Expressing Equality: 'As... as' (A 跟 B 一样)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'A 跟 B 一样' to say two things are the same; just place the adjective at the end.
- Use '跟' (gēn) to connect the two items being compared.
- Place '一样' (yīyàng) after the items to signal equality.
- Add an adjective at the end to specify the quality: '他跟她一样高' (He is as tall as her).
Overview
Comparing elements is fundamental to human communication. Whether you are describing two objects, two people, or two ideas, you often need to express their similarities. In Chinese, the primary structure for expressing equality – that two things are the same in some aspect – involves the word 一样 (yīyàng).
This versatile phrase allows you to state that A is as...as B.
The core of this comparison lies in 一样 (yīyàng). Historically, 一 (yī) means 'one' and 样 (yàng) means 'kind' or 'type'. Together, 一样 (yīyàng) literally means 'one kind', effectively conveying 'the same' or 'identical'.
This grammatical pattern highlights a linguistic emphasis on classifying and relating items based on their shared attributes rather than solely on differences. It is an indispensable tool for beginners, offering a clear and straightforward way to describe equivalence in everyday situations.
To connect the two items being compared, Chinese uses a prepositional particle: 跟 (gēn) or 和 (hé). Both translate to 'with' or 'and' in this context. While generally interchangeable in this structure, 跟 (gēn) is more frequently used in casual, spoken Mandarin, whereas 和 (hé) can feel slightly more formal or is common in written contexts.
Mastering this construction allows you to articulate precise comparisons, such as one item being 'as big as' another or 'as difficult as' another, laying a solid foundation for more complex comparative structures.
How This Grammar Works
- A (First Item of Comparison): This is the subject, the item you are primarily describing or comparing. It comes at the beginning of the sentence, setting the focus for the comparison. For example, in
我的手机跟你的手机一样快 (wǒ de shǒujī gēn nǐ de shǒujī yīyàng kuài),我的手机 (wǒ de shǒujī)(my phone) isA.
- 跟 (gēn) / 和 (hé) (Connector): These particles act as conjunctions or prepositions, linking the first item (
A) to the second item (B). They establish the comparative relationship, signaling thatAis being compared withB. While both are correct,跟 (gēn)is generally preferred in conversational settings due to its more colloquial feel. Consider这本书跟那本书一样 (zhè běn shū gēn nà běn shū yīyàng), where跟 (gēn)connects 'this book' and 'that book'.
- B (Second Item of Comparison): This is the reference point, the item against which
Ais being measured. It immediately follows跟 (gēn)or和 (hé). In the example他跟她一样高 (tā gēn tā yīyàng gāo),她 (tā)(she) isB.
- 一样 (yīyàng) (Core of Equality): This word is the heart of the structure, directly asserting that
AandBare identical or equivalent in some way. It always followsB. If you use一样 (yīyàng)alone, without an additional adjective or verb phrase, it implies general sameness. For instance,这两个苹果一样 (zhè liǎng ge píngguǒ yīyàng)simply means 'These two apples are the same [in general]'.
- (Optional Adjective/Verb Phrase): To specify in what way
AandBare the same, you can add an adjective or a short verb phrase immediately after一样 (yīyàng). This clarifies the nature of the equality. For example,我的手机跟你的手机一样快 (wǒ de shǒujī gēn nǐ de shǒujī yīyàng kuài)specifies that the phones are equally快 (kuài)(fast). Similarly,我跟他一样喜欢吃辣 (wǒ gēn tā yīyàng xǐhuān chī là)means 'I like spicy food as much as he does', using a verb phrase.
Formation Pattern
A 跟/和 B 一样 (+ Adjective/Verb Phrase) pattern is highly regular and straightforward. Understanding its different forms—affirmative, negative, and interrogative—will enable you to use it effectively in various communicative contexts. Remember that the core elements remain consistent across these forms.
