Definition
同一 (tóng yī) is a formal, attributive adjective meaning 'the same' — it always directly modifies a noun or classifier (同一本书 'the same book'). It is more precise and written than 一样 (yī yàng), which is used predicatively (这本书和那本一样 'this book is the same as that one') and in comparisons. 同样 (tóng yàng) is similar but often means 'equally' or 'likewise' as an adverb.
adjective
the sameidentical
Easily confused
- 同意tóng yìsound-aliketo agree, to consent
- 统一tǒng yīsound-alike(verb) to unify, to integrate
Examples
- 。Tāmen zhù zài tóng yī ge chéngshì.They live in the same city.
- 。Wǒmen chuān tóng yī jiàn yīfu.We are wearing the same piece of clothing.
- ?Zhè liǎng běn shū shì tóng yī běn ma?Are these two books the same copy?
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