同类

• Pinyin: tóng lèi
• Hanzi breakdown: 同 = same; 类 = 米 + 大 + 犬 — type, category, kind

Meaning

Of the same kind; similar type; kindred; peers.

Refers to things or people belonging to the same category or species. Can describe products of the same type, or people with similar traits. Sometimes used poetically to describe finding kindred spirits.

Examples

1. 和同类产品相比，这款手机的性价比最高。 Compared to similar products, this phone offers the best value for money.
2. 人总是会被同类吸引，物以类聚人以群分嘛。 People are always attracted to their own kind — birds of a feather flock together.
3. 这种病毒会优先攻击同类细胞，形成恶性循环。 This virus preferentially attacks similar cells, creating a vicious cycle.

Usage Guide

Context: comparison, classification, relationships

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 同类产品。(Similar products.)
• 同类相吸。(Like attracts like.)

Don't Say

• 用'同类'形容完全相同的个体 (同类 means same category — for identical individuals, use 同一个 or 相同)

Origin & History

同 means same, 类 means category/type — of the same category.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal