Saying Things Are Different: 跟...不一样 (Not the Same As)
A 跟 B 不一样 to simply state two things are different without declaring a winner or loser.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'A 跟 B 不一样' to express that two things are not the same.
- Use 'A 跟 B 不一样' for general differences: {这|zhè} {本书|běnshū} {跟|gēn} {那|nà} {本书|běnshū} {不一样|bù yīyàng}.
- Add an adjective to specify how they differ: {这|zhè} {跟|gēn} {那|nà} {不一样|bù yīyàng} {大|dà}.
- Use '跟...不一样' in questions: {你|nǐ} {的|de} {想法|xiǎngfǎ} {跟|gēn} {我|wǒ} {的|de} {不一样|bù yīyàng} {吗|ma}?
Overview
跟...不一样 (gēn... bù yíyàng) is a core Chinese comparative structure that you will encounter frequently as an intermediate (CEFR B1) learner. It functions to express a fundamental distinction: that two entities or concepts are not identical.
This pattern allows you to articulate differences without implying a hierarchy of superiority or inferiority, setting it apart from structures like 比 (bǐ), which indicates "greater than," or 没有 (méiyǒu), which signifies "not as much as." Its mastery is crucial for communicating nuanced observations and forming more complex sentences.
This grammatical construction exemplifies a fundamental principle of Chinese syntax: the topic-comment structure. Instead of directly stating "A is different from B," Chinese often frames the comparison by first establishing the two subjects (A and B) and then commenting on their relationship. This sequence reflects a listener-centric approach, where the context of the comparison is set before the assertion of difference.
Understanding this underlying logic will not only clarify 跟...不一样 but also aid your comprehension of numerous other Chinese sentence patterns.
The inherent neutrality of 跟...不一样 makes it highly versatile. You can use it in formal discussions, casual conversations, or even when expressing polite disagreement. It enables you to move beyond simple declarative statements and engage in more sophisticated discourse, a hallmark of intermediate proficiency.
Pay close attention to its structure and common pitfalls to ensure natural and accurate usage.
How This Grammar Works
跟...不一样 operates as a predicative adjective phrase. It establishes a state of dissimilarity between two nouns or noun phrases. The character 跟 (gēn) functions as a coverb (often translated as a preposition) meaning "with" or "and," serving to introduce the second element of the comparison.不一样 (bù yíyàng) itself is a compound adjective meaning "not the same" or "different." Crucially, in Chinese, many adjectives, including 不一样, can directly act as the predicate of a sentence, meaning they do not require the linking verb 是 (shì) to connect them to the subject.跟 + Noun B introduces the reference point for comparison, and 不一样 delivers the statement of difference. This arrangement guides the listener to identify the two items under consideration before processing the nature of their divergence. For example, in the sentence 我的手机跟你的不一样 (wǒ de shǒujī gēn nǐ de bù yíyàng, "My phone is different from yours"), you first register "my phone" and "your phone" before understanding that they are "not the same."不一样, you can pinpoint the exact nature of the disparity. For instance, 不一样高 (bù yíyàng gāo) precisely conveys "not the same height," while 不一样多 (bù yíyàng duō) means "not the same amount." This mechanism allows for a high degree of precision, enabling you to articulate specific differences rather than generic ones.跟 is often interchangeable with 和 (hé), particularly in written or more formal contexts, though 跟 is more common in spoken Mandarin, especially in northern regions.Formation Pattern
跟...不一样 involves understanding its consistent, two-part structure, which can be extended for greater specificity. The basic pattern compares two nouns or noun phrases, directly asserting their dissimilarity.
跟 / 和 + Noun B + 不一样
我的想法 | wǒ de xiǎngfǎ | My idea | The primary subject |
跟 | gēn | with / and | Connects Noun A and Noun B |
你的 | nǐ de | yours | The object of comparison |
不一样 | bù yíyàng | not the same / different | The predicate stating the difference |
今天的午饭跟昨天的午饭不一样。 (jīntiān de wǔfàn gēn zuótiān de wǔfàn bù yíyàng)
我的工作和他的不一样。 (wǒ de gōngzuò hé tā de bù yíyàng)
和 is used, demonstrating interchangeability).
这个国家的文化跟我们国家的文化不一样。 (zhège guójiā de wénhuà gēn wǒmen guójiā de wénhuà bù yíyàng)
不一样. This adjective clarifies the particular characteristic in which they diverge.
跟 / 和 + Noun B + 不一样 + Adjective
这件衣服跟那件不一样大。 (zhè jiàn yīfu gēn nà jiàn bù yíyàng dà)
你的发型跟我的不一样长。 (nǐ de fàxíng gēn wǒ de bù yíyàng cháng)
这部电影跟上次的有点不一样精彩。 (zhè bù diànyǐng gēn shàng cì de yǒudiǎn bù yíyàng jīngcǎi)
有点 softens the comparison.
我的手机不一样 (wǒ de shǒujī bù yíyàng) to mean "My phone is different [from what we were just talking about/what was expected]." However, for initial comparisons or when ambiguity exists, always include Noun B.
你, 我, 他), proper nouns (北京, 上海), or more complex noun phrases (我昨天买的书, 你喜欢听的音乐). The structure remains consistent regardless of the complexity of the nouns.
和 vs. 跟: While both are acceptable, 跟 is generally more common in spoken Mandarin, especially in northern regions of China, while 和 tends to be slightly more formal or preferred in written contexts. In many everyday situations, you can use them interchangeably without issue.
When To Use It
跟...不一样 structure is indispensable for expressing distinctions in a myriad of contexts, allowing for precise and culturally appropriate communication. Its versatility makes it a cornerstone for intermediate Chinese learners navigating daily life, academic discussions, and professional settings.- Product Specifications: When comparing goods or services, or noting discrepancies.
网上的图片跟实物完全不一样。 (wǎngshàng de túpiàn gēn shíwù wánquán bù yíyàng)- Environmental Variations: Describing different conditions or characteristics of locations.
这里的天气跟我的家乡不一样，这里冬天更冷。 (zhèlǐ de tiānqì gēn wǒ de jiāxiāng bù yíyàng, zhèlǐ dōngtiān gèng lěng)- Data and Information: Pointing out inconsistencies or divergences in facts, reports, or shared information.
他的说法跟我听到的不一样，我们需要核实。 (tā de shuōfǎ gēn wǒ tīngdào de bù yíyàng, wǒmen xūyào héshí)跟...不一样 offers a diplomatic and softer alternative to express a differing opinion or to gently imply that an idea isn't optimal, thereby saving face (给面子, gěi miànzi) for all parties involved. This indirectness is a critical aspect of social interaction.- Professional Opinions: When your perspective diverges from a colleague's or superior's.
关于这个问题，我的看法跟您的不一样。 (guānyú zhège wèntí, wǒ de kànfǎ gēn nín de bù yíyàng)- Alternative Proposals: Suggesting a different approach without directly criticizing another's.
我做的这个方案跟他们提的不一样，希望能给大家一些新的思路。 (wǒ zuò de zhège fāng'àn gēn tāmen tí de bù yíyàng, xīwàng néng gěi dàjiā yīxiē xīn de sīlù)- Personal Evolution: Noticing how an individual has changed over time.
他现在跟以前完全不一样了，变得更加成熟了。 (tā xiànzài gēn yǐqián wánquán bù yíyàng le, biànde gèngjiā chéngshú le)- Societal or Urban Development: Commenting on how places or situations have altered significantly.
这个城市跟十年前不一样，高楼大厦越来越多。 (zhège chéngshì gēn shí nián qián bù yíyàng, gāolóu dàshà yuè lái yuè duō)跟...不一样 is a common expression for personal preferences, observations about popular culture, or general comments on life's disparities. It reflects natural, everyday language use.- Personal Preferences: Stating that your likes or dislikes do not align with another's.
我喜欢的电影类型跟你不太一样。 (wǒ xǐhuān de diànyǐng lèixíng gēn nǐ bú tài yīyàng)- Humorous Observations: Commenting on common ironies or differences between ideals and reality.
网上那些鸡汤文跟现实生活总是不一样。 (wǎngshàng nàxiē jītāngwén gēn xiànshí shēnghuó zǒngshì bù yīyàng)Common Mistakes
跟...不一样 fluently and naturally. Many of these mistakes arise from direct translation from English or a misunderstanding of how Chinese parts of speech, particularly adjectives, function. Recognizing and internalizing these distinctions will significantly enhance your accuracy.是 (shì) with 不一样:不一样 is a predicative adjective, meaning it can directly serve as the main verb of a sentence describing a state, without needing the copula 是. Inserting 是 before 不一样 makes the sentence grammatically incorrect and sounds unnatural to native speakers.- Linguistic Principle: Many Chinese adjectives inherently carry verbal force. They can stand alone as predicates, signifying a state or quality.
是is generally used for equating two nouns (A 是 B), identifying (这是书), or emphasizing a verb (我是要去的). It typically does not precede an adjective that is already functioning as a predicate.
他的观点是跟我的不一样。 (tā de guāndiǎn shì gēn wǒ de bù yíyàng) | 他的观点跟我的不一样。 (tā de guāndiǎn gēn wǒ de bù yíyàng) | Remove 是. 不一样 already acts as the main predicate describing the difference between the two views. |这个产品是跟那个不一样。 (zhège chǎnpǐn shì gēn nàge bù yíyàng) | 这个产品跟那个不一样。 (zhège chǎnpǐn gēn nàge bù yíyàng) | The phrase 跟那个不一样 functions entirely as the predicate. 是 is superfluous here and makes the sentence awkward and grammatically wrong. |不一样 (Incorrect Word Order):不一样 prematurely in the sentence, often attempting to mimic an English word order like "A is different from B." The topic-comment structure of Chinese dictates that the two items being compared (Noun A and 跟 + Noun B) are established first, and only then does the comment on their difference (不一样) follow.这部电影不一样跟那部电影。 (zhè bù diànyǐng bù yíyàng gēn nà bù diànyǐng) | 这部电影跟那部电影不一样。 (zhè bù diànyǐng gēn nà bù diànyǐng bù yíyàng) | The 跟... phrase must directly precede 不一样. The correct pattern is always Noun A + 跟 / 和 + Noun B + 不一样.我穿的衣服不一样跟你的。 (wǒ chuān de yīfu bù yíyàng gēn nǐ de) | 我穿的衣服跟你的不一样。 (wǒ chuān de yīfu gēn nǐ de bù yíyàng) | Ensure the entire comparative phrase (跟 Noun B) is placed immediately before 不一样. Chinese focuses on presenting the comparison before the conclusion. |很 (hěn) for Emphasis with 不一样:很 frequently precedes adjectives to mean "very" (e.g., 很高 - very tall, 很好 - very good), it is generally unidiomatic and awkward when directly intensifying 不一样 to mean "very different." This is because 不一样 inherently expresses a negation and a comparison. To convey "very different" or "completely different," specific adverbs are preferred.- The Solution: Use adverbs such as
完全(wánquán) for "completely,"非常(fēicháng) for "extremely," or大不相同(dà bù xiāngtóng) for "vastly different" (more formal) to intensify the meaning. While很不一样is not strictly impossible, its usage often implies a nuanced emphasis or surprise rather than a simple intensification, and完全不一样is almost always the more natural and clearer choice for "completely different."
