Comparing Sameness in Chinese: As... As (跟...一样)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {跟|gēn} [A] {一样|yīyàng} to say [A] is the same as [B].
- Structure: A + {跟|gēn} + B + {一样|yīyàng} (A is the same as B).
- Add adjectives: A + {跟|gēn} + B + {一样|yīyàng} + [Adjective] (A is as [adj] as B).
- Negation: Use {不|bù} before {一样|yīyàng} to mean 'not the same'.
Overview
The 跟...一样 (gēn...yíyàng) construction is fundamental for expressing sameness or equivalence in Chinese. As a B1 learner, mastering this pattern allows you to articulate that two entities share a characteristic, property, or state, moving beyond simple statements of difference or inequality. It directly translates to English phrases like "as...
as" or "the same as."
This structure reveals a core principle of Chinese grammar: the predicate, which describes how things are compared, often appears after the comparison itself. Instead of directly comparing two items and then specifying their shared attribute, Chinese first establishes the comparative relationship (A 跟 B 一样) and then details the specific attribute (高, hǎo, etc.). Understanding this predicate-final approach is key to grasping the logical flow of Chinese comparative sentences.
The 跟...一样 pattern isn't merely a grammatical rule; it's a practical tool for everyday communication. It enables you to make nuanced observations about parity, agree with others, or simply describe shared qualities, making your Chinese expressions more precise and natural. Without it, you would find yourself limited in describing commonalities and forced into less idiomatic or more complex phrasings.
How This Grammar Works
跟...一样 (gēn...yíyàng) operates by establishing a relationship of equivalence between two or more subjects. The character 跟 (gēn), literally meaning "with" or "to follow," introduces the object of comparison (the second item), while 一样 (yíyàng) translates to "one kind," "the same," or "alike." Together, they form a flexible structure that can express general sameness or specify a particular attribute that is shared.- 1General Sameness: When no specific attribute is mentioned, the pattern
A 跟 B 一样(A gēn B yíyàng) conveys that "A is the same as B" in an overall sense. This usage is appropriate when the context clearly implies the shared aspect, or when you intend to state identity without further elaboration. For instance, if you're discussing two identical copies of a document, you might simply say这两份文件一样(Zhè liǎng fèn wénjiàn yíyàng) to mean they are identical.
我的想法跟你一样。(Wǒ de xiǎngfǎ gēn nǐ yíyàng.) - My idea is the same as yours.他们都来自北京，口音跟普通话一样。(Tāmen dōu láizì Běijīng, kǒuyīn gēn pǔtōnghuà yíyàng.) - They are all from Beijing; their accent is the same as standard Mandarin.
- 1Specific Attribute Sameness: More commonly, an adjective or a stative/psychological verb directly follows
一样(yíyàng) to specify the shared characteristic. The pattern becomesA 跟 B 一样 + [Adjective/Verb], meaning "A is as [Adjective/Verb] as B." This construction allows you to compare specific qualities such as size, age, difficulty, or shared preferences. Crucially, the attribute always appears after一样.
这本书跟那本书一样贵。(Zhè běn shū gēn nà běn shū yíyàng guì.) - This book is as expensive as that book.他跟我一样喜欢看电影。(Tā gēn wǒ yíyàng xǐhuan kàn diànyǐng.) - He likes watching movies as much as I do.
一样 highlights a fundamental difference from English sentence structure, where the adjective often sits between the comparative elements. In Chinese, 一样 itself acts as the core predicate, affirming equivalence, and the subsequent adjective or verb specifies the nature of that equivalence.Formation Pattern
跟...一样 (gēn...yíyàng) pattern is highly systematic and follows clear rules for its construction. Understanding these rules is essential for accurate usage. The structure revolves around two subjects (A and B), a connector, the sameness indicator, and optionally, a specific attribute.
A and B are identical or broadly similar, without specifying a particular attribute.
A 跟 B 一样) | English Translation |
[Noun/Pronoun] | 你 (nǐ) | You |
跟 (gēn) | 跟 (gēn) | with / and |
[Noun/Pronoun] | 他 (tā) | him |
一样 (yíyàng) | 一样 (yíyàng) | the same / alike |
你跟他一样。 (Nǐ gēn tā yíyàng.) - You are the same as him (e.g., in character, situation, etc.).
A and B are the same. The attribute always follows 一样.
A 跟 B 一样 + Attribute) | English Translation |
[Noun/Pronoun] | 这部电影 (zhè bù diànyǐng) | This movie |
跟 (gēn) | 跟 (gēn) | with / and |
[Noun/Pronoun] | 那部电影 (nà bù diànyǐng) | that movie |
一样 (yíyàng) | 一样 (yíyàng) | as... as |
[Adjective/Stative Verb] | 好看 (hǎokàn) | good to watch / beautiful |
这部电影跟那部电影一样好看。 (Zhè bù diànyǐng gēn nà bù diànyǐng yíyàng hǎokàn.) - This movie is as good as that movie.
不 (bù) directly before 一样 (yíyàng). The combined 不一样 (bù yíyàng) directly expresses "not the same" or "different." When negated in this manner, it generally doesn't take an additional adjective.
A 跟 B 不一样) | English Translation |
[Noun/Pronoun] | 我 (wǒ) | I |
跟 (gēn) | 跟 (gēn) | with / and |
[Noun/Pronoun] | 她 (tā) | her |
不 (bù) | 不 (bù) | not |
一样 (yíyàng) | 一样 (yíyàng) | the same / alike |
我跟她不一样。 (Wǒ gēn tā bù yíyàng.) - I am not the same as her.
跟 (gēn) is the most common connector, particularly in spoken Mandarin, you may encounter alternatives:
和 (hé): This is highly interchangeable with 跟 in this construction. It also means "and" or "with" and is often considered slightly more formal or preferred in written contexts, but widely used in speech as well. Example: 我的爱好和你的爱好一样多。 (Wǒ de àihào hé nǐ de àihào yíyàng duō.) - My hobbies are as numerous as yours.
同 (tóng): This connector is significantly more formal and less common in daily conversation. It carries a strong sense of "togetherness" or "shared quality" and is typically reserved for formal writing or specific, often elevated, contexts. You will rarely use 同 as a B1 learner for general comparisons. Example: 我们同是大学同学。 (Wǒmen tóng shì dàxué tóngxué.) - We are both university classmates (formal, implies shared identity).
跟 and 和 will suffice.
When To Use It
跟...一样 (gēn...yíyàng) structure is your primary tool for establishing equivalence or similarity between items, individuals, or concepts across a wide range of situations. Its versatility makes it indispensable for descriptive language.北京跟上海一样大。(Běijīng gēn Shànghǎi yíyàng dà.) - Beijing is as big as Shanghai. (Comparing physical size)这个任务跟上周的那个一样难。(Zhège rènwu gēn shàngzhōu de nàge yíyàng nán.) - This task is as difficult as last week's. (Comparing difficulty)我的手机跟你的一样新。(Wǒ de shǒujī gēn nǐ de yíyàng xīn.) - My phone is as new as yours. (Comparing condition or age)
一样 (yíyàng) frequently follows stative verbs or psychological verbs to indicate that subjects share the same feeling, thought, or preference. These verbs describe states rather than physical actions.我跟妈妈一样喜欢吃辣的。(Wǒ gēn māma yíyàng xǐhuan chī là de.) - I like eating spicy food as much as my mom does. (Shared preference)他跟我一样想家了。(Tā gēn wǒ yíyàng xiǎng jiā le.) - He misses home as much as I do. (Shared feeling)我们跟老师一样相信这个计划。(Wǒmen gēn lǎoshī yíyàng xiāngxìn zhège jìhuà.) - We believe in this plan as much as the teacher does. (Shared belief)
A 跟 B 一样 can imply that A and B are identical in some implicitly understood way, or belong to the same category or status. This is often used for stating factual equivalence of identity.他跟我一样是学生。(Tā gēn wǒ yíyàng shì xuéshēng.) - He is a student just like me. (Shared identity/status)你点的咖啡跟我的咖啡一样。(Nǐ diǎn de kāfēi gēn wǒ de kāfēi yíyàng.) - The coffee you ordered is the same as mine. (Referring to identical items, possibly brand or type)我们跟他一样都是第一次来这里。(Wǒmen gēn tā yíyàng dōu shì dì yī cì lái zhèlǐ.) - We are all here for the first time, just like him. (Shared experience/status)
他的想法跟大家一样，都很支持。(Tā de xiǎngfǎ gēn dàjiā yíyàng, dōu hěn zhīchí.) - His thoughts are the same as everyone's; they all strongly support it. (Conforming to group opinion)现在的工作压力跟以前一样大。(Xiànzài de gōngzuò yālì gēn yǐqián yíyàng dà.) - The work pressure now is as great as before. (Relating current situation to past norm)
Common Mistakes
跟...一样 (gēn...yíyàng), primarily due to interference from their native language's grammar or an incomplete understanding of Chinese word order. Recognizing these common pitfalls is vital for achieving accurate and natural expression.- Incorrect:
他高跟我一样。(Tā gāo gēn wǒ yíyàng.) - (Attempting "He tall with me same.") - Correct:
他跟我一样高。(Tā gēn wǒ yíyàng gāo.) - He is as tall as I am.
一样 (yíyàng). Think of 一样 as the core predicate that establishes sameness, and the adjective as further specifying in what way they are the same. The structure is A is the same as B, [and this sameness is] [attribute].不 (bù) is another common pitfall. The particle 不 always directly precedes the element it negates.- Incorrect:
我不跟她一样。(Wǒ bù gēn tā yíyàng.) - (Attempting "I not with her same.") This construction implies我不(I don't)跟她一样(the same as her), which is grammatically awkward and incorrect for simply stating difference. - Correct:
我跟她不一样。(Wǒ gēn tā bù yíyàng.) - I am not the same as her.
不 (bù) negates 一样 (yíyàng), indicating a lack of sameness. It must immediately precede 一样 to form 不一样 ("not the same" or "different"). The negation applies directly to the state of sameness itself.跟 (gēn):跟, leading to an incomplete or ungrammatical comparison because the second object is not properly introduced.- Incorrect:
我他一样忙。(Wǒ tā yíyàng máng.) - (Attempting "I he same busy.") - Correct:
我跟他一样忙。(Wǒ gēn tā yíyàng máng.) - I am as busy as him.
跟 (gēn) functions as a crucial conjunction, explicitly linking Subject A to Subject B for the purpose of comparison. Without it, the grammatical relationship between the two subjects is unclear. It specifies with whom or with what the comparison is being made.跟...一样 with 比 (bǐ):跟...一样 (gēn...yíyàng) expresses equivalence (A and B are the same in some respect), whereas 比 (bǐ) expresses inequality (A is more or less than B). These structures serve distinct communicative functions and are not interchangeable within the same sentence.- Incorrect:
他比我一样高。(Tā bǐ wǒ yíyàng gāo.) - (Incorrectly mixing equality and inequality.) - Correct (Equality):
他跟我一样高。(Tā gēn wǒ yíyàng gāo.) - He is as tall as I am. - Correct (Inequality):
他比我高。(Tā bǐ wǒ gāo.) - He is taller than I am.
比 with 一样 for simple comparisons. If you mean "as...as," use 跟...一样. If you mean "more/less...than," use 比.一样 for "Almost the Same" without a Modifier:一样 (yíyàng) carries a strong sense of exact sameness. If you intend to express "almost the same" or "very similar but not identical," you must include an appropriate modifying adverb.- Incorrect (if meaning "almost"):
这两件衣服一样。(Zhè liǎng jiàn yīfu yíyàng.) - This literally means these two clothes are exactly the same. - Correct (for "almost the same"):
这两件衣服差不多一样。(Zhè liǎng jiàn yīfu chàbuduō yíyàng.) - These two pieces of clothing are almost the same.
一样 is definitive; for approximation, adverbs like 差不多 (chàbuduō) are necessary. Assuming 一样 can imply "almost" without a modifier will lead to misunderstanding.Common Collocations
跟...一样 (gēn...yíyàng) pattern frequently combines with specific adverbs or idiomatic expressions that refine the degree or scope of the sameness. Incorporating these collocations makes your Chinese sound more natural and allows for more nuanced expression.一样 (yíyàng))差不多一样(chàbuduō yíyàng) - Almost the same / Nearly identical
差不多 literally translates to "not far off" or "more or less." It’s extremely common in casual conversation and social media comments.你的看法跟我的看法差不多一样。(Nǐ de kànfǎ gēn wǒ de kànfǎ chàbuduō yíyàng.) - Your opinion is almost the same as mine.这两个软件的功能差不多一样，选哪个都行。(Zhè liǎng ge ruǎnjiàn de gōngnéng chàbuduō yíyàng, xuǎn nǎge dōu xíng.) - The functions of these two software programs are almost the same; either one is fine.
