Translation and Meaning of: 同一 - douitsu

The Japanese word 同一[どういつ] is a term that carries a deep and specific meaning, often used in formal and everyday contexts. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding the usage and origin of this expression can be extremely helpful. In this article, we will explore the meaning, writing, pronunciation, and contexts in which 同一 is used, as well as tips for memorizing it efficiently.

Furthermore, we will see how this word is perceived in Japanese culture and in what situations it appears most frequently. Whether to improve your vocabulary or to satisfy your linguistic curiosity, this guide will help you master 同一 once and for all. And if you need more examples or sentences, you can always consult Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary.

Meaning and use of 同一

同一 [どういつ] means "identical," "the same," or "equal." It is a word that expresses equivalence or indistinction between two or more elements. For example, it can be used to describe objects, ideas, or even people who share identical characteristics. Unlike more informal words like 同じ [おなじ], 同一 has a more formal and technical tone, being common in documents, academic discussions, and legal contexts.

An interesting detail is that 同一 also appears in compound expressions, such as 同一性[どういつせい] (identity) or 同一視[どういつし] (to consider as equal). These terms are often used in psychology, philosophy, and even in discussions about human rights. If you have read articles or watched more serious discussions in Japanese, you have probably come across this word.

Origin and writing of 同一

The word 同一 is composed of two kanjis: 同 (same, equal) and 一 (one). Together, they reinforce the idea of unity and similarity. The first kanji, 同, appears in several other words related to equality, such as 同時[どうじ] (simultaneous) and 同僚[どうりょう] (colleague). The second kanji, 一, is one of the most basic characters in Japanese, representing the number "one" and, by extension, the notion of singularity.

Regarding pronunciation, どういつ follows the on'yomi reading (of Chinese origin), which is common in more formal terms. Although it is not one of the most difficult words to pronounce, it is important to pay attention to the tone so as not to confuse it with other similar expressions, such as 同意[どうい] (consent). A tip for memorizing the writing is to associate the kanjis with their literal meaning: "the same" + "one" = "identical."

Cultural contexts and frequency of use

In Japan, 同一 is a word that frequently appears in discussions about identity, whether in the fields of law, politics, or even pop culture. For example, in debates about gender or nationality, the term is used to discuss equality of rights. Furthermore, in animes and dramas that tackle more serious themes, such as criminal investigations or social conflicts, it is common to hear 同一 in more technical dialogues.

Although it is not a common word like 同じ, its use is essential for those who wish to master Japanese at an advanced level. If you are studying for exams like the JLPT, it's worth including 同一 in your repertoire, especially if the focus is on reading and text comprehension sections. And if you want to practice, a good strategy is to create sentences using expressions like 同一人物[どういつじんぶつ] (the same person) or 同一条件[どういつじょうけん] (the same conditions).

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 同じ (onaji) - Same, same, identical
• 同様 (dōyō) - Similar, alike, in the same way
• 同等 (dōtō) - Equal, equivalent, of the same value
• 同じく (onajiku) - In the same measure, in the same way
• 同一の (dōitsuno) - The same, unique, identical
• 同一性 (dōitsusei) - Identity, uniqueness, the quality of being the same

同一

Romaji: douitsu
Kana: どういつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: identity; resemblance; similarity; equality; justice

Meaning in English: identity;sameness;similarity;equality;fairness

Definition: be the same. Same.

Example Sentences - (同一) douitsu

See below some example sentences:

同一人物だと思います。

Dōitsu jinbutsu da to omoimasu

I think it's the same person.

I think it's the same person.

• 同一 (douitsu) - means "same" or "identical".
• 人物 (jinbutsu) - means "character" or "figure".
• だと (da to) - a combination of particles that indicates an assumption or belief.
• 思います (omoimasu) - means "I believe" or "I think".