A2 Comparisons 20 min read Easy

Comparing Equality: 'As... As' (跟...一样)

Use {跟...一样|gēn...yīyàng} to say two things are 'the same' or 'as... as' each other.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use '跟...一样' to say two things are the same; it's the Chinese way to say 'as... as'.

  • Use 'A 跟 B 一样' to state A and B are identical.
  • Add an adjective after '一样' to specify the quality: 'A 跟 B 一样大' (A is as big as B).
  • For negative, use '不一样' or '不跟...一样'.
Subject A + 跟 + Subject B + 一样 + (Adjective)

Overview

Comparing entities is fundamental to communication, and in Chinese, expressing equality or similarity between two things (A is as X as B) relies heavily on the 跟...一样 (gēn... yīyàng) pattern. This structure allows you to state that two items, people, or concepts share a general characteristic, or a specific quality, to the same degree.

It is a cornerstone of A2-level Chinese, providing a precise way to draw parallels and identify shared attributes, differentiating it from expressions of inequality or mere resemblance. Mastery of this pattern facilitates clearer, more nuanced descriptions in both spoken and written Chinese.

This construction is highly versatile, applicable to a wide range of comparisons from physical attributes like height or size, to abstract concepts such as opinions or experiences. While simple in its basic form, 跟...一样 operates within specific grammatical constraints that reflect Chinese sentence structure, particularly its emphasis on establishing relationships before stating the outcome. Understanding the underlying logic of this pattern will not only enable correct usage but also enhance your overall comprehension of comparative constructions in Mandarin.

How This Grammar Works

The 跟...一样 (gēn... yīyàng) structure functions as a comparative predicate, establishing a relationship of equality between two subjects. At its core, (gēn) acts as a comitative preposition, meaning "with" or "and," introducing the object of comparison.
It literally links the two items being compared. Following this, 一样 (yīyàng) serves as an adjective meaning "same" or "alike," or as an adverb modifying an adjective that describes the shared quality. The Chinese linguistic principle here is to first identify the two elements involved in the comparison, then state their equivalence.
Consider the English "A is as tall as B." In Chinese, the structure reorganizes this to effectively mean "A with B is the same tall." This subject- (A) + prepositional phrase (跟 B) + predicate (一样 [Adjective]) order is characteristic of Chinese grammar, where relational elements often precede the descriptive outcome. For example, 他跟我一样高 (tā gēn wǒ yīyàng gāo) literally translates to "He with me same tall," meaning "He is as tall as I am." The adjective (gāo, tall) specifies the quality that is shared equally. If no adjective is present, 跟...一样 simply conveys general sameness: 我的手机跟你的手机一样 (wǒ de shǒujī gēn nǐ de shǒujī yīyàng) means "My phone is the same as your phone," implying overall identicalness or equivalence.
Crucially, this pattern replaces the need for the verb (shì) – "to be" – when expressing equality, because 跟...一样 (or 跟...一样 + Adjective) already forms the predicate of the sentence. This avoids redundancy and is a key distinction from direct English translation. The subject A is described by the entire 跟 B 一样 [Adjective] phrase, which functions as a single unit providing information about A's relationship to B.

Formation Pattern

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The 跟...一样 (gēn... yīyàng) construction can take several forms, each conveying a specific nuance of equality or similarity. Understanding these patterns is key to applying the rule correctly.
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Basic General Equality (A is the same as B)
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This is the simplest form, indicating overall sameness without specifying a particular attribute.
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Structure: Subject A + (gēn) + Subject B + 一样 (yīyàng)
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| Component | Example | Pinyin | English Translation |
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| :------------- | :-------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------- | :------------------------------------- |
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| Subject A | 我的想法 (wǒ de xiǎngfǎ) | My idea | |
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| | (gēn) | with | |
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| Subject B | 你的想法 (nǐ de xiǎngfǎ) | your idea | |
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| 一样 | 一样 (yīyàng) | same | |
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| Full Sentence | 我的想法跟你的一样。 (Wǒ de xiǎngfǎ gēn nǐ de yīyàng.) | My idea is the same as yours. | |
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Example 1: 他喜欢跟她喜欢的一样。 (Tā xǐhuān gēn tā xǐhuān de yīyàng.) – His preference is the same as hers.
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Example 2: 这杯咖啡跟昨天的一样好喝。 (Zhè bēi kāfēi gēn zuótiān de yīyàng hǎohē.) – This cup of coffee is as delicious as yesterday's.
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Equality with a Specific Quality (A is as Adjective as B)
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This form is used when comparing a specific attribute (e.g., height, speed, price) that both subjects share equally.
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Structure: Subject A + (gēn) + Subject B + 一样 (yīyàng) + Adjective
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| Component | Example | Pinyin | English Translation |
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| :------------- | :-------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------- | :------------------------------------- |
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| Subject A | (tā) | She | |
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| | (gēn) | with | |
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| Subject B | (wǒ) | me | |
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| 一样 | 一样 (yīyàng) | same | |
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| Adjective | (gāo) | tall | |
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| Full Sentence | 她跟我一样高。 (Tā gēn wǒ yīyàng gāo.) | She is as tall as I am. | |
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Example 1: 上海跟北京一样大。 (Shànghǎi gēn Běijīng yīyàng dà.) – Shanghai is as big as Beijing.
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Example 2: 这个手机跟那个手机一样贵。 (Zhège shǒujī gēn nàge shǒujī yīyàng guì.) – This phone is as expensive as that phone.
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Negation of Equality (A is not the same as B)
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To express that two things are not the same, simply add (bù) before 一样 (yīyàng). This can apply to general sameness or a specific quality.
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Structure: Subject A + (gēn) + Subject B + 不一样 (bù yīyàng) (+ Adjective)
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| Component | Example | Pinyin | English Translation |
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| :------------- | :-------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------- | :------------------------------------- |
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| Subject A | (tā) | He | |
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| | (gēn) | with | |
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| Subject B | (wǒ) | me | |
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| 不一样 | 不一样 (bù yīyàng) | not same | |
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| Adjective (optional)| (shuài) | handsome | |
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| Full Sentence | 他跟我不一样帅。 (Tā gēn wǒ bù yīyàng shuài.) | He is not as handsome as I am. | |
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Example 1: 他们的观点跟我们的不一样。 (Tāmen de guāndiǎn gēn wǒmen de bù yīyàng.) – Their views are not the same as ours.
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Example 2: 这个口味跟以前的完全不一样。 (Zhège kǒuwèi gēn yǐqián de wánquán bù yīyàng.) – This flavor is completely different from before.
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Comparing Actions/Verbs (A does something as Adjective as B)
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When comparing how two subjects perform an action to the same degree, the (de) particle is required after the verb. This structure transforms the verb into a descriptive complement.
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Structure: Subject A + Verb + (de) + (gēn) + Subject B + 一样 (yīyàng) + Adjective
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| Component | Example | Pinyin | English Translation |
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| :------------- | :-------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------- | :------------------------------------- |
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| Subject A | (tā) | She | |
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| Verb | (pǎo) | runs | |
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| | (de) | (particle) | |
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| | (gēn) | with | |
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| Subject B | (nǐ) | you | |
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| 一样 | 一样 (yīyàng) | same | |
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| Adjective | (kuài) | fast | |
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| Full Sentence | 她跑得跟你一样快。 (Tā pǎo de gēn nǐ yīyàng kuài.) | She runs as fast as you do. | |
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Example 1: 他学中文学得跟中国人一样好。 (Tā xué Zhōngwén xué de gēn Zhōngguó rén yīyàng hǎo.) – He learns Chinese as well as Chinese people.
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Example 2: 这首歌唱得跟原唱一样动听。 (Zhè shǒu gē chàng de gēn yuánchàng yīyàng dòngtīng.) – This song is sung as beautifully as the original.
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Using (hé) or (yǔ) instead of (gēn)
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While (gēn) is most common in spoken Mandarin, (hé) and (yǔ) can also be used as comitative prepositions in this structure. (hé) is generally interchangeable with , especially in casual contexts. (yǔ) is more formal and is less common in everyday conversation.
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Example: 我的爱好和你的爱好一样。 (Wǒ de àihào hé nǐ de àihào yīyàng.) – My hobbies are the same as yours.