完全一样(wánquán yíyàng) - Completely the same / Exactly the same
完全 (wánquán) means "completely" or "entirely." This is a stronger statement of sameness than simply 一样.这份报告跟上次的完全一样，没有改动。(Zhè fèn bàogào gēn shàngcì de wánquán yíyàng, méiyǒu gǎidòng.) - This report is exactly the same as the last one; there are no changes.你做的菜跟我妈妈做的完全一样好吃！(Nǐ zuò de cài gēn wǒ māma zuò de wánquán yíyàng hǎochī!) - The food you cook is just as delicious as my mom's! (A common compliment, indicating perfect replication of taste).
一模一样(yìmúyíyàng) - Exactly alike / Identical (idiomatic)
chéngyǔ) that means "exactly the same," implying not just similarity but perfect replication, often used for physical appearances, precise copies, or behaviors. It's a more vivid and emphatic way to express 完全一样, carrying a stronger sense of visual or perceptible identicalness. Its usage in daily conversation reflects a preference for descriptive idioms.这两个双胞胎长得一模一样，我分不清。(Zhè liǎng ge shuāngbāotāi zhǎng de yìmúyíyàng, wǒ fēn bu qīng.) - These two twins look exactly alike; I can't tell them apart.你的新包包跟我的一模一样！在哪儿买的？(Nǐ de xīn bāobāo gēn wǒ de yìmúyíyàng! Zài nǎr mǎi de?) - Your new bag is exactly like mine! Where did you buy it?
一样 (or its preceding degree modifier) to broaden the scope of the comparison.也一样(yě yíyàng) - Also the same / Likewise
也 (yě), meaning "also" or "too," is used before 一样 when extending a comparison to another subject or confirming sameness in a similar context. It signals that the current item shares the same quality as a previously mentioned one.他喜欢咖啡，我也一样。(Tā xǐhuan kāfēi, wǒ yě yíyàng.) - He likes coffee, and I do too (literally: I also am the same).这个地方很美，那个地方也一样美。(Zhège dìfang hěn měi, nàge dìfang yě yíyàng měi.) - This place is beautiful, and that place is beautiful too.
都一样(dōu yíyàng) - All the same / Equally
都 (dōu), meaning "all" or "both," is used when comparing multiple items collectively, or when the sameness applies universally within a group. It indicates that the quality holds true for every member of a specified set.他们三个人都一样高。(Tāmen sān ge rén dōu yíyàng gāo.) - All three of them are equally tall.这些选项都一样重要，需要仔细考虑。(Zhèxiē xuǎnxiàng dōu yíyàng zhòngyào, xūyào zǐxì kǎolǜ.) - All these options are equally important; they need careful consideration.
Quick FAQ
跟...一样 (gēn...yíyàng) structure, providing clarifications for practical application.跟 (gēn)?跟 (gēn) is the most common and versatile choice, especially in spoken Chinese, 和 (hé) and 同 (tóng) are acceptable alternatives, each with slight differences in formality and usage context.和(hé): Functionally very similar to跟, also meaning "and" or "with." It's broadly interchangeable with跟in most comparative sentences and is often slightly preferred in written contexts. In modern informal usage, they are often seen as synonyms in this structure.- Example:
我和她一样高。(Wǒ hé tā yíyàng gāo.) - I am as tall as her. 同(tóng): This is much more formal and less common in contemporary spoken Chinese. It's often found in more literary, academic, or official contexts. While it can mean "same" or "alike" intrinsically, its use as a comparative connector like跟or和is rare for B1 learners and generally discouraged in casual conversation.- Example:
他与我同年出生。(Tā yǔ wǒ tóng nián chūshēng.) - He was born in the same year as me (more formal与for "with,"同acts almost adverbially).
跟 and 和 for comparison.一样 (yíyàng) be used alone?一样 (yíyàng) can function as a complete predicate or an adverbial phrase on its own, especially when the comparison is implicitly understood from context or has been previously stated.- As a standalone answer: If someone asks,
这两种颜色一样吗？(Zhè liǎng zhǒng yánsè yíyàng ma?) - "Are these two colors the same?", a simple affirmative answer can be一样。(Yíyàng.) - "They are the same." - To mean "in the same way" or "similarly":
请你像我一样做。(Qǐng nǐ xiàng wǒ yíyàng zuò.) - Please do it just like me.
跑, 吃) directly after 一样 (yíyàng)?一样 (yíyàng) is typically followed by adjectives (e.g., 高, 大, 贵) or stative/psychological verbs that describe states or feelings (e.g., 喜欢, 想念, 相信). It is uncommon and often ungrammatical to directly follow 一样 with active, transitive verbs that denote a physical action (e.g., 跑 'to run', 吃 'to eat', 写 'to write').得 (de) complement to describe the manner of the action.- Acceptable (stative/psychological verb):
她跟我一样爱学习。(Tā gēn wǒ yíyàng ài xuéxí.) - She loves studying as much as I do. - Incorrect (active verb directly):
*他跟我一样跑。(Incorrect for "He runs as much as I do.") - Correct (active verb with
得complement for manner):他跟我一样跑得快。(Tā gēn wǒ yíyàng pǎo de kuài.) - He runs as fast as I do. (Here, the adjective快describes the result or manner of running, following得, not directly modifying一样in a simple verb sense).
差不多 (chàbuduō) directly before 一样 (yíyàng).这两个词语的用法差不多一样。(Zhè liǎng ge cíyǔ de yòngfǎ chàbuduō yíyàng.) - The usage of these two terms is almost the same.
都 (dōu) before 一样 to indicate that the sameness applies to all of them.- Listing subjects with
都:这本书、那本书、还有那本都一样贵。(Zhè běn shū, nà běn shū, háiyǒu nà běn dōu yíyàng guì.) - This book, that book, and that other one are all equally expensive. - Using
都for a group:我们三个人都一样高。(Wǒmen sān ge rén dōu yíyàng gāo.) - The three of us are all equally tall.
跟...一样 with greater confidence and precision in various contexts.Equative Structure Table
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
A + 跟 + B + 一样
|
我跟她一样。
|
|
Adjective
|
A + 跟 + B + 一样 + Adj
|
他跟她一样高。
|
|
Negative
|
A + 跟 + B + 不一样
|
这跟那不一样。
|
|
Negative Adj
|
A + 跟 + B + 不一样 + Adj
|
这跟那不一样贵。
|
|
Question
|
A + 跟 + B + 一样 + (Adj) + 吗?
|
你跟她一样高吗？
|
|
Degree
|
A + 跟 + B + 完全/几乎 + 一样
|
这跟那完全一样。
|
Meanings
This structure is used to indicate that two subjects share the same quality, state, or appearance.
Identity
Stating two things are identical.
“这{个|gè}{跟|gēn}那{个|gè}{一样|yīyàng}。”
“他{跟|gēn}他爸爸{一样|yīyàng}。”
Degree/Quality
Stating two things share a specific quality level.
“他{跟|gēn}我{一样|yīyàng}{高|gāo}。”
“这{件|jiàn}{衣服|yīfu}{跟|gēn}那{件|jiàn}{一样|yīyàng}{贵|guì}。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic
|
A + 跟 + B + 一样
|
我跟她一样。
|
|
Adjective
|
A + 跟 + B + 一样 + Adj
|
他跟她一样高。
|
|
Negative
|
A + 跟 + B + 不一样
|
这跟那不一样。
|
|
Question
|
A + 跟 + B + 一样 + 吗?
|
你跟她一样吗？
|
|
Degree
|
A + 跟 + B + 完全一样
|
这跟那完全一样。
|
|
Comparison
|
A + 跟 + B + 一样 + V
|
他跟她一样喜欢吃。
|
Formality Spectrum
我们完全一致。 (General agreement)
我们一样。 (General agreement)
咱俩一样。 (General agreement)
一样一样。 (General agreement)
Equative Comparison Map
Structure
- 跟 with
- 一样 same
Usage
- 高 tall
- 贵 expensive
Examples by Level
这{个}{跟}那{个}{一样}。
This one is the same as that one.
