一模一样

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: yì mó yí yàng
• English Translation: Exactly the same, identical, spitting image
• Idiom Composition: 「一」（Same）＋「模」（Mold, pattern）＋「一」（Same）＋「样」（Appearance, manner）
• Meaning: Describes two or more things that are completely identical in appearance, nature, and other aspects. It emphasizes that they are the same down to the smallest detail, with no discernible differences.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「一模一样」 contains the following nuances:

• Perfect match: Indicates a perfect match in all aspects, including appearance, nature, and characteristics.
• Indistinguishable: Indicates that two or more things are so similar that it is difficult to distinguish between them.
• Like a copy or replica: Emphasizes that something is exactly the same as the original, as if it were a copy or replica.

3. Usage

「一模一样」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Similar appearance: Used to describe people or things that look exactly alike.
  • Example:「这对双胞胎长得一模一样，很难区分。」
    （This pair of twins looks exactly the same, making them difficult to tell apart.）
• Identical nature or characteristics: Describes when ways of thinking, opinions, abilities, etc., are exactly the same.
  • Example:「他们的想法和观点一模一样，难怪他们总是意见一致。」
    （Their thoughts and opinions are exactly the same, so it's no wonder they always agree.）
• Imitation or reproduction: Describes the act of completely imitating or reproducing something.
  • Example:「他模仿得非常像，连声音都和原唱一模一样。」
    （His impression is so good that even his voice is exactly the same as the original singer.）

Additional Examples:

1. 这两个方案在设计上几乎一模一样，只是细节上有些微差别。
   （These two plans are almost identical in design, with only minor differences in detail.）
2. 这两个苹果看起来一模一样，但味道却大相径庭。
   （These two apples look exactly the same, but their tastes are completely different.）
3. 这幅画是赝品，但它和原作看起来一模一样。
   （This painting is a fake, but it looks exactly the same as the original.）
4. 这两个手机的外观设计一模一样，很难分辨出哪个是正品，哪个是山寨。
   （The exterior designs of these two phones are identical, making it difficult to distinguish the genuine one from the counterfeit.）
5. 他们的经历一模一样，都经历过失败，最终都取得了成功。
   （Their experiences are exactly the same; both have experienced failure and ultimately achieved success.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 如出一辙 (rú chū yī zhé): To be exactly the same, to be a spitting image.
  • 毫无二致 (háo wú èr zhì): To have no difference at all, to be completely identical.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 截然不同 (jié rán bù tóng): To be completely different, not at all the same.
  • 大相径庭 (dà xiāng jìng tíng): To be poles apart, to be a world of difference.

6. Summary

'一模一样' is an expression used to emphasize that two or more things are completely identical. It can describe a match in all aspects, not just appearance, but also nature and characteristics. Among idioms expressing similarity, it is best understood as a word indicating a particularly strong match.