Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== gēn: 跟 - With, And, To Follow ====== ===== Quick Summary ===== * **Keywords:** gen, gēn, 跟, Chinese word for with, Chinese word for and, how to use gen in Chinese, 跟 vs 和, gen grammar, to follow in Chinese, Chinese preposition, Chinese conjunction * **Summary:** 跟 (gēn) is one of the most versatile and essential words in Mandarin Chinese. Functioning as a preposition ("with"), a conjunction ("and"), and a verb ("to follow"), `跟` is a cornerstone of daily conversation. Understanding how to use `跟` correctly is crucial for beginners to move beyond basic sentences, as it helps connect people, objects, and actions. This guide will break down the grammar of `跟`, explain the difference between `跟` and `和` (hé), and provide practical examples for everyday use. ===== Core Meaning ===== * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** gēn * **Part of Speech:** Preposition, Conjunction, Verb, Noun * **HSK Level:** HSK 1 * **Concise Definition:** A multi-functional word most commonly meaning "with," "and," or "to follow." * **In a Nutshell:** Think of `跟` (gēn) as a "connector" word. Its original meaning is the verb "to follow," like following someone on foot. This core idea of accompaniment or connection expands to its other uses. As a preposition, it means you do something "with" someone (`我跟你去 - I go with you`). As a conjunction, it links two people or things, much like "and" (`你跟我 - you and I`). The common thread is always a sense of connection, accompaniment, or relationship. ===== Character Breakdown ===== * The character `跟` is a phono-semantic compound, meaning one part gives a hint to the meaning and the other to the sound. * **足 (zú):** This is the "foot" radical. It's on the left side (as `⻊`). Its presence indicates that the character's original meaning relates to feet, walking, or movement. * **艮 (gèn):** This component on the right primarily provides the phonetic sound "gen." Its original meaning is related to "stopping" or "staring," but in this character, its main function is pronunciation. * The combination of "foot" (足) and the sound "gen" (艮) creates `跟`, which vividly paints a picture of its original meaning: to follow someone closely with your feet. From this very physical action, the more abstract grammatical functions of "with" and "and" evolved. ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== * While `跟` isn't a profound philosophical term, its usage reflects cultural norms around social interaction and hierarchy. The concept of "following" is significant in Chinese culture, whether it's `跟着老师学 (gēnzhe lǎoshī xué)` - "following the teacher to learn," which emphasizes a model of apprenticeship, or `跟风 (gēnfēng)` - "following the wind," a modern term for jumping on a trend. * In a Western context, "following" can sometimes have a passive or negative connotation. In contrast, in many Chinese contexts, "following" a respected elder, a mentor, or a sound plan is seen as a wise and practical course of action. * The frequent use of `跟` to structure sentences like `我跟你说 (wǒ gēn nǐ shuō)` - "I say to you," highlights a very direct, relational mode of communication. It frames the action of speaking as something done *with* or *to* a specific person, emphasizing the connection between the speaker and the listener. ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== * `跟` is extremely common in daily, spoken Mandarin. Its usage can be broken down into a few key patterns. ==== As a Preposition ("with") ==== * This is its most frequent use. It introduces the person or object that accompanies the subject. It often appears with `一起 (yīqǐ)`, meaning "together." * Structure: `Subject + 跟 + Person B + (一起) + Verb Phrase` * Example: `我跟朋友一起去看电影。(Wǒ gēn péngyou yīqǐ qù kàn diànyǐng.)` - "I'm going with friends to see a movie." ==== As a Conjunction ("and") ==== * Used to link two nouns or noun phrases. In this context, it's a more colloquial equivalent of `和 (hé)`. * Structure: `Noun A + 跟 + Noun B + ...` * Example: `桌子上有苹果跟香蕉。(Zhuōzi shàng yǒu píngguǒ gēn xiāngjiāo.)` - "There are apples and bananas on the table." ==== As a Verb ("to follow") ==== * This is its most literal, original meaning. * Example: `你走吧，别跟着我。(Nǐ zǒu ba, bié gēnzhe wǒ.)` - "You go, don't follow me." ==== In Common Phrases ==== * `跟` forms the backbone of many essential sentence patterns: * **`跟...说 (gēn...shuō)`:** to say to / talk to someone * **`跟...聊天 (gēn...liáotiān)`:** to chat with someone * **`跟...一样 (gēn...yīyàng)`:** the same as... * **`跟...借 (gēn...jiè)`:** to borrow from... * **`跟上 (gēn shàng)`:** to keep up with ===== Example Sentences ===== * **Example 1:** * 我明天**跟**你一起去图书馆。 * Pinyin: Wǒ míngtiān **gēn** nǐ yīqǐ qù túshūguǎn. * English: I will go to the library **with** you tomorrow. * Analysis: This is the classic prepositional use of `跟`, meaning "with". The word `一起 (yīqǐ)` reinforces the idea of doing something "together". * **Example 2:** * 这个问题你**跟**他都回答得很好。 * Pinyin: Zhège wèntí nǐ **gēn** tā dōu huídá de hěn hǎo. * English: You **and** he both answered this question very well. * Analysis: Here, `跟` functions as a conjunction, linking "you" (你) and "he" (他). This is very common in spoken Chinese, where it's often interchangeable with `和 (hé)`. * **Example 3:** * 你走得太快了，我**跟**不上了。 * Pinyin: Nǐ zǒu de tài kuài le, wǒ **gēn** bu shàng le. * English: You're walking too fast, I can't keep **up**. * Analysis: `跟上 (gēn shàng)` is a resultative complement, meaning "to follow and be up with" or "to keep pace". The negative form `跟不上 (gēn bu shàng)` means "unable to keep up". This is a very common verbal use. * **Example 4:** * 他刚才**跟**我说了什么，你听见了吗？ * Pinyin: Tā gāngcái **gēn** wǒ shuō le shénme, nǐ tīngjiàn le ma? * English: What did he say **to** me just now, did you hear? * Analysis: The pattern `跟 + person + 说` means "to say to someone" or "to tell someone". This is the standard way to express this idea in Chinese. * **Example 5:** * 我的手机**跟**你的是同一个牌子。 * Pinyin: Wǒ de shǒujī **gēn** nǐ de shì tóng yí ge páizi. * English: My phone is the same brand **as** yours. * Analysis: The structure `A 跟 B 一样 (yīyàng)` or, in this case, `A 跟 B 是...` is used for making comparisons, meaning "A is the same as B". * **Example 6:** * 那只小猫好像迷路了，一直**跟**着我。 * Pinyin: Nà zhī xiǎo māo hǎoxiàng mílù le, yīzhí **gēn**zhe wǒ. * English: That little cat seems to be lost, it keeps **following** me. * Analysis: This is the most literal verb meaning of `跟`: to physically follow. The `着 (zhe)` particle indicates the continuous state of the action. * **Example 7:** * 你不应该总是**跟**别人比较。 * Pinyin: Nǐ bù yīnggāi zǒngshì **gēn** biérén bǐjiào. * English: You shouldn't always compare yourself **with** other people. * Analysis: Here, `跟` is used in a more abstract sense of "with" as part of the structure `跟...比较 (bǐjiào)`, "to compare with...". * **Example 8:** * 我能**跟**你借一下你的笔记本吗？ * Pinyin: Wǒ néng **gēn** nǐ jiè yīxià nǐ de bǐjìběn ma? * English: Can I borrow your notebook **from** you for a moment? * Analysis: The pattern `跟 + person + 借 (jiè)` means "to borrow from someone". This is a key structure for beginners to learn. * **Example 9:** * 这件事**跟**你没有关系。 * Pinyin: Zhè jiàn shì **gēn** nǐ méiyǒu guānxì. * English: This matter has nothing to do **with** you. * Analysis: A very common fixed phrase, `跟...有关系 (yǒu guānxì)` means "to have a connection with" or "to have to do with". * **Example 10:** * 只要**跟**着地图走，我们就不会迷路。 * Pinyin: Zhǐyào **gēn**zhe dìtú zǒu, wǒmen jiù bú huì mílù. * English: As long as we **follow** the map, we won't get lost. * Analysis: This shows `跟` used as a verb in an instructional sense. It means to follow or go according to something (in this case, a map). ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== * **`跟` (gēn) vs. `和` (hé):** This is the most common point of confusion. * **As "and":** For linking two nouns in spoken language, they are largely interchangeable. (`苹果跟香蕉` = `苹果和香蕉`). However, `和` is more common in formal writing. * **As "with":** Only `跟` can be used as a preposition meaning "with" in phrases like `我跟你去 (I go with you)`. You cannot say `*我和你去`. `和` has a stronger sense of equality and simple joining, while `跟` retains a hint of its "following" or "accompanying" origin. * **Mistake: Linking Verbs or Clauses:** English speakers often try to use `跟` to connect actions, just like "and". This is incorrect. * **Incorrect:** `*我回家跟做了晚饭。` (I went home and made dinner.) * **Correct:** `我回家，然后做了晚饭。` (Wǒ huí jiā, ránhòu zuòle wǎnfàn.) or simply `我回家做了晚饭。` (Wǒ huí jiā zuòle wǎnfàn.) * **Rule:** `跟` and `和` can only link nouns or noun phrases, not verbs or entire sentences. * **Mistake: Using `跟` for "with" (by means of):** The English word "with" is broader than `跟`. When "with" means "using an instrument," you must use the verb `用 (yòng)`. * **Incorrect:** `*我跟一支笔写字。` (I write with a pen.) * **Correct:** `我用一支笔写字。` (Wǒ yòng yī zhī bǐ xiězì.) * **Rule:** If "with" can be replaced by "using" or "by means of," use `用 (yòng)`, not `跟`. `跟` is for accompaniment. ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * [[和]] (hé) - The most direct synonym for `跟` when used as the conjunction "and". It is generally considered slightly more formal and is preferred in written Chinese. * [[与]] (yǔ) - A very formal and literary word for "and" or "with". You'll see it in book titles, official documents, and formal speeches, but rarely in casual conversation. * [[同]] (tóng) - Means "same" or "together". It can function like "with" (e.g., `我同你一样 - I'm the same as you`), but is less common as a standalone preposition than `跟`. It's often part of other words like `共同 (gòngtóng) - common, together`. * [[一起]] (yīqǐ) - Means "together". It is not a preposition itself, but it is very frequently used alongside `跟` to emphasize the joint nature of an action (e.g., `我跟你一起去`). * [[用]] (yòng) - The verb "to use". This is the correct word to choose when the English "with" means "by means of an instrument". * [[对]] (duì) - A preposition meaning "to," "towards," or "regarding." It's used for actions directed at someone, such as `他对人很好 (tā duì rén hěn hǎo)` - "He is very good **to** people." Learners sometimes confuse this with `跟`. * [[谈]] (tán) - "To talk" or "to discuss." It's often used in the pattern `跟...谈...` (e.g., `我想跟你谈谈 - I want to talk with you`). * [[带]] (dài) - "To bring" or "to take along." This implies leading or carrying, whereas `跟` implies following or accompanying. Compare `我带你去 (I'll take you there)` vs. `我跟你去 (I'll go there with you)`.