我{跟}你{一样}。
I am the same as you.
他{跟}我{一样}。
He is the same as me.
这{个}{跟}那{个}{不一样}。
This one is not the same as that one.
他{跟}我{一样}{高}。
He is as tall as me.
今天{跟}昨天{一样}{冷}。
Today is as cold as yesterday.
这{件}{衣服}{跟}那{件}{一样}{贵}。
This shirt is as expensive as that one.
你{跟}他{一样}{聪明}。
You are as smart as him.
这{个}{计划}{跟}上{个}{计划}{一样}{复杂}。
This plan is as complex as the last one.
他{的}{想法}{跟}我{的}{完全}{一样}。
His ideas are exactly the same as mine.
这{里}{的}{天气}{跟}北京{一样}{好}。
The weather here is as good as in Beijing.
你{跟}我{一样}{喜欢}{喝}{茶}吗？
Do you like drinking tea as much as I do?
这{种}{处理}{方式}{跟}{传统}{方法}{一样}{有效}。
This processing method is as effective as the traditional one.
他{的}{表现}{跟}{预期}{一样}{出色}。
His performance is as outstanding as expected.
这{个}{结果}{跟}{我们}{之前}{讨论}{的}{一样}。
This result is the same as what we discussed before.
他{跟}{你}{一样}{有}{才华}。
He is as talented as you.
这{项}{政策}{跟}{国际}{标准}{完全}{一样}{严格}。
This policy is as strict as international standards.
他{的}{逻辑}{跟}{教科书}{一样}{严密}。
His logic is as rigorous as a textbook.
这{个}{方案}{跟}{那个}{方案}{一样}{具有}{挑战性}。
This plan is as challenging as that one.
他{的}{观点}{跟}{主流}{看法}{一样}{深刻}。
His viewpoint is as profound as the mainstream view.
这{种}{现象}{跟}{历史}{上}{的}{危机}{一样}{值得}{警惕}。
This phenomenon is as worthy of vigilance as historical crises.
他{的}{艺术}{风格}{跟}{古典}{大师}{一样}{独特}。
His artistic style is as unique as the classical masters.
这{个}{决定}{跟}{自杀}{一样}{危险}。
This decision is as dangerous as suicide.
这{种}{情感}{跟}{初恋}{一样}{难以}{忘怀}。
This emotion is as unforgettable as a first love.
Easily Confused
Learners mix up equality (一样) and inequality (比).
Learners use '像' for 'same'.
Learners don't know if they can use '和' instead of '跟'.
Common Mistakes
我高跟她一样
我跟她一样高
我她一样
我跟她一样
我跟她一样高吗？
我跟她一样高吗？
我跟她一样是高
我跟她一样高
我跟她一样地高
我跟她一样高
这跟那不一样高吗？
这跟那不一样高吗？
我跟她一样高了
我跟她一样高
我跟她一样高得很
我跟她一样高
我跟她一样高，但是他不一样
我跟她一样高，但他不一样
我跟她一样高，他跟她一样高
我跟她一样高，他也一样
我跟她一样高，虽然他不一样
我跟她一样高，尽管他不一样
我跟她一样高，他跟她一样高
我跟她一样高，他亦然
我跟她一样高，他跟她一样高
我跟她一样高，他亦如是
Sentence Patterns
我跟___一样___。
这___跟那___一样___。
___跟___完全一样。
___跟___一样具有___。
Real World Usage
我也一样！
这跟那一样贵吗？
我的能力跟要求一样。
这儿跟北京一样热。
完全一样！
我要跟他一样的。
Adjective Placement
Don't use 'shi'
Use 'wanquan'
Regional variations
Smart Tips
Always use 'gen' to link them first.
Place the adjective at the very end.
Use 'wanquan' before 'yiyang'.
Remember the 'ma' particle.
Pronunciation
Tone of 'yiyang'
Yi changes tone depending on the following character.
Question intonation
你跟她一样高吗？↑
Rising pitch at the end for questions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Gen' as a bridge connecting two people, and 'Yiyang' as the identical twin they become.
Visual Association
Imagine two identical twins standing on a scale, perfectly balanced. The scale is the 'Gen', and the twins are 'Yiyang'.
Rhyme
Gen is the bridge, Yiyang is the same, compare two things, it's a simple game.
