相同

• Pinyin: xiāng tóng
• Hanzi breakdown: 相 = 木 (tree) + 目 (eye), originally meaning 'to observe'; 同 = 冂 (enclosure) + 一 + 口, meaning 'together/same'

Meaning

Same; identical. Describing things that are alike or equal.

A slightly more formal synonym of 一样. Often used in written language or slightly formal speech. Can modify nouns directly (相同的想法 — the same idea) or be used as a predicate (他们的看法相同 — their views are the same).

Examples

1. 我们两个人的想法相同。 The two of us have the same idea.
2. 这两件衣服的颜色相同。 These two pieces of clothing are the same colour.
3. 他和他哥哥有相同的爱好。 He and his older brother have the same hobbies.

Usage Guide

Context: comparison, description, discussion

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我们的意见相同。(Our opinions are the same.)
• 这两个词的意思相同。(The meanings of these two words are the same.)

Don't Say

• 在口语中过度使用相同 (In casual speech, 一样 is more natural than 相同 — save 相同 for writing or slightly formal contexts)

Origin & History

相 (xiāng, mutual/each other) + 同 (tóng, same/together). Literally 'mutually the same.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal