When you use 跟着 (gēn zhe), it means you are moving behind someone or something, just like following them. Think of it like walking right after a friend. You can also use it to say you are going along with someone to a place. So, if your friend is going to the park, and you are going too, you are 跟着 them to the park. It’s a very practical word for talking about moving together or in sequence.
When you want to express the idea of 'following' someone or something, 跟着 (gēn zhe) is a key verb to use. It indicates that one action or entity is trailing behind or moving in conjunction with another. Think of it as 'going with' or 'keeping up with'.
For example, if a child is walking behind their parent, you would say the child is 跟着 their parent. It implies a direct, often physical, following.
When using 跟着 (gēnzhe), it literally means 'to follow' or 'to go with' someone or something. Think of it like physically moving behind or alongside someone.
It's often used in sentences where one action happens immediately after, or as a direct result of, another. For example, if you say '他跟着我走' (Tā gēnzhe wǒ zǒu), it means 'He follows me walking,' implying he's literally walking behind you or with you.
You can also use it to describe one thing being accompanied by another, such as '我跟着这首歌唱' (Wǒ gēnzhe zhè shǒu gē chàng), meaning 'I sing along with this song.'
Essentially, 跟着 highlights a direct connection or accompaniment between actions or entities.
§ What does 跟着 mean and when do people use it?
The Chinese word 跟着 (gēnzhe) is a really useful verb. At its core, it means 'to follow' or 'to go with'. You'll hear it all the time in everyday conversations, so it's a great one to get familiar with early on. Think about all the times you say 'follow' in English – 跟着 covers a lot of those situations in Chinese.
One of the most common ways to use 跟着 is when someone is literally following another person or moving object. Imagine walking behind a friend, or a dog trotting behind its owner. In these cases, 跟着 is perfect.
他跟着我回家了。
Translation hint: He (followed me) home.
小狗一直跟着主人。
Translation hint: The puppy (always followed) its owner.
You can also use 跟着 to mean 'to go with' or 'to accompany'. This is a slightly softer meaning than strict 'following' but still implies movement with someone or something else. For example, if you're invited to an event and you bring a friend, your friend is 'going with' you.
你想跟着我们一起去吗？
Translation hint: Do you want to (go with) us?
我喜欢跟着音乐跳舞。
Translation hint: I like to (dance to) music. (Here, '跟着音乐' means dancing along with the music.)
Another important use of 跟着 is when you are following instructions, advice, or a trend. It's not about physical movement, but rather adhering to something. This is a very common idiomatic use.
请跟着老师说。
Translation hint: Please (follow) the teacher and speak. (Meaning, repeat after the teacher.)
你得跟着计划走。
Translation hint: You have to (follow) the plan.
- DEFINITION
- 跟着 (gēnzhe) is a verb that means 'to follow', 'to go with', 'to accompany', or 'to act in accordance with'. It's highly versatile and used for physical following, accompanying, or adhering to non-physical things like instructions or trends.
So, when should you use 跟着? Basically, any time you want to express the idea of one entity (person, animal, object) moving in the same direction or manner as another, or adhering to something abstract. It's less formal than some other 'follow' words and is widely applicable in daily communication.
Remember, the '-着' (zhe) particle often indicates a continuous or ongoing action. So, 跟着 often implies that the following action is happening continuously or is maintained. It's not a one-off 'follow' but rather a sustained action of following or going with.
- When someone is physically walking behind another person: 你跟着我，别走丢了。(You follow me, don't get lost.)
- When a pet is accompanying its owner: 我的猫总是跟着我。(My cat always follows me.)
- When you are joining someone to go somewhere: 我想跟着你们一起去商店。(I want to go with you guys to the store.)
- When you are imitating or repeating someone: 小孩子喜欢跟着大人学。(Children like to learn by imitating adults.)
- When you are obeying instructions: 请大家跟着我的指示做。(Everyone please follow my instructions.)
§ Don't Confuse 跟着 with 和 (and) or 跟 (with/follow)
Many learners, especially at the A2 level, tend to overuse 跟着 (gēnzhe) or use it incorrectly when they really mean 和 (hé) 'and' or 跟 (gēn) 'with/follow'. While 跟 can be a synonym for 跟着 in some contexts, 跟着 specifically implies a continuous action of following, often physically or metaphorically. 和 simply connects two nouns or clauses.
