adverb before verbs. More formal than 一样, and often used to draw parallels or make comparisons in slightly more structured speech.

Examples

1. 我们穿了同样的衣服。 We wore the same clothes.
2. 他有同样的想法。 He has the same idea.
3. 同样的问题，他问了两次。 He asked the same question twice.

Usage Guide

Context: comparison, everyday, emphasis

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我们有同样的爱好。(We have the same hobbies.)
• 同样的事情不要做两次。(Don't do the same thing twice.)

Don't Say

• 这个和那个同样。(Don't use 同样 as a standalone predicate — say 这个和那个一样 instead. 同样 modifies nouns or verbs.)

Origin & History

Compound of 同 (same/together) + 样 (manner/kind). Literally 'same kind' or 'same manner.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal