# 物以类聚

wù yǐ lèi jù

Similar things or people gather together

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Things assemble according to type

**Traditional Chinese:** 物以類聚

**Register:** Observational · general

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Describe association based on shared traits.

Can sound judgmental when applied to people.

## Understanding the expression

Objects grouped by type provide an analogy for people drawn together by shared interests, habits, or values. The expression can simply observe that like attracts like. In criticism, it may imply that questionable people naturally associate with one another. Shared company is not proof that every member has identical beliefs or behavior. The useful point is a pattern of affinity, not permission to judge an individual entirely by acquaintances.

## Examples

这群书迷常聚会，真是物以类聚。

### Traditional Chinese

這群書迷常聚會，真是物以類聚。

zhè qún shū mí cháng jù huì ， zhēn shì wù yǐ lèi jù 。

These book lovers gather often; shared interests draw them together.

几位爱冒险的人结伴旅行，物以类聚。

### Traditional Chinese

幾位愛冒險的人結伴旅行，物以類聚。

jǐ wèi ài mào xiǎn de rén jié bàn lǚ xíng ， wù yǐ lèi jù 。

The adventurous travelers naturally formed a group.

他感叹物以类聚，朋友都爱做饭。

### Traditional Chinese

他感嘆物以類聚，朋友都愛做飯。

tā gǎn tàn wù yǐ lèi jù ， péng yǒu dōu ài zuò fàn 。

He noted that all his friends enjoy cooking.

不能只凭物以类聚就认定她有错。

### Traditional Chinese

不能只憑物以類聚就認定她有錯。

bù néng zhī píng wù yǐ lèi jù jiù rèn dìng tā yǒu cuò 。

Association alone does not prove she did anything wrong.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E7%89%A9%E4%BB%A5%E9%A1%9E%E8%81%9A)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=500&webMd=1&la=0)

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