我的想法很不一样跟你的。 (wǒ de xiǎngfǎ hěn bù yíyàng gēn nǐ de) | 我的想法跟你的完全不一样。 (wǒ de xiǎngfǎ gēn nǐ de wánquán bù yíyàng) | 很 is typically not used to intensify 不一样 in the sense of "very different." 完全 is the standard and most natural adverb for "completely different." |这个故事很不一样有趣。 (zhège gùshì hěn bù yíyàng yǒuqù) | 这个故事跟上次的完全不一样有趣。 (zhège gùshì gēn shàng cì de wánquán bù yíyàng yǒuqù) | When specifying an adjective, adverbs like 完全 or 非常 are preferred to emphasize the degree of difference in that quality. |不一样 with 不同 (bùtóng) or 不相同 (bù xiāngtóng):不一样(bù yíyàng): This is the most common, natural, and flexible expression for "not the same" or "different." It is highly conversational and suitable for nearly all everyday contexts. It functions primarily as a predicative adjective.他们两个人的性格不一样。(tāmen liǎng ge rén de xìnggé bù yíyàng)
不同(bùtóng): This term is generally more formal than不一样. It frequently functions as an adjective before a noun (attributive use) to mean "different kinds of" or "various." It can also be used predicatively, but不一样is more common in spoken comparison.不同often emphasizes distinct categories or types.他们有不同的意见。(tāmen yǒu bùtóng de yìjiàn)
不同 modifies 意见.)这两本书的内容有所不同。(zhè liǎng běn shū de nèiróng yǒu suǒ bùtóng)
不一样.)不相同(bù xiāngtóng): This is the most formal and often academic or technical term, meaning "not identical" or "dissimilar." It emphasizes a lack of precise correspondence. You will typically encounter it in written reports, scientific texts, or very formal discourse.两组实验的结果不相同。(liǎng zǔ shíyàn de jiéguǒ bù xiāngtóng)
不一样 (bù yíyàng) | Casual/Common | Predicative Adjective | 我们的想法不一样。 (Our ideas are different.) |不同 (bùtóng) | Formal | Attributive Adjective (often) | 我们有不同的想法。 (We have different ideas.) |不相同 (bù xiāngtóng) | Very Formal | Predicative Adjective | 这两份报告的结果不相同。 (The results of these two reports are not identical.) |Common Collocations
不一样 with specific adverbs. Mastering these collocations will make your Chinese sound more natural and precise, allowing you to articulate subtle distinctions.完全不一样(wánquán bù yíyàng) - Completely / Totally different:
完全 acts as an intensifier, akin to "completely," "totally," or "utterly" in English. It emphasizes a thorough lack of similarity.他现在跟以前完全不一样了，我几乎认不出他。(tā xiànzài gēn yǐqián wánquán bù yíyàng le, wǒ jīhū rènbuchū tā)
照片跟本人完全不一样，简直是两个人。(zhàopiàn gēn běnrén wánquán bù yíyàng, jiǎnzhí shì liǎng ge rén)
有点不一样(yǒudiǎn bù yíyàng) - A bit / A little different:
有点 softens the statement. It indicates a slight variation rather than a complete divergence, often implying "a little bit off" or "slightly different from what was expected."这个味道跟上次的有点不一样，是不是换了配方？(zhège wèidào gēn shàng cì de yǒudiǎn bù yíyàng, shìbushì huàn le pèifāng?)
我觉得这部电影的结局跟小说有点不一样，但还不错。(wǒ juéde zhè bù diànyǐng de jiéjú gēn xiǎoshuō yǒudiǎn bù yíyàng, dàn hái búcuò)
不太一样(bú tài yíyàng) - Not very different / Somewhat different:
不 negates 太 (too/very), making it "not too different."我的新手机跟旧手机功能不太一样，但使用习惯差不多。(wǒ de xīn shǒujī gēn jiù shǒujī gōngnéng bú tài yīyàng, dàn shǐyòng xíguàn chàbuduō)
他们两兄弟的性格不太一样，一个内向一个外向。(tāmen liǎng xiōngdì de xìnggé bú tài yīyàng, yīgè nèixiàng yīgè wàixiàng)
很不一样(hěn bù yíyàng) - Very different (with specific nuance):
完全不一样 is generally preferred for "completely different," 很不一样 can be used. Its nuance often implies a noticeable, perhaps surprising, difference, or one that stands out. It's less about absolute dissimilarity and more about a salient distinction.你穿上这件衣服，感觉很不一样，更时尚了。(nǐ chuān shàng zhè jiàn yīfu, gǎnjué hěn bù yíyàng, gèng shíshàng le)
大不相同(dà bù xiāngtóng) - Vastly different:
完全不一样, suggesting a fundamental or profound disparity. It's often used in more literary, academic, or sophisticated contexts, implying a significant contrast rather than mere difference.东方和西方的教育理念大不相同，各有优缺点。(dōngfāng hé xīfāng de jiàoyù lǐniàn dà bù xiāngtóng, gè yǒu yōuquēdiǎn)
Quick FAQ
跟...不一样. Here are some common inquiries and their comprehensive answers.和 (hé) instead of 跟 (gēn)? What's the difference in usage?Yes, you can absolutely use 和 (hé) interchangeably with 跟 (gēn) in this structure, both conveying "with" or "and" in the context of comparison. The choice largely depends on regional preference and formality.