A + 跟/和 + B + 一样 (+ Adjective/Verb Phrase) | 这件衣服跟那件衣服一样漂亮。 | Zhè jiàn yīfu gēn nà jiàn yīfu yīyàng piàoliang. (This dress is as pretty as that one.) |
他跟她一样喜欢听音乐。 | Tā gēn tā yīyàng xǐhuān tīng yīnyuè. (He likes listening to music as much as she does.) |
A + 跟/和 + B + 不一样 (+ Adjective/Verb Phrase) | 我的书包跟你的书包不一样大。 | Wǒ de shūbāo gēn nǐ de shūbāo bù yīyàng dà. (My backpack is not as big as your backpack.) |
这个故事跟那个故事不一样。 | Zhè ge gùshi gēn nà ge gùshi bù yīyàng. (This story is not the same as that story.) |
A + 跟/和 + B + 一样 (+ Adjective/Verb Phrase) 吗？ | 他的汉语跟你的汉语一样好吗？ | Tā de Hànyǔ gēn nǐ de Hànyǔ yīyàng hǎo ma? (Is his Chinese as good as yours?) |
今天跟昨天一样热吗？ | Jīntiān gēn zuótiān yīyàng rè ma? (Is today as hot as yesterday?) |
不 (bù) always precedes 一样 (yīyàng). This placement directly negates the concept of 'sameness'. If an adjective is present, 不 (bù) negates 一样 in that specific aspect. For example, 我的书包跟你的书包不一样大 (wǒ de shūbāo gēn nǐ de shūbāo bù yīyàng dà) means 'My backpack is not as big as yours'; it's not that the backpack isn't big, but that its bigness is not equal to your backpack's bigness.
吗 (ma) at the end of the affirmative statement. There is no change in word order for the comparison itself. This maintains clarity and avoids confusion, allowing for direct confirmation or denial of the equality.
When To Use It
A 跟/和 B 一样 structure is incredibly versatile and fundamental for expressing various forms of equality. You will use it in numerous daily conversations, from mundane observations to more nuanced comparisons. Here are the primary scenarios where this grammar pattern is indispensable:- Comparing Qualities: This is the most common use. You can compare any measurable or observable attribute between two items or people. This includes physical characteristics, abstract qualities, and even emotional states. For example:
- Size:
这间教室跟那间教室一样大 (zhè jiān jiàoshì gēn nà jiān jiàoshì yīyàng dà). (This classroom is as big as that classroom.) - Speed:
这辆车跟那辆车一样快 (zhè liàng chē gēn nà liàng chē yīyàng kuài). (This car is as fast as that car.) - Difficulty:
这次考试跟上次考试一样难 (zhè cì kǎoshì gēn shàng cì kǎoshì yīyàng nán). (This exam is as difficult as the last exam.) - Price:
这个手机跟那个手机一样贵 (zhè ge shǒujī gēn nà ge shǒujī yīyàng guì). (This phone is as expensive as that phone.)
- Comparing Actions or States: Beyond simple adjectives, you can also use
一样 (yīyàng)with short verb phrases to compare how two subjects perform an action or are in a certain state. This allows for comparisons of preferences, habits, or experiences. For instance: 我跟他一样喜欢吃中国菜 (wǒ gēn tā yīyàng xǐhuān chī Zhōngguó cài). (I like eating Chinese food as much as he does.)我姐姐跟我一样累 (wǒ jiějie gēn wǒ yīyàng lèi). (My older sister is as tired as I am.)我的同学跟老师一样认真学习 (wǒ de tóngxué gēn lǎoshī yīyàng rènzhēn xuéxí). (My classmate studies as diligently as the teacher.)
- Expressing General Sameness or Agreement: When no specific adjective or verb phrase follows
一样 (yīyàng), the sentence implies a general identity or similarity betweenAandB. This can also be used to express agreement with someone. For example: 我的想法跟你的想法一样 (wǒ de xiǎngfǎ gēn nǐ de xiǎngfǎ yīyàng). (My idea is the same as yours / I agree with your idea.)这两个问题一样 (zhè liǎng ge wèntí yīyàng). (These two problems are the same [in nature or content].)
- In Social Contexts: This pattern is frequently used in everyday social interactions. Imagine you're texting a friend about a movie:
这部电影跟上次我们看的一样好看 (zhè bù diànyǐng gēn shàng cì wǒmen kàn de yīyàng hǎokàn)(This movie is as good as the one we watched last time). Or in a casual chat:我们俩的口味一样 (wǒmen liǎ de kǒuwèi yīyàng)(Our tastes are the same). The flexibility of this structure makes it ideal for maintaining conversational flow and expressing shared observations.
