Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 同工異曲
Reading:
Voice sample:
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.
日本語で読む
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。
Cultural Context:
From Chinese literature comparing musical compositions, now applied to writing, art, and problem-solving.
日本語で読む
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.
日本語で読む
• 「〜の〜」と組み合わせ、同じ手法で異なる結果を比較する。
Trap for English Speakers
May be misunderstood as meaning “completely different” rather than “different style.”
日本語で読む
完全に異なる意味と誤解され、手法の同一性の意味を見落とす。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
二つの作品は同工異曲だ。
The two works are the same in method but different in style.
Example 2Applied 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.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「同工異曲」 mean?