跟(gēn): More prevalent in spoken, conversational Mandarin, especially in northern China. It feels more natural in informal dialogues.和(hé): Tends to be more common in written Chinese and can sound slightly more formal in speech. It is also more widely used in southern China.
我的想法跟你的不一样 and 我的想法和你的不一样 are both grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. Choose the one that feels most natural to you or that you hear most frequently from native speakers in your environment.跟...不一样 is highly versatile and extends far beyond physical objects. It can compare abstract ideas, opinions, systems, cultures, feelings, or any non-tangible entities. This flexibility makes it a powerful tool for expressing complex thoughts and observations.
他的管理方式跟传统的管理方式不一样，更注重人性化。(tā de guǎnlǐ fāngshì gēn chuántǒng de guǎnlǐ fāngshì bù yíyàng, gèng zhùzhòng rénxìnghuà)
学习语言跟学习数学不一样，需要更多的实践和语感。(xuéxí yǔyán gēn xuéxí shùxué bù yíyàng, xūyào gèng duō de shíjiàn hé yǔgǎn)
To express sameness, simply remove the negation 不 (bù) from 不一样, resulting in 跟...一样 (gēn... yíyàng). This literally means "with... same" or "the same as...".
我的想法跟你的想法一样。(wǒ de xiǎngfǎ gēn nǐ de xiǎngfǎ yīyàng)
这件衣服跟那件一样大。(zhè jiàn yīfu gēn nà jiàn yīyàng dà)
跟...一样 or 跟...不一样?Yes, you can, but the specific adverbs differ based on whether you're expressing similarity or difference.
- For "Almost the same": Use
差不多(chàbuduō) before一样. This phrase差不多一样effectively means "almost the same."
我的新手机跟旧手机差不多一样。 (wǒ de xīn shǒujī gēn jiù shǒujī chàbuduō yīyàng)- For "Very/Completely different": As discussed in Common Collocations, use
完全不一样(wánquán bù yíyàng).很不一样is possible but less common for simple emphasis.
For maximum clarity, especially when introducing a new comparison, it is best to include both Noun A and Noun B. However, if Noun B is unequivocally understood from the preceding context, you can omit it. This is similar to how other elements can be dropped in Chinese when context makes them redundant.
- Context: You are discussing the project plan from last week.
今天的计划跟上周的计划不一样。 (jīntiān de jìhuà gēn shàng zhōu de jìhuà bù yīyàng)- Implied B:
今天的计划不一样。(jīntiān de jìhuà bù yīyàng)
跟...不一样 compare to 比 (bǐ) and 没有 (méiyǒu) structures?比(bǐ) - "A is more/greater/better than B": Used for direct comparisons of degree, implying that one item surpasses the other in a specific quality. It always indicates a hierarchical or scalar difference.我比他高。(wǒ bǐ tā gāo) - I am taller than him. (Focuses on我being more tall.)这本书比那本书贵。(zhè běn shū bǐ nà běn shū guì) - This book is more expensive than that book. (Focuses on这本书being more expensive.)
没有(méiyǒu) - "A is not as much/good/tall as B": Used for negative comparisons, indicating that one item does not reach the level of another in a particular quality. It also implies a hierarchy, but in reverse.我没有他高。(wǒ méiyǒu tā gāo) - I am not as tall as him. (Focuses on我being not as tall.)这本书没有那本书贵。(zhè běn shū méiyǒu nà běn shū guì) - This book is not as expensive as that book. (Focuses on这本书being not as expensive.)
