comme deux gouttes d'eau
To accept misfortune
حرفيًا: Like two drops of water
Use this phrase whenever you see two people or things that are visual clones of each other.
في 15 ثانية
- Used to describe two things or people that look identical.
- Equivalent to the English 'two peas in a pod' for appearance.
- Commonly used with the verb 'ressembler' (to resemble).
المعنى
This phrase is used to describe two people or things that look exactly alike. It is the French equivalent of saying two people are like 'two peas in a pod.'
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Commenting on a family photo
Julie ressemble à sa mère comme deux gouttes d'eau.
Julie looks just like her mother.
Meeting a friend's twin
Vous vous ressemblez comme deux gouttes d'eau !
You look like each other like two drops of water!
A formal observation in a gallery
Ces deux copies se ressemblent comme deux gouttes d'eau.
These two copies look exactly alike.
خلفية ثقافية
Dating back to at least the 1600s, this phrase highlights the French preference for using elemental imagery. Unlike the English 'two peas in a pod' which suggests being close or similar, the French version focuses exclusively on the visual perfection of the resemblance.
The 'Ressembler' Rule
Always remember that 'ressembler' takes the preposition 'à'. So it's 'ressembler À quelqu'un comme deux gouttes d'eau'.
Not for Personalities
Don't use this for two people who act the same. It's strictly for physical appearance. Use 'ils sont pareils' for behavior.
في 15 ثانية
- Used to describe two things or people that look identical.
- Equivalent to the English 'two peas in a pod' for appearance.
- Commonly used with the verb 'ressembler' (to resemble).
What It Means
Imagine holding two identical drops of water on your fingertips. You cannot tell them apart, right? That is exactly what this phrase conveys. It describes a striking physical resemblance between two people. You use it when you see a child who looks exactly like their parent. It is also perfect for identical twins or even two objects that are indistinguishable. It is all about that 'double-take' moment when you think you are seeing double.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is very simple. You usually pair it with the verb ressembler (to resemble). You say: Ils se ressemblent comme deux gouttes d'eau. This translates to 'They look like each other like two drops of water.' You can also use it with être (to be) in some contexts. You do not need to conjugate the phrase itself. It stays exactly as it is regardless of who you are talking about. Just drop it at the end of your sentence for an instant native-speaker feel.
When To Use It
Use this during family gatherings when you notice a baby has her father's nose. It is great for casual coffee dates when gossiping about celebrity lookalikes. You can use it at work if two reports look suspiciously identical. It is a very common, everyday expression. If you see a doppelgänger on the street, this is your go-to line. It is friendly, observant, and very visual.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this to describe people who behave the same way but look different. This idiom is strictly for physical appearance or visual identicalness. If two friends have the same personality, use être sur la même longueur d'onde instead. Also, avoid using it for things that are only 'slightly' similar. This phrase is for near-perfect matches. If you use it for two people who look nothing alike, people will think you need new glasses!
Cultural Background
This expression has been around since the 17th century. It is one of those timeless idioms that never goes out of style. The French love using natural elements to describe human traits. Water is seen as the ultimate symbol of purity and identicalness in nature. While English speakers prefer vegetables (peas), the French find beauty in the simplicity of water. It reflects a certain poetic logic found throughout the French language.
Common Variations
While the phrase is usually fixed, you might hear people add emphasis. Some might say se ressembler comme deux gouttes d'eau pure though it is rare. In very informal slang, some younger people might just say c'est son portrait craché. That one means 'it is his spitting image.' However, comme deux gouttes d'eau remains the most versatile version. It works in almost every part of the French-speaking world, from Paris to Quebec.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
The phrase is highly versatile and fits into almost any social situation. Just ensure you are describing a visual similarity and not a shared opinion or hobby.
The 'Ressembler' Rule
Always remember that 'ressembler' takes the preposition 'à'. So it's 'ressembler À quelqu'un comme deux gouttes d'eau'.
Not for Personalities
Don't use this for two people who act the same. It's strictly for physical appearance. Use 'ils sont pareils' for behavior.
The Spitting Image
If you want to be more intense/informal, use 'C'est son portrait craché' (It's his spat-out portrait). It's the French version of 'spitting image'.
أمثلة
6Julie ressemble à sa mère comme deux gouttes d'eau.
Julie looks just like her mother.
Standard usage comparing a child to a parent.
Vous vous ressemblez comme deux gouttes d'eau !
You look like each other like two drops of water!
Expressing genuine surprise at a strong resemblance.
Ces deux copies se ressemblent comme deux gouttes d'eau.
These two copies look exactly alike.
Used here for objects rather than people.
Regarde cette photo, il lui ressemble comme deux gouttes d'eau !
Look at this photo, he looks exactly like him!
Casual observation shared via text.
J'ai confondu ton chat avec le mien, ils se ressemblent comme deux gouttes d'eau !
I confused your cat with mine, they look exactly the same!
Using the phrase to excuse a funny mistake.
Plus il grandit, plus il ressemble à son grand-père comme deux gouttes d'eau.
The more he grows, the more he looks exactly like his grandfather.
Used to note a resemblance that carries sentimental value.
اختبر نفسك
Complete the sentence to say the brothers look identical.
Les deux frères se ressemblent comme deux ___ d'eau.
The phrase specifically uses 'gouttes' (drops) to create the image of identical units of water.
Choose the correct verb to use with the phrase.
Elle ___ à sa sœur comme deux gouttes d'eau.
The verb 'ressembler' (to resemble/look like) is the standard partner for this idiom.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality Scale
Used with friends and family.
T'es comme deux gouttes d'eau avec ton frère !
Perfect for everyday conversation.
Ils se ressemblent comme deux gouttes d'eau.
Acceptable in writing or polite company.
Ces documents sont identiques, comme deux gouttes d'eau.
Where to use 'Comme deux gouttes d'eau'
Family Reunion
Comparing cousins
Art Gallery
Comparing a fake to an original
Pet Store
Two identical puppies
Police Station
Identifying a suspect from a sketch
الأسئلة الشائعة
11 أسئلةMostly, yes! However, 'two peas in a pod' can sometimes mean two people are very close friends. Comme deux gouttes d'eau is only about looking identical.
Absolutely. If you have two identical cars or pens, you can say Elles se ressemblent comme deux gouttes d'eau.
Not at all. It is a neutral observation. It is usually taken as a compliment or a statement of fact.
The verb ressembler is used 90% of the time with this phrase.
No, the expression requires deux (two) because you are comparing two distinct things that look the same.
Yes, you can say C'est son portrait craché, which is a bit more informal and colorful.
No, deux gouttes d'eau is a fixed phrase. Even if you are talking about two men, the word gouttes stays feminine.
Yes, it is neutral enough for a professional setting, especially when comparing two similar products or designs.
No, it is very much alive. You will hear it in movies, on the news, and in daily life constantly.
Then this phrase is too strong. Just say Ils se ressemblent un peu (They look a bit alike).
It is the perfect phrase for twins! Les jumeaux se ressemblent comme deux gouttes d'eau.
عبارات ذات صلة
C'est son portrait craché
He/She is the spitting image of...
Être pareils
To be the same
Se ressembler comme deux gouttes d'huile
An older, rarer variation using oil instead of water
Avoir un air de famille
To have a family resemblance
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