Keywords: Chinese word for and, Chinese word for with, Chinese grammar yǔ, how to use 与, difference between 和 and 与, formal and in Chinese, yǔ pinyin, 与 meaning, Chinese prepositions, HSK 3 grammar
Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 与 (yǔ), a versatile term primarily meaning “and” or “with”. This guide is perfect for beginners who want to move beyond the basics. We'll explore why 与 (yǔ) is considered more formal than its common counterpart 和 (hé), making it common in writing, titles, and official speech. You'll discover how to use 与 to connect nouns, express accompaniment (“with”), and understand its role in popular idioms and business communication, helping you sound more sophisticated in your Chinese.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): yǔ
Part of Speech: Conjunction, Preposition
HSK Level: HSK 3
Concise Definition: A formal word used to connect nouns or noun phrases, meaning “and” or “with”.
In a Nutshell: Think of 与 (yǔ) as the formal, “written” version of 和 (hé). While both can mean “and” or “with,” you'll encounter 与 in book titles (like “War and Peace”), official documents, and formal speeches. Using it correctly shows a higher level of language proficiency. It carries a feeling of structured connection rather than the casual togetherness of everyday speech.
Character Breakdown
与: This is a single-character word. While its ancient origins are complex, a helpful way for learners to remember it is to see it as a character representing interaction. Some etymologists believe it originally depicted two hands giving an object to another, which neatly captures its core meanings of “to give,” “to be with,” and “and” (connecting two parties).
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese, there's a distinct difference between written language (书面语, shūmiànyǔ) and spoken language (口语, kǒuyǔ). 与 (yǔ) is a prime example of a word that belongs more to the formal, written camp. Its use immediately elevates the tone of a sentence, signaling seriousness, academic rigor, or officialdom.
Compare this to English, where the word “and” is used universally in all contexts, from a child's speech to a legal document. In Chinese, choosing between 与 (yǔ) and 和 (hé) is a conscious stylistic choice. Using 与 (yǔ) in a casual chat with a friend would sound as strange as saying “Myself and my companion shall now procure some coffee” instead of “Me and my friend are gonna get some coffee.” This distinction reflects a cultural appreciation for context-appropriate language and formality.
Practical Usage in Modern China
As “and” (Formal Conjunction):
Used almost exclusively in writing or prepared speeches to connect two nouns or noun phrases.
It is a classic sign of formal language. You will see it in news headlines, academic papers, and official reports.
Crucially, it cannot connect verbs or clauses.
As “with” (Preposition):
Used to express accompaniment, interaction, or relationship in a slightly formal way. For instance, “to discuss with someone” (与…讨论) or “to be related with something” (与…有关).
It is very common in business and professional settings to sound more polished.
In Set Phrases (成语, Chéngyǔ):
与 is a key component in many fixed expressions and idioms. In these cases, you don't swap it out for other words. Examples include 与众不同 (yǔ zhòng bùtóng - different from the crowd) and 与此同时 (yǔ cǐ tóngshí - at the same time).
Example Sentences
Example 1:
理论与实践必须相结合。
Pinyin: Lǐlùn yǔ shíjiàn bìxū xiāng jiéhé.
English: Theory and practice must be combined.
Analysis: A perfect example of 与 used in a formal, academic context to connect two concepts. Using 和 (hé) here would be grammatically correct but less forceful and formal.
English: This matter has nothing to do with you, please don't interfere.
Analysis: The structure “与…有关/无关” (yǔ… yǒuguān/wúguān), meaning “to be related/unrelated to…”, is an extremely common and useful fixed pattern.
Example 4:
我想找个时间与您商量一下合作的细节。
Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng zhǎo ge shíjiān yǔ nín shāngliang yīxià hézuò de xìjié.
English: I'd like to find some time to discuss the details of our cooperation with you.
Analysis: In this business context, using 与 (yǔ) with the formal “you” (您, nín) sounds much more professional and respectful than the more casual 跟 (gēn).
Example 5:
他的设计总是与众不同。
Pinyin: Tā de shèjì zǒngshì yǔ zhòng bùtóng.
English: His designs are always unique (literally, “with the crowd not the same”).
Analysis: This is a fixed idiom (成语, chéngyǔ). You cannot replace 与 with another word. It shows how 与 can mean “with” or “compared to”.
Reason:与 is too formal for everyday situations like asking a friend to dinner. It sounds unnatural and stilted. Stick to 和 (hé) or 跟 (gēn) for spoken Chinese.
Correct: 我喜欢唱歌和跳舞。(Wǒ xǐhuān chànggē hé tiàowǔ.) Even better: 我喜欢唱歌，也喜欢跳舞。
Reason: In Chinese, conjunctions like 与 and 和 primarily connect nouns or noun phrases. While 和 is sometimes used loosely to connect verbs in speech, 与 almost never is. To connect actions, it's better to list them or use adverbs like 也 (yě - also) or 然后 (ránhòu - then).
Mistake 3: Confusing 与's “with” (accompaniment) with 用's “with” (by means of).
Incorrect: 我与筷子吃饭。(Wǒ yǔ kuàizi chīfàn.)
Correct: 我用筷子吃饭。(Wǒ yòng kuàizi chīfàn.)
Reason:与 means “with” in the sense of “together with” or “in relation to”. To express “with” as a tool or method (“by means of”), you must use the verb 用 (yòng).
Related Terms and Concepts
`和` (hé) - The most common, neutral word for “and” and “with”. It's your default choice for both spoken and written Chinese unless you specifically need a formal tone.
`跟` (gēn) - Primarily means “with” in a spoken context. It also means “to follow.” It's more informal than 和.
`同` (tóng) - Means “same” or “together.” It can be combined with 与 or 和 to emphasize togetherness (e.g., 我与你同去 - I will go together with you). It is also quite formal.
`以及` (yǐjí) - Means “as well as.” It's used in lists, often to connect the last item or a group of items, implying a slight separation from the previous items. e.g., “A, B, and C, as well as D and E.”
`参与` (cānyù) - “To participate in.” The 与 here directly relates to its meaning of “joining with” or “being involved in.”
`关于` (guānyú) - “Regarding; about; concerning.” While a different word, it expresses a similar prepositional concept of establishing a relationship between topics.
`书面语` (shūmiànyǔ) - Written language. This is the primary domain where you will find 与 used correctly and frequently.
`口语` (kǒuyǔ) - Spoken language. The context where 与 is rarely used and often sounds strange.