跟...不一样(gēn... bù yíyàng) - "A is not the same as B": This structure simply states the existence of a difference without specifying the degree or direction of that difference. It's a neutral observation of dissimilarity, focusing purely on non-identity rather than comparative degree.我跟他不一样高。(wǒ gēn tā bù yíyàng gāo) - I am not the same height as him. (It only states that heights differ, not who is taller.)这本书跟那本书不一样贵。(zhè běn shū gēn nà běn shū bù yíyàng guì) - This book is not the same price as that book. (It only states prices differ, not which is pricier.)
A 比 B + Adjective | A > B | A surpasses B in that adjective's quality. | 我比他高。 (I am taller than him.) |A 没有 B + Adjective | A < B | A does not reach the level of B in that adjective's quality. | 我没有他高。 (I am not as tall as him.) |A 跟 B 不一样 (+ Adjective) | A ≠ B | A is simply different from B in some aspect, without hierarchy or degree. | 我跟他不一样高。 (I am not the same height as him.) |Basic Structure Table
| Subject A | Connector | Subject B | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
|
我
|
跟
|
你
|
不一样
|
|
这
|
跟
|
那
|
不一样
|
|
今天
|
跟
|
昨天
|
不一样
|
|
这本书
|
跟
|
那本书
|
不一样
|
|
我的想法
|
跟
|
你的想法
|
不一样
|
|
这个计划
|
跟
|
那个计划
|
不一样
|
Common Modifiers
| Modifier | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
完全
|
Completely
|
完全不一样
|
|
有点儿
|
A little
|
有点儿不一样
|
|
大
|
Very/Big
|
大不一样
|
Meanings
This structure is used to highlight that two entities possess different characteristics, qualities, or identities.
General Difference
Stating that two things are simply not identical.
“{这|zhè} {跟|gēn} {那|nà} {不一样|bù yīyàng}.”
“{他|tā} {跟|gēn} {以前|yǐqián} {不一样|bù yīyàng} {了|le}.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
A 跟 B 不一样
|
这跟那不一样。
|
|
Negative
|
A 跟 B 不一样 (rarely used as 'not different')
|
我们不一样。
|
|
Question
|
A 跟 B 不一样吗？
|
这跟那不一样吗？
|
|
Modified
|
A 跟 B [Modifier] 不一样
|
这跟那完全不一样。
|
|
Past
|
A 跟 B 不一样了
|
他跟以前不一样了。
|
Formality Spectrum
这两个方案存在差异。 (Work meeting)
这两个计划不一样。 (Work meeting)
这俩计划不一样。 (Work meeting)
这俩不一样。 (Work meeting)
Comparison Concept Map
People
- 我跟朋友 Me and friend
Objects
- 这跟那 This and that
Ideas
- 想法跟计划 Ideas and plans
Examples by Level
{我|wǒ} {跟|gēn} {你|nǐ} {不一样|bù yīyàng}.
I am not the same as you.
{这|zhè} {跟|gēn} {那|nà} {不一样|bù yīyàng}.
This is not the same as that.
{他|tā} {跟|gēn} {我|wǒ} {不一样|bù yīyàng}.
He is not the same as me.
{这|zhè} {书|shū} {跟|gēn} {那|nà} {书|shū} {不一样|bù yīyàng}.
This book is not the same as that book.
{你|nǐ} {的|de} {想法|xiǎngfǎ} {跟|gēn} {我|wǒ} {的|de} {不一样|bù yīyàng} {吗|ma}?
Is your idea different from mine?
{今天|jīntiān} {的|de} {天气|tiānqì} {跟|gēn} {昨天|zuótiān} {不一样|bù yīyàng}.
Today's weather is not the same as yesterday's.
{这|zhè} {个|gè} {菜|cài} {跟|gēn} {那个|nàge} {菜|cài} {不一样|bù yīyàng}.
This dish is not the same as that dish.
{他|tā} {跟|gēn} {以前|yǐqián} {不一样|bù yīyàng} {了|le}.
He is not the same as he was before.
{这|zhè} {个|gè} {方案|fāng'àn} {跟|gēn} {我们|wǒmen} {之前|zhīqián} {讨论|tǎolùn} {的|de} {完全|wánquán} {不一样|bù yīyàng}.
