Translation and Meaning of: 同 - dou

The Japanese word 同[どう] is a versatile term frequently used in the language, carrying meanings that range from "equal" to "the same." If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about this expression, understanding its correct usage can open doors to more natural communication. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which this word appears, as well as practical tips for memorizing it.

Meaning and Usage of 同[どう]

The kanji 同, read as どう (dō), has the main meaning of "equal" or "the same." It is commonly used in compound words and everyday expressions, such as 同じ (onaji), which also means "equal." Its presence is notable in both formal and informal contexts, being essential for those who wish to master Japanese.

A common example is the word 同時 (dōji), which means "simultaneously." This construction shows how 同 combines with other kanjis to form useful terms. Additionally, in documents and conversations, it may appear in expressions such as 同意 (dōi), which means "agreement."

Origin and Evolution of the Kanji 同

The kanji 同 has ancient roots in Chinese writing, where it originally represented the idea of "unity" or "collectivity." Over time, its usage expanded to include notions of similarity and identity. In Japan, it was incorporated into the writing system with these meanings, maintaining its relevance to this day.

An interesting fact is that the radical of this kanji is 口 (kuchi), which often symbolizes communication or agreement. This reinforces its use in words related to agreement, such as 同感 (dōkan), which means "to agree." This connection helps to understand why 同 appears in so many terms that involve harmony or similarity.

Tips for Memorizing and Using Correctly

An effective way to reinforce the meaning of 同 is to associate it with words you already know. For example, 同僚 (dōryō) means "coworker" – think of someone who is in the "same" professional environment. This linking technique makes memorization and practical application easier.

Another tip is to pay attention to common expressions that contain this kanji, such as 同年代 (dōnendai), which refers to "people of the same generation." By recognizing patterns, you can decipher the meaning of new words more easily. Practice using these expressions in simple sentences to consolidate your learning.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 同じ (onaji) - Mesmo, igual
• 同様 (dōyō) - Similar, equal in situation or nature
• 同一 (dōitsu) - Identical, exact, the same
• 同士 (dōshi) - Comrade, someone who shares something in common
• 同伴 (dōhan) - Companion, someone who accompanies
• 同胞 (dōhō) - Countryman, brother or sister, someone from the same country.
• 同好 (dōkō) - People with common interests, lovers of the same hobby
• 同窓 (dōsō) - Former classmates, people who studied together
• 同盟 (dōmei) - Alliance, union of groups or nations
• 同居 (dōkyo) - Co-habitate, live together in the same residence.

同

Romaji: dou
Kana: どう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: the same; the said; ibid.

Meaning in English: the same;the said;ibid.

Definition: Must match. be the same.

Example Sentences - (同) dou

See below some example sentences:

私は彼女の悲しみに同情します。

Watashi wa kanojo no kanashimi ni dōjō shimasu

I empathize with her sadness.

I sympathize with her sadness.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 悲しみ (kanashimi) - It means "sadness" in Japanese.
• に (ni) - particle that indicates action or direction
• 同情します (doujou shimasu) - means "sympathize" or "have compassion" in Japanese

私の同僚はとても優秀です。

Watashi no dōryō wa totemo yūshū desu

My colleagues are very good.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 同僚 - noun meaning "coworker" in Japanese
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very" in Japanese
• 優秀 - adjective meaning "excellent" in Japanese
• です - linking verb that indicates the state or quality of the subject

私の同級生はとても親切です。

Watashi no doukyuusei wa totemo shinsetsu desu

My classmates are very kind.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "of"
• 同級生 - noun that means "classmate"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 親切 - adjective that means "kind, gentle"
• です - verb "to be" in the present, equivalent to "is"

私たちは同意しました。

Watashitachi wa dōi shimashita

We agree.

• 私たち - 私たち
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 同意 - "we agree" in Japanese
• しました - A forma passada educada do verbo "fazer" em japonês é "しました" (shimashita).

私たちは毎日同じクラスで勉強しています。

Watashitachi wa mainichi onaji kurasu de benkyou shiteimasu

We study every day in the same class.

We study in the same class every day.

• 私たち - 私たち
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 毎日 - "todos os dias" in Japanese
• 同じ - "the same" in Japanese
• クラス - "class" in Japanese
• で - Location particle in Japanese
• 勉強 - study in Japanese
• しています - The polished form of the verb "fazer" in Japanese

私たちは仲間同士です。

Watashitachi wa nakama doushi desu

We are mates.

We are friends.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 仲間 - "Companions/friends" in Japanese
• 同士 - Suffix that means "among equals" or "among companions" in Japanese.
• です - polite way of "being" in Japanese

私たちは同い年です。

Watashitachi wa onaidoshi desu

We have the same age.

• 私たちは - 私たち
• 同い年 - "same age" in Japanese
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating a formal statement

私たちは彼らと比べても同じくらい優れていると思います。

Watashitachi wa karera to kurabete mo onaji kurai sugurete iru to omoimasu

I think we are as good as they are.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 彼らと - with them
• 比べても - even comparing
• 同じくらい - same level
• 優れている - be excellent
• と思います - I think