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.”
`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 gēnzhe 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…”.
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.)
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)`.