Proverb / Kotowaza
異口同音
Many people saying the same thing or being in complete agreement.
Different mouths, same sound
Quick Answer
Many people saying the same thing or being in complete agreement.
- Literal Image
- Different mouths, same sound
- How to Use It
- Used when describing a group of people giving the same testimony, praise, or opposition simultaneously.
Meaning
Describes a situation where different people express the exact same opinion or statement at once. It emphasizes that despite having different mouths, the words coming out are identical, indicating total consensus or unanimous agreement.
Literal Image
Different mouths, same sound
How to Use It
Used when describing a group of people giving the same testimony, praise, or opposition simultaneously.
Tone
Neutral register.
Examples
関係者は異口同音に彼の功績を称えた。
Those involved praised his achievements with one voice.
異口同音に反対意見が出たため、計画は白紙に戻された。
The plan was scrapped as opposing opinions were voiced in unison.
目撃者たちは異口同音に同じ証言をした。
The witnesses gave the same testimony with one voice.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses basic kanji, but the reading 'ikudoon' and its status as a yojijukugo make it less transparent for beginners.
異口
いく / iku
different mouths
同音
どうおん / doon
same sound; same voice
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
It refers to the content of the words and consensus, not just physical sounds made together.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This four-character idiom (yojijukugo) originates from Chinese classics. The characters 'iku' (different mouths) and 'doon' (same sound) combine to describe the image of many individuals speaking with a single voice, representing a state of perfect agreement.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.