同類(どうるい)

どうるい
noun
the same kind; kindred; fellow
1. the same kind, same type
Things or people that belong to the same category or share common characteristics.
この二(ふた)つは同類(どうるい)の製品(せいひん)だ。
These two are products of the same type.
同類(どうるい)の問題(もんだい)が他(ほか)の部署(ぶしょ)でも起(お)きている。
Similar problems are occurring in other departments too.
過去(かこ)の研究(けんきゅう)から同類(どうるい)の事例(じれい)を集(あつ)めて分析(ぶんせき)した。
We gathered and analyzed similar cases from past research.
2. fellow, accomplice, birds of a feather
A person who shares the same (often negative) traits or associations. Frequently used with a critical or dismissive nuance.
あいつらは同類(どうるい)だよ。
Those guys are birds of a feather.
あの政治家(せいじか)も結局(けっきょく)は同類(どうるい)だと思(おも)われている。
That politician is also seen as being cut from the same cloth in the end.
彼(かれ)と一緒(いっしょ)にいると同類(どうるい)だと思(おも)われるから、距離(きょり)を置(お)いた方(ほう)がいい。
If you hang around with him, people will think you're the same sort, so you'd better keep your distance.

Usage

Sense 1 is neutral and used in academic or analytical contexts. Sense 2 carries a negative nuance, implying guilt by association or shared bad traits. The expression 同類(どうるい)相(あい)憐(あわ)れむ (birds of a feather commiserate) is a well-known saying.

Common collocations

Similar words

同類(どうるい) emphasizes shared category or traits (often negative for people). 同種(どうしゅ) is more neutral and technical, meaning "same species" or "same type." 仲間(なかま) means "companion" or "peer" with a positive or neutral nuance.

Related Words

Synonym: 同種(どうしゅ) (same type (neutral))
Related: 仲間(なかま) (companion, peer)
general
Added 2026.2.20 13:26 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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