- Incorrect Usage Example
- 我跟着我的朋友去商店。(Wǒ gēnzhe wǒ de péngyǒu qù shāngdiàn.)
This sentence structure is grammatically okay if you literally mean you followed your friend to the store. However, if you simply mean "My friend and I went to the store," then 跟着 is inappropriate. In this case, you should use 和 or 跟 as a conjunction:
我和我的朋友去商店。(Wǒ hé wǒ de péngyǒu qù shāngdiàn.) - My friend and I went to the store.
我跟我的朋友去商店。(Wǒ gēn wǒ de péngyǒu qù shāngdiàn.) - I went to the store with my friend.
§ Omitting the Object of Following
跟着 usually needs an object that you are following. Leaving it out can make your sentence unclear or grammatically incorrect. You need to specify *who* or *what* is being followed.
- Incorrect Usage Example
- 他走，我跟着。(Tā zǒu, wǒ gēnzhe.)
While understandable in context, it's better to explicitly state what you are following.
他走，我跟着他。(Tā zǒu, wǒ gēnzhe tā.) - He walks, I follow him.
§ Using 跟着 for Non-Continuous or One-Time Actions
跟着 implies a continuous or sustained action of following. If you're talking about a one-time event or a result rather than a process, 跟着 might not be the best choice.
- Incorrect Usage Example
- 我跟着他的建议买了那本书。(Wǒ gēnzhe tā de jiànyì mǎi le nà běn shū.)
While technically understandable, 跟着 feels a bit heavy here. It's not about continuously following advice, but acting upon it once. A simpler structure is often better.
我听了他的建议买了那本书。(Wǒ tīng le tā de jiànyì mǎi le nà běn shū.) - I listened to his advice and bought that book.
我按照他的建议买了那本书。(Wǒ ànzhào tā de jiànyì mǎi le nà běn shū.) - I bought that book according to his advice.
§ Redundancy with Other Verbs of Movement
Sometimes learners use 跟着 with another verb of movement, creating a slightly redundant or awkward sentence structure. 跟着 itself implies moving with someone or something.
- Awkward Usage Example
- 他跟着老师走进教室。(Tā gēnzhe lǎoshī zǒu jìn jiàoshì.)
While not strictly incorrect, the '走' (zǒu) can feel a bit repetitive if the emphasis is just on following. Often, the context makes the movement clear.
他跟着老师走进教室。(Tā gēnzhe lǎoshī zǒu jìn jiàoshì.) - He followed the teacher into the classroom. (Here, 跟着 already implies 'walking with' or 'moving after')
他跟着老师进了教室。(Tā gēnzhe lǎoshī jìn le jiàoshì.) - He followed the teacher into the classroom. (More concise)
- Always consider the specific nuance you want to convey.
- Is it a continuous following action? Then 跟着 is likely suitable.
- Are you just connecting two people or things? Use 和 or 跟.
- Are you acting based on something? Consider 听 (tīng) 'listen' or 按照 (ànzhào) 'according to'.
Pronunciation Guide
- Mispronouncing the 'e' in 'zhe' as a long 'ee' sound. It's a neutral, short vowel sound.
Grammar to Know
跟着 can indicate following someone or something physically. It often implies movement in the same direction or in pursuit.
你跟着我走。 (Nǐ gēnzhe wǒ zǒu.) - You follow me and walk.
跟着 can also mean to learn from someone or to imitate their actions. In this context, it suggests emulating a person's behavior or methods.
他跟着老师学汉语。 (Tā gēnzhe lǎoshī xué Hànyǔ.) - He learns Chinese following the teacher.
跟着 can be used to show that one action happens immediately after another, with the second action being a direct consequence or response to the first. It often connects two clauses.
我一说完，她就跟着笑了。 (Wǒ yī shuō wán, tā jiù gēnzhe xiàole.) - As soon as I finished speaking, she immediately laughed.
When 跟着 is used with a noun or pronoun as the object, it means to follow that person or thing directly. The structure is Subject + 跟着 + Object + Verb/Action.
小狗跟着主人跑。 (Xiǎogǒu gēnzhe zhǔrén pǎo.) - The puppy runs following its owner.
跟着 can also indicate an accompanying action or circumstance. In this case, it suggests that something happens alongside or as a result of something else.
他跟着音乐跳舞。 (Tā gēnzhe yīnyuè tiàowǔ.) - He dances to the music.
Examples by Level
你跟着我走，就不会迷路。
If you follow me, you won't get lost.
小狗一直跟着它的主人。
The little dog has been following its owner.
请你跟着老师读。
Please read after the teacher.
他喜欢跟着流行音乐唱歌。
He likes to sing along with pop music.
我跟着旅游团去了很多地方。
I went to many places with the tour group.
孩子们高兴地跟着妈妈回家了。
The children happily followed their mom home.
你跟着说明书做，很容易的。
If you follow the instructions, it's very easy.
她总是跟着时尚潮流走。
She always follows fashion trends.
Test Yourself 42 questions
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 小猫___妈妈。
小猫跟着妈妈 means 'The kitten follows its mom.' The other options don't make sense in this context.
Which sentence correctly uses '跟着'?
他跟着老师去学校 means 'He follows the teacher to school.' '跟着' is used to show someone or something is following another. The other sentences use '跟着' incorrectly.
If you want to say 'Please follow me,' which phrase should you use?
请跟着我 means 'Please follow me.' This is the correct way to use '跟着' in this context.
The sentence '狗跟着球跑。' means 'The dog runs with the ball.'
狗跟着球跑 means 'The dog runs following the ball' or 'The dog runs with the ball,' implying it's chasing it.
'跟着' can be used to say 'I know him.'
No, '跟着' means 'to follow.' To say 'I know him,' you would use '我认识他' or '我知道他'.
If someone says '你跟着我走,' they want you to walk with them.
你跟着我走 means 'You follow me walk,' which implies walking with someone.
如果你想学好汉语，就得____老师的指导。
“跟着”表示跟随，符合语境中“跟随老师的指导”来学习汉语的意思。
小狗一直____主人，寸步不离。
“跟着”在这里表示小狗紧随主人，符合句子的含义。
请你____我重复这句话。
“跟着”表示模仿、随同，符合“跟着我重复”的语境。
他____大家一起笑了起来。
“跟着”表示随着别人的动作或状态而行动，符合“跟着大家一起笑”的场景。
我们____导游参观了博物馆。
“跟着”表示在导游的带领下参观，强调跟随。
音乐一响，她就____节奏跳起舞来。
“跟着”在此表示依照、随着音乐的节奏而行动，符合语境。
Choose the correct sentence using “跟着” to mean “to follow someone’s lead” or “to go along with someone’s suggestion.”
Option B best demonstrates “跟着” in the sense of following someone's lead or instruction. Options A, C, and D use “跟着” in a more literal sense of physical accompaniment or natural occurrence.
Which sentence correctly uses “跟着” to indicate a continuous or accompanying action?
Option B uses “跟着” to describe a continuous action where the dog consistently accompanies its owner. Option A implies immediate departure. Option C is a request for accompaniment. Option D is a metaphorical usage.
Select the sentence where “跟着” means “to learn from” or “to emulate.”
Option B shows “跟着” in the context of learning or emulating someone's actions or skills. Options A and D are about physical or verbal imitation, and Option C refers to following directions.
The sentence '他跟着我去了图书馆。' correctly uses '跟着' to mean 'he went to the library with me.'
Yes, '跟着' here indicates physical accompaniment, meaning 'he followed me' or 'he went with me' to the library.
In the sentence '我跟着音乐跳舞。', '跟着' means 'I am dancing because of the music.'
No, '跟着' in '我跟着音乐跳舞' means 'I am dancing along with the music,' indicating the music is guiding or accompanying the dance, not causing it.
The sentence '请你跟着我重复一遍。' means 'Please repeat after me.'
Yes, '跟着' here signifies following someone's lead in repeating something, which accurately translates to 'repeat after me.'
Someone is instructing another person to stay close.
The speakers are relying on a navigation system.
A pet is staying close to its owner.