When To Use It

The 跟...一样 (gēn... yīyàng) pattern is indispensable for making comparisons of equality in everyday Chinese. You should employ it whenever you want to express that two entities are identical, similar in general, or possess a specific quality to the same degree.
This construction is highly prevalent in various contexts, from casual conversations to more formal discussions, reflecting its fundamental role in comparative language.
  • Describing Shared Attributes: Use it to highlight common characteristics between people or objects. For instance, when pointing out that two friends have the 一样高 (yīyàng gāo, same height) or two products are 一样贵 (yīyàng guì, equally expensive). This is direct and factual, useful in shopping, sizing, or comparing physical traits.
Example: 我买的这本书跟图书馆的一样。 (Wǒ mǎi de zhè běn shū gēn túshūguǎn de yīyàng.) – This book I bought is the same as the one in the library.
  • Expressing Agreement or Similarity of Opinion/Experience: It's often used to show alignment in thoughts, feelings, or past events. For example, if you and a friend share the 一样的心情 (yīyàng de xīnqíng, same mood) or have encountered the 一样的问题 (yīyàng de wèntí, same problem). This fosters connection and understanding in social interactions.
Example: 我觉得今天的考试跟去年的考试一样难。 (Wǒ juéde jīntiān de kǎoshì gēn qùnián de kǎoshì yīyàng nán.) – I think today's exam is as difficult as last year's.
  • Drawing Parallels in Everyday Situations: From commenting on similar weather conditions (今天跟昨天一样热 – Jīntiān gēn zuótiān yīyàng rè, Today is as hot as yesterday) to comparing work tasks (这个任务跟上个任务一样复杂 – Zhège rènwu gēn shàng ge rènwu yīyàng fùzá, This task is as complex as the last one), this pattern provides a concise way to relate current experiences to past ones or to other people's situations.
Example: 她的中文说得跟本地人一样流利。 (Tā de Zhōngwén shuō de gēn běndì rén yīyàng liúlì.) – Her Chinese is spoken as fluently as a native speaker's.
  • In Formal or Academic Contexts: While more formal language might sometimes prefer 和...相同 (hé... xiāngtóng) or 与...一致 (yǔ... yīzhì), 跟...一样 remains perfectly acceptable and clear in many professional or academic settings when stating factual equalities. For instance, in scientific comparisons or business reports, you might state that A产品跟B产品的功能一样 (A chǎnpǐn gēn B chǎnpǐn de gōngnéng yīyàng, Product A's functions are the same as Product B's).
Remember, the core function is to establish parity. If you intend to highlight a difference, even a slight one, other comparative structures like (bǐ) or descriptive adjectives with degree adverbs would be more appropriate. However, for asserting likeness, 跟...一样 is your primary tool.

Common Mistakes

Learners often make specific errors when attempting to use the 跟...一样 (gēn... yīyàng) structure. Recognizing these common pitfalls and understanding the linguistic reasons behind them is crucial for achieving native-like fluency and avoiding miscommunication.
  • The "Is" Confusion: Incorporating (shì)
A prevalent mistake is to insert (shì) before . For example, *我的手机是跟你的手机一样。 (Wǒ de shǒujī shì gēn nǐ de shǒujī yīyàng.) This is incorrect. In Chinese, 跟...一样 (or 跟...一样 + Adjective) functions as the predicate itself. It describes the subject directly. The verb is used for identification or classification (e.g., 他是一个学生 – Tā shì yīgè xuéshēng, He is a student), not for establishing direct comparison of equality in this manner. The phrase already sets up the relationship. Including creates redundancy and an ungrammatical sentence structure.
Correct: 我的手机跟你的手机一样。 (Wǒ de shǒujī gēn nǐ de shǒujī yīyàng.) – My phone is the same as yours.
  • The "Degree" Trap: Adding Adverbs of Degree before the Adjective
Another common error is to place degree adverbs like (hěn, very), 非常 (fēicháng, extremely), or 特别 (tèbié, especially) directly before the adjective in the 跟...一样 + Adjective pattern. For example, *她跟我一样很高。 (Tā gēn wǒ yīyàng hěn gāo.) This is incorrect because 一样 itself already implies a state of equal degree. Adding or 非常 creates a logical conflict, as if you are saying "as very tall as" or "as extremely fast as." The role of these degree adverbs is to modify a single adjective, not an adjective within an equality comparison.
Correct: 她跟我一样高。 (Tā gēn wǒ yīyàng gāo.) – She is as tall as I am.
Note: If you want to emphasize absolute sameness, 完全 (wánquán, completely) or 几乎 (jīhū, almost) are used before 一样 (see Common Collocations).
  • Confusing 跟...一样 with (bǐ)
Learners often mix up 跟...一样 and . The core distinction is that 跟...一样 expresses equality or sameness, while expresses inequality or difference (A is more X than B). Attempting to combine them, such as *他比我一样高 (Tā bǐ wǒ yīyàng gāo), is grammatically nonsensical, akin to saying "He is more same tall than me." This indicates a fundamental misunderstanding of their distinct functions.
Correct ( for inequality): 他比我高。 (Tā bǐ wǒ gāo.) – He is taller than I am.
Correct (跟...一样 for equality): 他跟我一样高。 (Tā gēn wǒ yīyàng gāo.) – He is as tall as I am.
  • Incorrect Word Order with Adjective
Some learners mistakenly place the adjective before 一样. For example, 他跟我高一样。 (Tā gēn wǒ gāo yīyàng.) This violates the established pattern. The structure 一样 + Adjective is fixed, with 一样 modifying the subsequent adjective to specify the shared quality. Think of 一样 as an adverb here, indicating the manner of similarity for the adjective. The order ensures clarity that the sameness applies to that specific attribute*.
Correct: 他跟我一样高。 (Tā gēn wǒ yīyàng gāo.) – He is as tall as I am.
  • Omitting (de) when comparing Actions
When comparing how two subjects perform an action, the structural particle (de) is mandatory after the verb. Forgetting (e.g., *他跑跟她一样快) creates an incomplete verb-complement structure. The particle links the verb to its descriptive complement (跟...一样 + Adjective), specifying the outcome or degree of the action.
Correct: 他跑得跟她一样快。 (Tā pǎo de gēn tā yīyàng kuài.) – He runs as fast as she does.