Common Mistakes
A 跟/和 B 一样 structure is relatively straightforward, learners often make specific mistakes, usually due to interference from their native language's grammar or misinterpretation of the Chinese particles. Understanding these common pitfalls and their underlying reasons is crucial for accurate and natural expression.- Incorrect Word Order: Placing
一样before跟/和 B - Incorrect:
我的手机一样跟你的手机快。(Wǒ de shǒujī yīyàng gēn nǐ de shǒujī kuài.) – This directly mirrors English
2. Negative and Question Forms
| Type | Structure |
|---|---|
|
Negative
|
A + 跟 + B + 不一样 + Adjective
|
|
Question
|
A + 跟 + B + 一样 + Adjective + 吗?
|
Equality Structure Formation
| Subject A | Connector | Subject B | Equality Marker | Adjective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
我
|
跟
|
你
|
一样
|
高
|
|
这件衣服
|
跟
|
那件
|
一样
|
贵
|
|
他
|
跟
|
我
|
一样
|
忙
|
|
这
|
跟
|
那
|
一样
|
好
|
|
我们
|
跟
|
他们
|
一样
|
聪明
|
|
今天
|
跟
|
昨天
|
一样
|
热
|
Meanings
This structure is used to indicate that two subjects share the same degree of a specific quality or state.
Direct Equality
Comparing two items that possess the same attribute.
“我跟你有一样的想法。”
“这杯咖啡跟那杯一样热。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
A + 跟 + B + 一样 + Adj
|
他跟我一样高
|
|
Negative
|
A + 跟 + B + 不一样 + Adj
|
他跟我不一样高
|
|
Question
|
A + 跟 + B + 一样 + Adj + 吗?
|
他跟我一样高吗?
|
|
Adverbial
|
A + 跟 + B + 一样 + Verb
|
他跟我一样喜欢游泳
|
|
Emphasis
|
A + 跟 + B + 一模一样
|
这跟那儿一模一样
|
Formality Spectrum
价格相同。 (Shopping)
价格一样。 (Shopping)
价钱一样。 (Shopping)
价儿一样。 (Shopping)
Equality Concept Map
Adjectives
- 高 tall
- 贵 expensive
Verbs
- 喜欢 like
- 想 think
Examples by Level
我跟她一样高。
I am as tall as her.
这跟那一样好。
This is as good as that.
他跟老师一样忙。
He is as busy as the teacher.
这杯茶跟那杯一样热。
This tea is as hot as that one.
我不跟她一样高。
I am not as tall as her.
你跟你的朋友一样喜欢看书吗？
Do you like reading as much as your friend?
这件衣服跟那件一样贵吗？
Is this dress as expensive as that one?
我的中文跟你的中文一样好。
My Chinese is as good as yours.
他们处理问题的方式跟我不一样。
Their way of handling problems is not the same as mine.
虽然我们来自不同的地方，但我们的目标是一样的。
Although we come from different places, our goals are the same.
这台电脑的性能跟那台一样强。
The performance of this computer is as strong as that one.
他做饭的水平跟大厨一样高。
His cooking level is as high as a professional chef.
这种方案跟之前的方案一样有效。
This plan is as effective as the previous one.
无论你怎么看，结果都是一样的。
No matter how you look at it, the result is the same.
他的观点跟大多数人一样保守。
His viewpoint is as conservative as most people's.
这两种材料的密度跟水一样大。
The density of these two materials is as great as water.
他那副满不在乎的态度，跟以前一样令人恼火。
His indifferent attitude is as annoying as it was before.
这种艺术风格跟古典主义一样具有深远的影响力。
This art style has as profound an influence as classicism.
无论环境如何变化，他的初心跟当初一样坚定。
No matter how the environment changes, his original intention remains as firm as it was.
这种逻辑推论跟数学证明一样严密。
This logical deduction is as rigorous as a mathematical proof.
其内在逻辑与传统叙事结构如出一辙，跟古籍记载一样。
Its internal logic is identical to traditional narrative structures, just like the ancient records.
这种方言的语调跟邻近地区的方言一样独特。
The intonation of this dialect is as unique as the dialect in the neighboring region.
他那深邃的眼神，跟多年前我在那场葬礼上见到的一样。
His deep gaze is the same as the one I saw at that funeral many years ago.
