一模一样
一模一样 (yī mú yī yàng) literally means “one mold one appearance” and expresses “exactly identical”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: yi mu yi yang, yi mu yi yang,一模一样 meaning, 一模一样 in english
Exactly identical
Pronunciation: yī mú yī yàng
Literal meaning: One mold one appearance
Origin & Usage
Originating in Ming Dynasty craftsmen's guilds, this idiom literally means one (一) mold (模) produces one (一) appearance (样). It derives from the ancient art of bronze casting, where master craftsmen used precise molds to create identical pieces. The repetition of '一' (one) emphasizes perfect replication. Initially used to praise exceptional craftsmanship in creating matching sets of imperial artifacts, it later expanded beyond artisanal contexts. During the Qing Dynasty, it became associated with the imperial examination system's emphasis on standardization. Modern usage often carries a dual meaning - while it can praise precision and consistency, it sometimes critically refers to excessive conformity or lack of originality.
Examples
English: "The twins dress so similarly that their teachers can't tell them apart"
Chinese: 这对双胞胎穿着如此相似，以至于老师无法分辨他们
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 一模一样 mean in English?
一模一样 (yī mú yī yàng) literally translates to “One mold one appearance” and is used to express “Exactly identical”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 一模一样 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving exactly identical.
What is the pinyin for 一模一样?
The pinyin pronunciation for 一模一样 is “yī mú yī yàng”.