Story
Xiao Wang and Xiao Li are best friends. They wear the same clothes (Xiao Wang gen Xiao Li yiyang). They eat the same food. They are always together.
Word Web
Challenge
Find three things in your room and compare them using 'gen... yiyang' in 5 minutes.
Cultural Notes
Very common in daily speech to show agreement.
Often use '和' instead of '跟'.
Often use '同' (tùng) instead of '跟'.
The structure derives from the verb 'gen' (to follow/with) and 'yiyang' (one kind).
Conversation Starters
你跟你的朋友一样高吗？
你的爱好跟你的家人一样吗？
你觉得现在的天气跟昨天一样吗？
你认为这个方案跟那个方案一样有效吗？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
我___她一样高。
Find and fix the mistake:
我高跟她一样。
Which sentence is correct?
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
This is as expensive as that.
Answer starts with: 这跟那...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Use: 今天, 昨天, 一样, 冷
他___我一样喜欢看书。
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises我___她一样高。
Find and fix the mistake:
我高跟她一样。
Which sentence is correct?
一样 / 我 / 跟 / 高 / 她
This is as expensive as that.
我跟她一样聪明。
Use: 今天, 昨天, 一样, 冷
他___我一样喜欢看书。
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises{她跟她妈妈___漂亮。|tā gēn tā māma ___ piàoliang.}
1. {天气|tiānqì} 2. {上海|Shànghǎi} 3. {不一样|bù yíyàng} 4. {北京的|Běijīng de} 5. {跟|gēn}
Your shoes are as expensive as mine.
Match the terms:
Which of these compares two people's height correctly?
{我也你一样喜欢这首歌。|wǒ yě nǐ yíyàng xǐhuan zhè shǒu gē.}
{这两个APP___一样。|zhè liǎng gè APP ___ yíyàng.}
Choose the most natural sentence:
Is Chinese as difficult as Japanese?
1. {大|dà} 2. {跟|gēn} 3. {我的狗|wǒ de gǒu} 4. {你的|nǐ de} 5. {一样|yíyàng}
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Yes, 'he' (和) is interchangeable with 'gen' (跟) in this structure.
It is primarily for adjectives. For verbs, you usually need a different structure.
The structure remains the same: A gen B yiyang.
It is neutral and used in all registers.
Yes, just add 'bu' before 'yiyang'.
That is the standard Chinese syntax for this specific construction.
Yes, add 'ma' at the end.
It is one of the most common structures in Chinese.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
tan... como
Spanish requires agreement in gender/number.
aussi... que
French word order is slightly different.
so... wie
German has more complex case endings.
to onaji
Japanese is SOV, Chinese is SVO.
mithl
Arabic has complex root systems.
跟...一样
N/A
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
24:39 《农耕春秋》01 云南红河：千年智慧！哈尼梯田四素同构的生态密码——哈尼稻作梯田系统【CCTV纪录】
04:04 Chinese Stories for Intermediate: Tang Costume|中文学习|中国传统服饰唐装汉服#chineselanguage #chineselearner
00:56 【1mintips】油飯要好吃，炒料蒸飯真麻煩！！好吃油飯的新秘密武器，一鍋搞定真簡單！想吃的時候，隨時做隨時上桌！！
Making Comparisons in Mandarin: 比, 最, 没有, 更, 一样, 差不多 - Chinese Grammar
Everyday Chinese
Related Grammar Rules
Chinese Comparisons: 'Almost the Same' with 差不多 (chàbuduō)
Overview The term `差不多` (chàbuduō) is a fundamental expression in Chinese, encapsulating the nuanced meanings of "alm...
Verb Comparisons: Doing it better than you ({比|bǐ} + {得|de})
Overview Comparing two nouns is often one of the first grammatical structures you learn in Chinese. With `比 (bǐ)`, you...
The More... The... (越...越...)
Ever noticed how the more you scroll through TikTok, the more you realize you’ve wasted two hours of your life? Or how t...
Comparing with Precision: Saying 'How Much' More (比 + Degree)
Overview Comparing two entities is a fundamental aspect of human language. In Chinese, the basic comparative structure `...
More and More (越来越)
Overview Chinese grammar offers elegant structures to describe change, and among the most fundamental for A1 learners is...