这种制度的弊端跟历史上任何一个朝代一样明显。
The drawbacks of this system are as obvious as in any dynasty in history.
Easily Confused
Learners mix up equality and inequality.
Both mean 'same', but '同样' is more formal.
Used for identity, not degree.
Common Mistakes
他一样高我
他跟我一样高
他跟高一样
他跟我一样高
他比我一样高
他跟我一样高
他跟我不一样高吗
他跟我一样高吗
这跟那一样贵吗
这跟那一样贵吗
他跟一样我高
他跟我一样高
他跟我不一样
他跟我长得不一样
他跟我一样高高
他跟我一样高
他跟我是同样高
他跟我一样高
他跟我不一样高
他跟我身高不一样
他跟我不一样高
他与我身高不一
他跟我一样高
他与我等高
他跟我一样高
他与我一般高
Sentence Patterns
___ 跟 ___ 一样 ___。
___ 跟 ___ 不一样 ___。
___ 跟 ___ 一样 ___ 吗？
___ 跟 ___ 一样喜欢 ___。
Real World Usage
这件衣服跟那件一样贵。
我跟你一样忙。
我的能力跟要求一样高。
这儿的风景跟那儿一样美。
这碗面跟上次一样好吃。
他跟明星一样帅！
Adjective Placement
Don't mix with 比
Use for Verbs
Softening
Smart Tips
Use '跟...一样' to keep it neutral.
Use '一样' to avoid sounding like you are complaining.
Use '一样' to find common ground.
Use '一样' for clarity.
Pronunciation
Tone of 一
In '一样', '一' is usually pronounced with a 4th tone (yì) because '样' is a 4th tone.
Question intonation
你跟他一样高吗？↑
Rising pitch at the end for yes/no questions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '跟' as a bridge connecting two people, and '一样' as the identical level they stand on.
Visual Association
Imagine two people standing on a perfectly level balance scale. The scale is '一样'.
Rhyme
跟 is the bridge, 一样 is the same, put the adjective at the end of the game.
Story
Xiao Wang and Xiao Li are twins. They wear the same clothes. People say: 'Xiao Wang 跟 Xiao Li 一样高' (Xiao Wang is as tall as Xiao Li).
Word Web
Challenge
Find three objects in your room and compare them using '跟...一样' in your head.
Cultural Notes
Very common in daily life. Used to avoid direct conflict by stating equality.
Similar usage, often slightly more relaxed in tone.
Often mixed with Cantonese structures, but '一样' is universally understood.
The structure evolved from classical Chinese where '同' (tóng) was used for equality.
Conversation Starters
你跟你的好朋友一样高吗？
你觉得中文跟英文一样难吗？
你的工作方式跟你的同事一样吗？
你认为现代生活跟过去一样好吗？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
他 ___ 我一样高。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
他比我一样高。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
She is as busy as me.
Answer starts with: 她跟我...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Which is the negative?
这件衣服跟那件一样 ___。
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises他 ___ 我一样高。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
他比我一样高。
一样 / 我 / 高 / 跟 / 他
She is as busy as me.
Match the sentence.
Which is the negative?
这件衣服跟那件一样 ___。
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises咖啡 ___ 茶一样贵。
一样 / 他的 / 老师 / 跟 / 中文
I am as busy as you.
他不跟我一样高。
Match the following:
Select the correct translation:
这件衣服跟那件 ___ 。
这辆车 / 快 / 那辆车 / 一样 / 跟
This book is the same as that one.
Pick the most emphatic expression:
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Yes! You can say '我跟你一样喜欢看书' (I like reading as much as you).
Yes, it is the standard way to express equality.
Just add '不' before '一样', like '不一样'.
Yes, '跟' works for any subject.
It is neutral and used in all contexts.
'比' is for inequality, '一样' is for equality.
Yes, it's perfectly acceptable in professional settings.
The structure is standard across all Chinese-speaking regions.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
tan [adjective] como
Chinese places the adjective at the end.
aussi [adjective] que
French adjective placement is different.
genauso [adjective] wie
German syntax is more rigid.
と同じ (to onaji)
Japanese particles are post-positional.
مثل (mithl)
Arabic grammar is highly inflected.
跟...一样
None.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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