Japanese meaning of 同工異曲
Reading:
どうこういきょく (doukou ikyoku)
English Translation:
Different roads to the same destination
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Different methods or approaches that may seem distinct on the surface but ultimately achieve the same result or purpose.
Cultural Context:
From Chinese literature comparing musical compositions, now applied to writing, art, and problem-solving.
表面上は異なるやり方や方法であっても、最終的な成果や目的が一致すること。多様性と本質の一致を示しています。
中国文学に由来し、作曲の比較から転じて、文章、芸術、問題解決などに使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase used with “の〜” to compare works with same method but different result.
Trap for English Speakers
May be misunderstood as meaning “completely different” rather than “different style.”
Example
Basic Example
二つの作品は同工異曲だ。
The two works are the same in method but different in style.
Applied Example
二人の戦法は同工異曲で、結果は同じ勝利だった。
Their strategies were different in form but the same in essence, both leading to victory.