Common Collocations

Certain adjectives, adverbs, and phrases frequently collocate with 跟...一样 (gēn... yīyàng), enriching its expression and allowing for more precise communication of similarity. Understanding these common pairings can significantly enhance your naturalness and fluency.
  • Adverbs of Degree (Pre-一样): These adverbs specify the extent of sameness, clarifying whether it's exact, almost, or roughly equal.
  • 完全一样 (wánquán yīyàng): Completely/Exactly the same. Used for absolute identicalness.
Example: 我的想法跟他完全一样。 (Wǒ de xiǎngfǎ gēn tā wánquán yīyàng.) – My idea is exactly the same as his.
  • 几乎一样 (jīhū yīyàng): Almost the same. Indicates a very high degree of similarity but not absolute identicalness.
Example: 这两件衣服的颜色几乎一样。 (Zhè liǎng jiàn yīfú de yánsè jīhū yīyàng.) – The colors of these two clothes are almost the same.
  • 差不多一样 (chàbuduō yīyàng): Roughly/About the same. Suggests general similarity, perhaps with minor, negligible differences.
Example: 他们的学习成绩差不多一样。 (Tāmen de xuéxí chéngjī chàbuduō yīyàng.) – Their academic results are roughly the same.
  • Common Adjectives (Post-一样): These are frequently used to specify the shared quality.
  • 一样大 (yīyàng dà): As big as/Same size. For comparing physical dimensions, scope, or age.
Example: 这个房间跟那个房间一样大。 (Zhège fángjiān gēn nàge fángjiān yīyàng dà.) – This room is as big as that room.
  • 一样高 (yīyàng gāo): As tall as/Same height. Specifically for height comparison.
Example: 她跟她姐姐一样高。 (Tā gēn tā jiějie yīyàng gāo.) – She is as tall as her older sister.
  • 一样快 (yīyàng kuài): As fast as/Same speed. For speed or quickness.
Example: 他打字打得跟机器人一样快。 (Tā dǎzì dǎ de gēn jīqìrén yīyàng kuài.) – He types as fast as a robot.
  • 一样多 (yīyàng duō): As much/many as/Same amount. For quantities.
Example: 你吃的跟我一样多。 (Nǐ chī de gēn wǒ yīyàng duō.) – You eat as much as I do.
  • 一样重 (yīyàng zhòng): As heavy as/Same weight. For weight.
Example: 这个箱子跟那个箱子一样重。 (Zhège xiāngzi gēn nàge xiāngzi yīyàng zhòng.) – This box is as heavy as that box.
  • 一样好 (yīyàng hǎo): As good as/Equally good. For quality or performance.
Example: 这份报告写得跟专家一样好。 (Zhè fèn bàogào xiě de gēn zhuānjiā yīyàng hǎo.) – This report is written as well as by an expert.
  • **Prepositional Phrases Modifying 一样:
  • 在...方面一样 (zài... fāngmiàn yīyàng): Same in terms of.../Similar in the aspect of.... Used to specify the particular aspect of sameness.
Example: 他们俩在性格方面一样。 (Tāmen liǎ zài xìnggé fāngmiàn yīyàng.) – The two of them are similar in terms of personality.
These collocations demonstrate the flexibility of 跟...一样 and enable you to express nuances beyond simple equality.

Quick FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using 跟...一样 (gēn... yīyàng), addressing common points of confusion for learners.
  • Q: Can I use (hé) or (yǔ) instead of (gēn)?

Yes, absolutely. (hé) is broadly interchangeable with (gēn) in this structure, especially in spoken and casual contexts. For example, 我的手机和你的手机一样 (Wǒ de shǒujī hé nǐ de shǒujī yīyàng) is perfectly natural. (yǔ) also works, but it carries a more formal or literary tone and is less common in everyday conversation. So, while grammatically correct, using might sound a bit stiff for informal comparisons.

  • Q: How does 跟...一样 differ from 像...一样 (xiàng... yīyàng)?

