跟

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 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…”.
  • 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 gēnzhe 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)`.