Closest Chinese expression物以类聚，人以群分
Pinyinwù yǐ lèi jù, rén yǐ qún fēn
Quick answer
The closest answer is 物以类聚，人以群分: People with similar interests, values, or habits tend to associate.
Literal translation
Things gather by kind; people divide into groups.
Are they completely equivalent?
The main expression is very close. 近朱者赤，近墨者黑 is different: it emphasizes how companions influence a person over time.
When to use the Chinese saying
Use 物以类聚，人以群分 to observe association by shared interests or character, with care not to stereotype.
Other related Chinese expressions
A single English saying can point to different Chinese expressions depending on whether the speaker wants to emphasize action, patience, warning, hope, or social tone.