Both express similarity, but with a subtle yet important distinction. 跟...一样 (gēn... yīyàng) primarily denotes equality or identicalness in a factual or objective sense. 像...一样 (xiàng... yīyàng), on the other hand, often implies resemblance or likeness, suggesting that A is like B, rather than being strictly the same as B. is closer to "like" or "similar to" (as in a metaphor or simile), whereas 跟...一样 is "as... as" or "the same as." For example, 她妈妈像她一样漂亮 (Tā māma xiàng tā yīyàng piàoliang) means "Her mother is beautiful like her," while 她妈妈跟她一样漂亮 (Tā māma gēn tā yīyàng piàoliang) means "Her mother is as beautiful as her." The latter implies equal beauty, while the former might suggest a familial resemblance.

  • Q: What if I want to say "not exactly the same" or "not completely alike"?

You have a few options to express varying degrees of non-identicalness. The most direct way is 不完全一样 (bù wánquán yīyàng), meaning "not completely the same." Alternatively, you can use 不太一样 (bù tài yīyàng, not very similar) or 有点儿不一样 (yǒudiǎnr bù yīyàng, a little bit different). If the difference is significant, you would use 很不一样 (hěn bù yīyàng, very different) or simply a (bǐ) comparison.

  • Q: Can I compare colors or other specific attributes without an adjective?

Yes, you can. If the attribute itself is a noun (like 颜色 – yánsè, color; 味道 – wèidào, taste; 尺寸 – chǐcùn, size), you can place it between the compared object and 一样, or as the adjective at the end of the full structure. The more common and natural way is to treat the noun as the specified attribute following 一样.

Example 1 (Noun as attribute): 这件衣服的颜色跟那件衣服一样。 (Zhè jiàn yīfú de yánsè gēn nà jiàn yīfú yīyàng.) – The color of this piece of clothing is the same as that one.
Example 2 (Noun as property): 这两个包包尺寸一样。 (Zhè liǎng ge bāobāo chǐcùn yīyàng.) – These two bags are the same size. (Here 尺寸 acts almost like an adjective for 'size').
  • Q: Does it work for plural things?

Yes, the pattern works for plural subjects. The structure remains the same. The plurality is handled by the subjects themselves, not the comparative structure.

Example: 这些书跟那些书一样贵。 (Zhèxiē shū gēn nàxiē shū yīyàng guì.) – These books are as expensive as those books.
You can also simplify for grouped plurals: 这两本书一样。 (Zhè liǎng běn shū yīyàng.) – These two books are the same. In this case, is omitted because the subjects are already grouped and being compared internally as a single unit or pair.
  • Q: Is 差不多 (chàbuduō) the same as 几乎一样 (jīhū yīyàng)?

They are very close in meaning, both indicating "almost the same" or "nearly identical." However, 几乎一样 (jīhū yīyàng) tends to suggest a slightly higher degree of similarity, bordering on exactness, often used when the differences are minimal and hard to discern. 差不多一样 (chàbuduō yīyàng) implies a more general approximation, where the items are similar enough for practical purposes but might have noticeable, albeit minor, differences. Think of 几乎一样 as 99% similar and 差不多一样 as 90-95% similar.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Understanding 跟...一样 (gēn... yīyàng) is deepened by contrasting it with other comparative structures in Chinese that express different types of relationships. This helps avoid misuse and clarifies the specific function of each pattern.
  • 跟...一样 (gēn... yīyàng) vs. (bǐ)
This is the most crucial distinction. 跟...一样 signifies equality or sameness (A is as X as B). It implies that the two items share the specified quality to an identical degree. The focus is on parity.
Example: 我的电脑跟你的电脑一样快。 (Wǒ de diànnǎo gēn nǐ de diànnǎo yīyàng kuài.) – My computer is as fast as your computer.
In contrast, (bǐ) signifies inequality or difference (A is more X than B). It highlights that one item possesses a quality to a greater (or lesser, with negation) degree than the other. The focus is on disparity.
Example: 我的电脑比你的电脑快。 (Wǒ de diànnǎo bǐ nǐ de diànnǎo kuài.) – My computer is faster than your computer.
Key Takeaway: Never use when you mean to express equality; always use 跟...一样.
  • 跟...一样 (gēn... yīyàng) vs. 像...一样 (xiàng... yīyàng)
As discussed in the FAQ, while both convey similarity, 跟...一样 focuses on factual equality ("A is as X as B," "A is the same as B"), implying measurable or verifiable identicalness. It's about shared attributes.
Example: 他的中文说得跟我一样好。 (Tā de Zhōngwén shuō de gēn wǒ yīyàng hǎo.) – His Chinese is spoken as well as mine (implying equal proficiency).
像...一样 focuses on resemblance or likeness ("A is like B," "A looks like B"), often used for metaphorical comparisons, physical resemblance, or when something shares characteristics without being identical in degree. It's about visual or abstract similarity.
Example: 他的中文说得像外国人一样。 (Tā de Zhōngwén shuō de xiàng wàiguórén yīyàng.) – His Chinese is spoken like a foreigner's (implying a specific accent or style, not necessarily equal proficiency).
Key Takeaway: Use 跟...一样 for objective, factual equality; use 像...一样 for subjective resemblance or similes.
  • 跟...一样 (gēn... yīyàng) vs. 差不多 (chàbuduō)
跟...一样 asserts exact equality (or equality of degree for an adjective). When used alone (A跟B一样), it means they are identical. When followed by an adjective (A跟B一样高), it means they are exactly the same in that quality.
Example: 我的书包跟你的书包一样。 (Wǒ de shūbāo gēn nǐ de shūbāo yīyàng.) – My backpack is the same as your backpack (implying they are identical).
差不多 (chàbuduō) means "almost" or "nearly," indicating a state of approximate equality. There might be slight differences, but they are close enough to be considered similar. It implies a minor, acceptable degree of variance.
Example: 我的书包跟你的书包差不多。 (Wǒ de shūbāo gēn nǐ de shūbāo chàbuduō.) – My backpack is almost the same as your backpack.
Key Takeaway: 跟...一样 is precise, 差不多 is an approximation. Choose based on the degree of exactness you wish to convey.
By carefully distinguishing 跟...一样 from these related patterns, you can express comparisons with greater precision and avoid common ambiguities in Chinese.