This plan is completely different from what we discussed before.
{我|wǒ} {觉得|juéde} {这|zhè} {跟|gēn} {那|nà} {有点儿|yǒudiǎnr} {不一样|bù yīyàng}.
I think this is a little different from that.
{这|zhè} {里|lǐ} {的|de} {生活|shēnghuó} {跟|gēn} {我|wǒ} {家乡|jiāxiāng} {不一样|bù yīyàng}.
Life here is not the same as in my hometown.
{你|nǐ} {的|de} {做法|zuòfǎ} {跟|gēn} {老师|lǎoshī} {教|jiāo} {的|de} {不一样|bù yīyàng}.
Your method is not the same as what the teacher taught.
{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {文化|wénhuà} {现象|xiànxiàng} {跟|gēn} {西方|xīfāng} {社会|shèhuì} {的|de} {很|hěn} {不一样|bù yīyàng}.
This cultural phenomenon is quite different from that of Western society.
{他|tā} {的|de} {观点|guāndiǎn} {跟|gēn} {主流|zhǔliú} {看法|kànfǎ} {大|dà} {不|bù} {一样|yīyàng}.
His viewpoint is very different from the mainstream opinion.
{这|zhè} {个|gè} {产品|chǎnpǐn} {跟|gēn} {竞争对手|jìngzhēngduìshǒu} {的|de} {不一样|bù yīyàng} {在|zài} {于|yú} {设计|shèjì}.
The difference between this product and the competitor's lies in the design.
{这|zhè} {跟|gēn} {我|wǒ} {预期|yùqī} {的|de} {不一样|bù yīyàng}.
This is not what I expected.
{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {处理|chǔlǐ} {方式|fāngshìngshì} {跟|gēn} {传统|chuántǒng} {的|de} {逻辑|luójí} {完全|wánquán} {不一样|bù yīyàng}.
This approach is fundamentally different from traditional logic.
{这|zhè} {跟|gēn} {我|wǒ} {所|suǒ} {了解|liǎojiě} {的|de} {事实|shìshí} {不一样|bù yīyàng}.
This is not the same as the facts I am aware of.
{这|zhè} {跟|gēn} {那|nà} {的|de} {本质|běnzhì} {不一样|bù yīyàng}.
The essence of this is different from that.
{这|zhè} {跟|gēn} {我们|wǒmen} {最初|zuìchū} {的|de} {设想|shèxiǎng} {大相径庭|dàxiāngjìngtíng}.
This is vastly different from our initial vision.
{这|zhè} {跟|gēn} {那|nà} {的|de} {差异|chāyì} {跟|gēn} {我|wǒ} {之前|zhīqián} {预料|yùliào} {的|de} {不一样|bù yīyàng}.
The difference between this and that is not what I anticipated.
{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {表达|biǎodá} {跟|gēn} {古汉语|gǔhànyǔ} {的|de} {不一样|bù yīyàng}.
This expression is not the same as in Classical Chinese.
{这|zhè} {跟|gēn} {那|nà} {的|de} {不同|bùtóng} {之处|zhīchù} {在于|zàiyú} {其|qí} {内涵|nèihán}.
The difference between this and that lies in its connotation.
{这|zhè} {跟|gēn} {那|nà} {的|de} {区别|qūbié} {跟|gēn} {你|nǐ} {说|shuō} {的|de} {不一样|bù yīyàng}.
The distinction between this and that is not the same as what you said.
Easily Confused
Learners mix up 'same' and 'not same'.
Learners don't know when to use '不同' vs '不一样'.
Learners use '和' instead of '跟'.
Common Mistakes
这不一样那
这跟那不一样
这和那不一样
这跟那不一样
这不一样
这跟那不一样
这跟那不一样的
这跟那不一样
这跟那不一样大
这跟那大小不一样
这跟那不一样吗
这跟那不一样吗
他跟以前不一样了
他跟以前不一样了
这跟那完全不一样
这跟那完全不一样
这跟那不一样，因为...
这跟那不一样，因为...
