Translation and Meaning of: 同い年 - onaidoshi

If you have ever watched an anime or Japanese drama, you have probably heard the word 同い年 (おないどし) at some point. This expression carries a simple yet interesting meaning and reveals subtle aspects of Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore what it means, how it originated, and in what contexts it is used in daily life. Additionally, we will see tips for memorizing it and curiosities that go beyond the dictionary.

What does 同い年 (おないどし) mean?

The word 同い年 (おないどし) is used to describe people who are the same age. It is composed of the kanji 同 (same) and 年 (year), forming a direct idea: "of the same year." Unlike in Portuguese, where we simply say "to be the same age," the Japanese often use this expression in everyday conversations.

It is worth noting that おないどし is a kun'yomi reading, meaning it is a native Japanese pronunciation for the kanjis, unlike the on'yomi reading, which would be どういねん (dōinen) – a less common form in everyday use. This detail helps to understand why the word sounds more natural in informal contexts.

How and when to use 同い年?

In Japan, knowing the age of the people around you can be more relevant than in other cultures, especially in hierarchical environments like schools and companies. This is why, 同い年 is useful for establishing closeness or explaining relationships. For example, if two coworkers discover that they were born in the same year, one might say: 「実は同い年だったんだ！(Actually, we are the same age!)」.

Another common use appears in animes and dramas, especially in scenes where characters discover coincidences about their ages. This word can also arise in romantic contexts, as in Japan there is some importance in knowing whether a potential partner is the same age or not.

Curiosities and tips for memorization

An easy way to remember おないどし is to associate the prefix お (which often indicates respect or politeness) with ない (which refers to negation, but here works as part of the reading) and 年 (year). Thinking of "the same year" helps to cement the meaning. Additionally, the word is frequently used in songs and series, making it more familiar to Japanese language learners.

Culturally, Japanese people place great value on small coincidences, like having the same age or a nearby birthday. Therefore, discovering that someone is 同い年 can create an immediate sense of connection. If you're learning Japanese, try using this word when meeting someone – it can be a great icebreaker!

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

同年代 (dōnendai) - Same generation generally refers to people born in the same period.
同年齢 (dōnenrei) - Same age emphasizes that people have exactly the same chronological age.
同じ年 (onaji toshi) - Same year can refer to events or trends occurring in the same year.
同じ歳 (onaji toshi) - Same age, used in a more colloquial manner, similar to 同年齢.