Equative Structure Formation

Type Structure Example
Affirmative
A + 跟 + B + 一样 + Adj
他跟她一样高
Negative
A + 跟 + B + 不一样 + Adj
他跟她不一样高
Question
A + 跟 + B + 一样 + Adj + 吗
他跟她一样高吗
Degree
A + 跟 + B + 一样 + Adverb + Adj
他跟她一样那么高
Past
A + 跟 + B + 一样 + Adj + 了
他跟她一样高了
Emphasis
A + 跟 + B + 完全 + 一样
这完全一样

Common Variations

Variation Usage
和...一样
Interchangeable with 跟
同...一样
More formal, often written

Meanings

This structure is used to indicate that two subjects share the same degree of a quality or are identical in nature.

1

Identity

Stating two things are the same.

“这{本书|běnshū}{跟|gēn}那{本书|běnshū}{一样|yīyàng}。”

“他的{想法|xiǎngfǎ}{跟|gēn}我的{一样|yīyàng}。”

2

Degree/Quality

Stating two things share the same level of an adjective.

“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

Reference table for Comparing Equality: 'As... As' (跟...一样)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
A跟B一样
这跟那一样
Negative
A跟B不一样
这跟那不一样
Question
A跟B一样吗
这跟那一样吗
Adjective
A跟B一样+Adj
这跟那一样大
Negative Adj
A跟B不一样+Adj
这跟那不一样大
Degree
A跟B一样+Adv+Adj
这跟那一样那么大

Formality Spectrum

Formal
价格相同。

价格相同。 (Shopping)

Neutral
价格跟那个一样。

价格跟那个一样。 (Shopping)

Informal
价钱一样。

价钱一样。 (Shopping)

Slang
一样贵。

一样贵。 (Shopping)

Equality Concept Map

跟...一样

Identity

  • 相同 identical

Quality

  • 一样高 as tall as

Examples by Level

1

这{个}{跟}那{个}{一样}。

This one is the same as that one.

2

我{跟}你{一样}。

I am the same as you.

3

他{跟}我{一样}。

He is the same as me.

4

这{本书}{跟}那{本书}{一样}。

This book is the same as that book.

1

他{跟}我{一样}{高}。

He is as tall as me.

2

这{件}{衣服}{跟}那{件}{一样}{贵}。

This shirt is as expensive as that one.

3

今天{跟}昨天{一样}{冷}。

Today is as cold as yesterday.

4

这{个}{跟}那{个}{不一样}。

This one is not the same as that one.

1

他的{中文}{跟}母语{一样}{好}。

His Chinese is as good as his native language.

2

这{个}{项目}{跟}那个{项目}{一样}{重要}。

This project is as important as that one.

3

我们{的}{想法}{跟}他们{的}{完全}{一样}。

Our ideas are exactly the same as theirs.

4

这{里}{的}{天气}{跟}南方{一样}{潮湿}。

The weather here is as humid as the south.

1

他{的}{工作}{效率}{几乎}{跟}机器{一样}{高}。

His work efficiency is almost as high as a machine's.

2

这{种}{情况}{跟}上次{一样}{复杂}。

This situation is as complex as last time.