这跟那不一样，但是...
这跟那不一样，但是...
这跟那不一样，虽然...
这跟那不一样，虽然...
这跟那不一样，即便...
这跟那不一样，即便...
这跟那不一样，无论...
这跟那不一样，无论...
这跟那不一样，鉴于...
这跟那不一样，鉴于...
Sentence Patterns
___ 跟 ___ 不一样。
___ 跟 ___ 完全不一样。
___ 跟 ___ 不一样，因为 ___。
___ 跟 ___ 的区别在于 ___。
Real World Usage
这跟那不一样。
我的生活跟以前不一样了。
我的方法跟传统方法不一样。
这跟那里的价格不一样。
这跟图片上的不一样。
这跟事实不一样。
Use '跟' for comparisons
Don't forget the second object
Add modifiers
Register matters
Smart Tips
Always use '跟' to link them.
Add '完全' before '不一样'.
Add '了' at the end.
Switch to '不同'.
Pronunciation
Tone of '不'
When '不' is followed by a fourth tone, it changes to a second tone. However, in '不一样', it is 'bù yīyàng'.
Question intonation
这跟那不一样吗？↑
Rising pitch at the end for questions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '跟' as a bridge connecting two things, and '不一样' as the sign saying they are not the same.
Visual Association
Imagine two apples on a table. One is red, one is green. A bridge labeled '跟' connects them, and a big 'X' sign labeled '不一样' sits between them.
Rhyme
跟 is the bridge, 不一样 is the end, compare two things, my dear friend.
Story
Xiao Wang and Xiao Li are twins. People think they are the same. But Xiao Wang says, 'I like coffee, he likes tea.' He tells his friend, '我跟哥哥不一样。' (I am not the same as my brother.)
Word Web
Challenge
Look at two items on your desk. Say out loud: '[Item 1] 跟 [Item 2] 不一样。'
Cultural Notes
Used frequently in daily life to express opinions.
Similar usage, but sometimes '跟' is replaced by '和'.
Often use '唔同' (m4 tung4) which maps to '不同'.
The structure originates from the combination of the preposition '跟' (to follow/with) and the adjective '一样' (same).
Conversation Starters
你觉得这跟那一样吗？
你现在的想法跟以前一样吗？
这跟那个方案有什么不一样？
你认为这跟那的本质区别是什么？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
我 ___ 你不一样。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
这不一样那。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
My idea is different from yours.
Answer starts with: 我的想...
Build a sentence with '完全'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Which is more formal?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises我 ___ 你不一样。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
这不一样那。
不一样 / 跟 / 这 / 那
My idea is different from yours.
Build a sentence with '完全'.
Match the sentence with its meaning.
Which is more formal?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercises这两件衣服跟那件不一样______。(They are different in size)
照片是跟本人完全不一样。
Put the words in the correct order: 跟 / 不一样 / 他 / 我
Online dating is completely different from reality.
Connect the parts to build the comparison:
How do you tell your boss your idea is different from theirs?
这里的文化跟我家乡______不一样。
Make a question: 你的 / 手机 / 吗 / 跟 / 我的 / 不一样 / ？
Today is not the same temperature as yesterday.
你的想法不一样跟我的。
Can you use 和 (hé) instead of 跟 (gēn)? Choose the correct sentence:
你现在的样子跟以前不一样______。
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
Yes, but '跟' is more common in spoken Chinese for this structure.
Use '有点儿不一样'.
No, it can be used for people, ideas, plans, and abstract concepts.
It acts as a preposition meaning 'with' or 'to' in the context of comparison.
Yes, it is neutral and professional enough for most interviews.
'不一样' is for daily speech, '不同' is for formal writing.
It's grammatically possible but usually unnecessary; '这跟那不一样' is better.
Add '吗' at the end.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
diferente de
Chinese uses a prepositional phrase structure.
différent de
Chinese uses the '跟' connector.
anders als
Chinese focuses on 'not the same' rather than 'different'.
と違う
The particle 'to' is the direct equivalent of '跟'.
مختلف عن
Arabic uses an adjective-preposition structure.
不同
Register is the main factor.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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