Proverb / Kotowaza
同工異曲
Describes things that have different appearances or methods but share essentially the same content or quality.
same workmanship, different melody
Quick Answer
Describes things that have different appearances or methods but share essentially the same content or quality.
- Literal Image
- same workmanship, different melody
- Closest Equivalent
- Different in form but the same in content
- How to Use It
- Use this when comparing products, creative works, or ideas that seem different at first glance but prove to be quite similar in their core message or function.
Meaning
Originally used in Chinese literary criticism to describe works with similar skill but different results, this expression now describes things that appear different on the surface but are fundamentally alike. It can be used to point out that despite minor variations in style or presentation, the underlying substance remains unchanged.
Literal Image
same workmanship, different melody
Equivalent Proverbs
Different in form but the same in content
Focuses on the structural difference versus fundamental similarity.
Six of one and half a dozen of the other
Emphasizes that two things are essentially the same despite different appearances.
How to Use It
Use this when comparing products, creative works, or ideas that seem different at first glance but prove to be quite similar in their core message or function.
Tone
Can be used in analytical or slightly critical contexts to highlight a lack of fundamental difference.
Examples
あの二人の小説は同工異曲で、文体は全く違うが、伝えようとしているメッセージは同じだ。
The novels by those two are essentially the same; although the writing styles are completely different, the message they are trying to convey is identical.
各社の新製品を比べてみると、同工異曲で、見た目は異なるが基本的な機能はほぼ同じだった。
Comparing the new products from each company, they were all very similar—different in appearance, but the basic functions were almost the same.
政党が違っても、同工異曲というか、根本的な政策はどこも似たようなものだ。
Even if the political parties are different, they are much of a muchness; their fundamental policies are similar no matter where you look.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
This is a four-character idiom (yojijukugo) using formal kanji and a formal structure typical of literary or professional contexts.
同
どう / dou
same
工
こう / kou
skill; workmanship
異
い / i
different
曲
きょく / kyoku
melody; composition
Usage Profile
Usage note: Be careful when using it to describe someone's work, as it can imply that their creation lacks originality.
Misread Risk
Do not assume this only applies to music; while 'kyoku' means melody, in this context it refers to the broader content or essence of any work or idea.
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Origin
This four-character idiom originates from Chinese literary criticism. In its original context, '工' (kou) referred to the skill or method used, while '曲' (kyoku) referred to the content or melody of the work. It initially described works where the level of technical skill was similar but the resulting melodies or compositions were different. Over time, the meaning shifted to describe things that look different on the surface but are essentially similar in content.
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