Read this aloud:
请你跟着我重复这句话。
Focus: 跟着 (gēn zhe)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
他做什么，我都跟着他做。
Focus: 都跟着他 (dōu gēn zhe tā)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
孩子总是喜欢跟着大人一起玩。
Focus: 跟着大人 (gēn zhe dà rén)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you are planning a group trip to a new city. Describe how you will make sure everyone stays together and doesn't get lost. Use "跟着" at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
去一个新城市旅行时，我会确保大家都跟着我，这样我们就不会迷路。我会告诉大家，一旦进入人群密集的地方，就要互相照应，不要走散。我们可以用手机保持联系，或者设定一个集合点。最重要的是，要一直跟着导游，听从安排。
You are teaching a new skill, like cooking a complex dish or assembling furniture. Explain to your students how they should follow your instructions step-by-step. Use "跟着" at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
今天我们要学做一道比较复杂的菜。请大家注意看我的示范，然后一步一步地跟着我做。不要急，每完成一个步骤，都要确认无误才能进行下一步。如果你有任何疑问，随时可以提出来。只要大家跟着我的指导，相信都能成功做出美味的佳肴。
Describe a time when you had to follow someone's lead or instructions, and what the outcome was. Was it successful? Why or why not? Use "跟着" at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
有一次我们公司接了一个大项目，我是团队的新成员。当时我对项目流程不熟悉，所以只能紧紧跟着我的项目经理。他告诉我怎么做，我就怎么做，严格按照他的指示进行。结果项目非常成功，我也从中学到了很多。这次经历让我明白，有时候跟着有经验的人走，确实能避免很多弯路。
为什么小明没有私自行动？
Read this passage:
小明第一次参加户外徒步。领队提醒大家，山区道路复杂，一定要跟着队伍走，不能私自行动。小明虽然很想去探索一些小路，但他知道安全第一，所以一直紧跟着领队，没有掉队。最终，他们顺利到达了目的地。
为什么小明没有私自行动？
文章中明确提到“领队提醒大家，山区道路复杂，一定要跟着队伍走，不能私自行动”。
文章中明确提到“领队提醒大家，山区道路复杂，一定要跟着队伍走，不能私自行动”。
小李进步快的原因是什么？
Read this passage:
公司新来的实习生小李非常积极。他每天都早早到公司，跟着同事学习各种业务知识。遇到不懂的问题，他会虚心请教，然后认真记录下来。仅仅一个月，小李就已经能够独立完成一些简单的工作了，得到了领导的表扬。
小李进步快的原因是什么？
文章中提到“他每天都早早到公司，跟着同事学习各种业务知识。遇到不懂的问题，他会虚心请教，然后认真记录下来”。
文章中提到“他每天都早早到公司，跟着同事学习各种业务知识。遇到不懂的问题，他会虚心请教，然后认真记录下来”。
根据文章，在现代社会中立足的关键是什么？
Read this passage:
现代社会，科技发展日新月异。如果我们不跟着时代的步伐前进，就很容易被淘汰。学习新知识，掌握新技能，是每个人都应该做的。只有不断适应变化，才能在竞争激烈的社会中立足。
根据文章，在现代社会中立足的关键是什么？
文章最后一句“只有不断适应变化，才能在竞争激烈的社会中立足”，且前面提到“如果我们不跟着时代的步伐前进，就很容易被淘汰”。
文章最后一句“只有不断适应变化，才能在竞争激烈的社会中立足”，且前面提到“如果我们不跟着时代的步伐前进，就很容易被淘汰”。
Choose the sentence where “跟着” is used correctly to mean 'to follow a trend or instruction'.
In this context, “跟着潮流走” specifically refers to conforming to or keeping up with trends, which is a common figurative use of “跟着”. The other options describe literal following or repeating.
Which sentence uses “跟着” to indicate a subsequent action or consequence?
Here, “跟着” signifies that the students raising questions was a direct consequence or immediately followed the teacher finishing the lesson, indicating a temporal sequence of events.
Identify the sentence where “跟着” expresses an attachment or adherence to a group or ideology.
In this sentence, “跟着” is used metaphorically to mean adhering to or aligning with someone's principles or ideology, which is a more abstract and advanced usage.
The sentence “他跟着大部队一起行动，确保不会掉队。(He acted with the main force, ensuring he wouldn't fall behind.)” correctly uses “跟着” to mean 'to join in and participate with a group'.
Yes, “跟着大部队一起行动” implies joining and moving along with a larger group, which is a valid and common application of “跟着” in this context.
In the sentence “跟着你的感觉走，不要被别人的意见左右。(Follow your feelings, don't be swayed by others' opinions.)”, “跟着” is used figuratively to advise acting according to one's intuition.
This is a correct interpretation. “跟着感觉走” is a common idiom meaning to act based on one's instincts or feelings, showcasing a figurative use of “跟着”.
The sentence “电脑跟着时代发展，功能越来越强大。(Computers develop with the times, becoming more and more powerful.)” uses “跟着” to express a cause-and-effect relationship.