3

他{的}{态度}{跟}之前{一样}{坚定}。

His attitude is as firm as before.

4

这{个}{方案}{跟}那个{方案}{一样}{可行}。

This plan is as feasible as that one.

1

他{的}{观点}{跟}主流{理论}{并}{不}{完全}{一样}。

His viewpoint is not entirely the same as the mainstream theory.

2

这{种}{现象}{跟}历史{上}{的}{某}{个}{时期}{一样}{罕见}。

This phenomenon is as rare as a certain period in history.

3

他{的}{逻辑}{跟}数学{公式}{一样}{严密}。

His logic is as rigorous as a mathematical formula.

4

这{个}{结果}{跟}预期{一样}{令人}{失望}。

This result is as disappointing as expected.

1

他{的}{创作}{风格}{跟}古典{文学}{一样}{深邃}。

His creative style is as profound as classical literature.

2

这{个}{决策}{跟}当时{的}{政治}{环境}{一样}{敏感}。

This decision is as sensitive as the political environment at the time.

3

他{的}{为人}{跟}他{的}{作品}{一样}{高尚}。

His character is as noble as his work.

4

这{种}{变化}{跟}气候{变迁}{一样}{不可}{逆转}。

This change is as irreversible as climate change.

Easily Confused

Comparing Equality: 'As... As' (跟...一样) vs 比 (bǐ)

Learners mix up equality (一样) and inequality (比).

Comparing Equality: 'As... As' (跟...一样) vs 像 (xiàng)

Learners use '像' for exact equality.

Comparing Equality: 'As... As' (跟...一样) vs 相同 (xiāngtóng)

Learners use '相同' in spoken, casual contexts.

Common Mistakes

他高一样

他跟她一样高

Missing the '跟' particle and wrong word order.

他跟她一样高

他跟她一样高

Correct, but learners often forget the adjective.

一样他跟她

他跟她一样

Incorrect word order.

他跟她一样是

他跟她一样

Adding unnecessary '是'.

他跟她一样高吗

他跟她一样高吗

Correct, but learners struggle with negative questions.

他跟她一样很高

他跟她一样高

Adding '很' is redundant in this structure.

他跟她不一样高吗

他跟她不一样高吗

Correct, but learners often forget the '不'.

他跟她一样那么高

他跟她一样高

Redundant '那么'.

他跟她一样高了

他跟她一样高

Adding '了' changes the meaning to a change of state.

他跟她一样高吗

他跟她一样高吗

Correct, but learners often use '比' instead.

他跟她一样高

他跟她一样高

Correct, but learners often fail to use more advanced adjectives.

他跟她一样高

他跟她一样高

Correct, but learners often fail to use formal synonyms.

他跟她一样高

他跟她一样高

Correct, but learners often fail to embed the structure.

Sentence Patterns

___跟___一样___

___跟___不一样___

___跟___完全一样

___跟___几乎一样___

Real World Usage

Texting very common

我们想法一样!

Shopping very common

这个跟那个一样贵。

Job Interview common

我的能力跟要求一样。

Travel common

这里跟北京一样冷。

Food Delivery common

这道菜跟上次一样辣。

Social Media common

这跟我想的一样。

💡

Adjective Placement

Always put the adjective after '一样'. Never before!
⚠️

Don't use '很'

Avoid using '很' in this structure as it's redundant.
🎯

Use '完全' for emphasis

Add '完全' before '一样' to mean 'exactly the same'.
💬

Regional variations

In some regions, '和' is used instead of '跟'.

Smart Tips

Always check if you need '跟' or '比'.

他比我一样高 他跟我一样高

Place the adjective at the end.

他高跟她一样 他跟她一样高

Use '完全' before '一样'.

他跟她一样 他跟她完全一样

Add '吗' at the end.

他跟她一样高 他跟她一样高吗

Pronunciation

yìyàng

Tone of 一样

The 'yī' in 'yīyàng' changes tone to 4th tone because 'yàng' is 4th tone.

Question Intonation

A跟B一样吗↑

Rising intonation at the end indicates a question.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '跟' as a bridge connecting two people, and '一样' as the mirror reflecting their sameness.

Visual Association

Imagine two identical twins standing on a scale, perfectly balanced. The scale is the '跟', and the balance is the '一样'.

Rhyme

跟和一样,比较相当。

Story

Xiao Ming and Xiao Hong are best friends. They wear the same clothes (跟...一样). They are the same height (一样高). Everyone says their friendship is the same as gold (一样珍贵).

Word Web

一样比较相同不同那么非常

Challenge

Find three objects in your room and write a sentence comparing them using '跟...一样'.

Cultural Notes

Used frequently in daily life to compare prices and quality.

