Explore 似 in words about looking alike and imitation. Connect each reading to a whole word and its context.
The idea
似 has 7 strokes; follow the linked diagram. 似る（にる） means to resemble; 似ている describes a continuing resemblance, often with に marking what someone resembles. 類似（るいじ） means similarity; 真似（まね） means imitation.
Examples
- 私は母に似ています。I resemble my mother.
- この二枚の絵は似ています。These two pictures are similar.
- 姉妹は声が似ています。The sisters have similar voices.
- 似たかばんを買いました。I bought a similar bag.
- これらの言葉は意味が類似しています。These words have similar meanings.
- 危険な行動を真似しないでください。Please do not imitate a dangerous action.
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Watch out
似る expresses resemblance, not becoming: 成る（なる） means to become. 真似 has the special reading まね, so learn it as a whole word.
Try it yourself
Write the reading of 似ている in hiragana.
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にている
似ている is にている. The ている form describes an existing resemblance.
Write the reading of 類似 in hiragana.
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るいじ
類似 is るいじ. It names similarity, as in 類似しています.
Choose the missing kanji: 真＿（まね）［似／成］.
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似
似 completes 真似（まね）, meaning imitation; 成 does not form this word.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
Write the reading of 似ている in hiragana.
Write the reading of 類似 in hiragana.
Choose the missing kanji: 真＿（まね）［似／成］.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write 似 following the diagram. Cover the readings, read 似ている and 類似, then make a sentence with 似ている.