While there's a correlation, “跟着时代发展” implies adapting or evolving in parallel with the times, rather than a direct cause-and-effect. It's more about simultaneous progress or keeping pace.
Imagine you are an experienced mountain climber leading a team. Describe how you would instruct your team members to 'follow' your lead in a challenging and dangerous ascent. Include details about safety, communication, and specific actions they need to take to stay together and reach the summit safely. Use "跟着" at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在这次极具挑战的攀登中，大家必须严格遵守我的指令。保持队形，不要擅自行动。我会走在最前面，你们要紧紧地跟着我，每一步都要小心。我们每隔一段时间会进行沟通，确保所有人都安全。如果遇到任何问题，立即告诉我，不要犹豫。记住，安全第一，团结协作才能成功登顶。
You are a software development team leader. Write an email to your team explaining a new, complex project. In your email, emphasize the importance of everyone 'following' the established coding standards and project guidelines to ensure consistency and efficiency. Use "跟着" at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
团队成员们，大家好！我们即将启动一个非常重要的项目。为了确保项目的顺利进行和代码质量，我要求大家务必严格跟着我们团队制定的编码规范和项目指南。这不仅能提高我们的工作效率，也能保证代码的一致性和可维护性。如有任何疑问，请随时与我或技术主管沟通。感谢大家的配合。
You are a philosophy professor. Write a short paragraph discussing the idea of 'following' a particular philosophical school of thought. Explain what it means to truly 'follow' an ideology, beyond just memorizing its tenets, and the potential implications of such adherence. Use "跟着" at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在哲学领域，谈及“跟着”某个思想流派，并非简单地背诵其核心教义。它更深层次地意味着对该学说进行批判性思考，理解其逻辑，并将其原则融入自身的认知和实践之中。真正的追随者会以该学派的视角审视世界，并可能因此影响其价值观和行为模式。然而，过度盲目地跟着某种思想，也可能导致思想僵化和排他性。
根据这段话，企业为了保持竞争力，最重要的是什么？
Read this passage:
在当今瞬息万变的全球经济格局中，企业若想保持竞争力，就必须紧密跟着市场趋势。这不仅仅是了解最新数据，更是要预测未来的发展方向，并及时调整战略。那些未能适应变化的企业，最终往往会被市场淘汰。因此，持续的学习和创新是企业生存和发展的关键。
根据这段话，企业为了保持竞争力，最重要的是什么？
文章明确指出“企业若想保持竞争力，就必须紧密跟着市场趋势”。其他选项是“跟着市场趋势”的具体表现或结果，不是最根本的。
文章明确指出“企业若想保持竞争力，就必须紧密跟着市场趋势”。其他选项是“跟着市场趋势”的具体表现或结果，不是最根本的。
向导为什么强调队员必须紧密跟着他？
Read this passage:
一位经验丰富的向导带领探险队穿越了亚马逊雨林。在途中，向导反复强调，队员们必须寸步不离地跟着他，因为雨林中充满了未知和危险。即使是最轻微的偏离，也可能导致迷失方向，甚至遭遇不测。最终，探险队在他的带领下，成功完成了任务。
向导为什么强调队员必须紧密跟着他？
文章中提到“雨林中充满了未知和危险”，以及“即使是最轻微的偏离，也可能导致迷失方向，甚至遭遇不测”，所以B和C都是原因。
文章中提到“雨林中充满了未知和危险”，以及“即使是最轻微的偏离，也可能导致迷失方向，甚至遭遇不测”，所以B和C都是原因。
这段话主要说明了在科学研究中，科学家应该如何对待新的发现？
Read this passage:
在科学研究领域，有时候新的发现会颠覆我们固有的认知。面对这样的情况，科学家们不应固步自封，而应勇于质疑，并跟着新的证据修正自己的理论。这是一种科学精神的体现，也是推动人类知识进步的必要条件。只有不断地探索和适应，才能最终揭示事物的真相。
这段话主要说明了在科学研究中，科学家应该如何对待新的发现？
文章中明确指出“科学家们不应固步自封，而应勇于质疑，并跟着新的证据修正自己的理论”。
文章中明确指出“科学家们不应固步自封，而应勇于质疑，并跟着新的证据修正自己的理论”。
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小狗一直跟着主人跑。
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Related Grammar Rules
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
一点儿
A1a little, a bit
一会儿
A1a moment, a while
一部分
B1part; portion; minority
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