Similar usage, but sometimes '和' is preferred in formal writing.

Often mixed with Cantonese particles, but the structure remains the same.

The term '一样' comes from the concept of 'one' (一) and 'appearance/form' (样).

Conversation Starters

你跟你的朋友一样高吗?

这件衣服跟那件衣服一样贵吗?

你的中文跟你的英文一样好吗?

你觉得这个方案跟那个方案一样可行吗?

Journal Prompts

Describe two of your friends using the '跟...一样' structure.
Compare your hometown with the city you live in now.
Write about two different jobs and compare their difficulty.
Compare two different political or social theories.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

他___我一样高。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
The structure is A跟B一样.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他跟她一样高
Correct word order.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

他跟她一样很高。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Remove 很
'很' is redundant.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他跟她一样高
Standard structure.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

This is as expensive as that.

Answer starts with: 这跟那...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这跟那一样贵
Correct structure.
Match the sentence to its meaning. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He is as tall as her
Meaning of equality.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use: 我, 你, 一样, 聪明

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我跟你一样聪明
Correct structure.
Choose the correct negative. Multiple Choice

What is the negative of '他跟她一样高'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他跟她不一样高
Correct negation.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

他___我一样高。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
The structure is A跟B一样.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他跟她一样高
Correct word order.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

他跟她一样很高。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Remove 很
'很' is redundant.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

一样 / 高 / 他 / 跟 / 她

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他跟她一样高
Standard structure.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

This is as expensive as that.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这跟那一样贵
Correct structure.
Match the sentence to its meaning. Match Pairs

他跟她一样高

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He is as tall as her
Meaning of equality.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use: 我, 你, 一样, 聪明

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我跟你一样聪明
Correct structure.
Choose the correct negative. Multiple Choice

What is the negative of '他跟她一样高'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他跟她不一样高
Correct negation.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Complete the comparison: 'Today is as hot as yesterday.' Fill in the Blank

{今天|jīntiān} {跟|gēn} {昨天|zuótiān} ___ {热|rè}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {一样|yīyàng}
Reorder to say: 'My bag is the same as hers.' Sentence Reorder

{一样|yīyàng} / {我的|wǒ de} / {包|bāo} / {跟|gēn} / {她的|tā de}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我的包跟她的一样|wǒ de bāo gēn tā de yīyàng}
Translate into Chinese: 'This movie is as interesting as that one.' Translation

This movie is as interesting as that one.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {这部电影跟那部一样有意思|zhè bù diànyǐng gēn nà bù yīyàng yǒuyìsi}
Choose the negative comparison. Multiple Choice

Which sentence means 'Beijing and London are different'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {北京跟伦敦不一样。|běijīng gēn lúndūn bù yīyàng.}
Fix the word order: {他跟我高一样。|tā gēn wǒ gāo yīyàng.} Error Correction

{他|tā} {跟|gēn} {我|wǒ} {高|gāo} {一样|yīyàng}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他跟我一样高。|tā gēn wǒ yīyàng gāo.}
Match the Chinese to the English. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: all
Add the word for 'exactly'. Fill in the Blank

{这|zhè} {两|liǎng} {个|ge} ___ {一样|yīyàng}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {完全|wánquán}
Which one compares an action correctly? Multiple Choice

Choose the best sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {你走得跟我一样快。|nǐ zǒu de gēn wǒ yīyàng kuài.}
Reorder to say: 'His cat is as fat as mine.' Sentence Reorder

{他的猫|tā de māo} / {胖|pàng} / {跟|gēn} / {我的|wǒ de} / {一样|yīyàng}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他的猫跟我的一样胖|tā de māo gēn wǒ de yīyàng pàng}
Translate: 'Your room is as big as mine.' Translation

Your room is as big as mine.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {你的房间跟我的一样大|nǐ de fángjiān gēn wǒ de yīyàng dà}

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

Yes, '和' is also acceptable, but '跟' is more common in spoken Chinese.

'一样' is already a state of being, so '很' is not needed.

Yes, but '相同' is often preferred in very formal documents.

Yes, you can say '他跑得跟她一样快'.

Usually, this structure is for two subjects. For more, use other structures.

The structure remains the same: '他跟她一样不高'.

It functions as a predicate in this structure.

Use '不一样吗?'.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Spanish high

tan... como

Chinese places the adjective after the equality marker.

French high

aussi... que

French uses a comparative adverb before the adjective.

German high

so... wie

German uses a two-part correlative conjunction.

Japanese high

と同じ (to onaji)

Japanese is SOV, Chinese is SVO.

Arabic moderate

مثل (mithl)

Arabic does not always require a specific adjective structure.

Chinese none

跟...一样

N/A

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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