Comparing "gen" and "dui"

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跟 (gēn) and 对 (duì) sometimes seem like they mean the same thing, and at other times they seem to be different.After reading this article, you will know the difference! \r\n == When they have the same form and same meaning when used with 说 ==\r\nWhen using the verb 说, 跟 and 对 can both be used in a similar sentence pattern. 跟 and 对 are both prepositions, and they both express one person speaking to another. \r\n

=== Structure ===\r\n

Person A + 跟/对 + Person B 说

\r\n==== Examples ====\r\n

• 我 跟 她 说 了，但是 她 不 信。I told her, but she didn't believe me.
• 我 对 她 说 了，但是 她 不 信。I told her, but she didn't believe me.
• 他 对 我 说 他 爱 我。He told me he loved me.
• 他 跟 我 说 他 爱 我。He told me he loved me.
• 刚才 你 对 他 说 什么 了？What did you just tell him?
• 刚才 你 跟 他 说 什么 了？What did you just tell him?

\r\n== When they have a similar grammar structure but different meanings ==\r\n跟 and 对 can be verbs, and they often are used with a 着, however their meanings are different. \r\n === Structure ===\r\n

Subject + 跟/对 + Object

\r\n==== Examples for 跟====\r\n跟 is a verb, and it's simplest meaning is "follow." Often it is used as a verb phrase, such as 跟着, 跟上, 跟不上, 跟得上, 跟somebody + Verb.\r\n\r\n

• 这 只 小 猫 总是 跟着 我。This little cat always follows me.
• 你 走 得 太 快 ，我 跟不上。You walk too fast, I can't keep up.
• 你 想 跟 我 去 吗？Do you want to go with me?

\r\n==== Examples for 对====\r\n对 is also a verb, put it has the meaning of "towards" or "point to." Often it is used as: 对着, 对上, 对不上.\r\n

• 枪口 不 要 对着 人。Don't point that at people.
• 我 喜欢 对着 镜子 笑。I like to laugh at myself in the mirror.
• 这 两 本 账 对不上。These two accounts don't match up.

\r\n== When to use 跟 and not 对 ==\r\n跟 is a proposition, and it can be used in comparison. It will often have a supplementary explanation, similar to how 和 can be used (as in 我和你一样高). 对 cannot be used this way.\r\n === Structure 1 ===\r\nThis structure is used to explain that two things are (or aren't) similar.\r\n

A + 跟 + B + （不）一样

\r\n==== Examples ====\r\n

• 我 跟 你们 不一样，我 还 有 孩子 呢。I am not like you guys. I still have kids.
• 上海 跟 纽约 一样，都 是 国际 大 都市。Shanghai and New York are alike; they are both international cities.

\r\n=== Structure 2===\r\nThis structure shows that two nouns are the same in some some aspect, which is the word that follows "一样".\r\n

A + 跟 + B + （不）一样 + Adjective

\r\n==== Examples ====\r\n

• 我 现在 跟 我 爸 一样 高。Now I'm as tall as my dad.
• 你 跟 你 妈 一样 喜欢 买 衣服。You like to buy clothes just like your mother.

\r\n=== Structure 3 ===\r\n"跟" functions as a conjunction in this structure, joining two things together. Generally, these are nouns or pronouns (as with "和"). "对" cannot function like this.\r\n

Subject 1 跟 Subject 2 + VO

\r\n==== Examples ====\r\n

• 你 要 跟 我 一起 去 吗？Are you going to go with me?
• 鲜花 跟巧克力 是 最 好 的 礼物。Flowers and chocolate are the best gifts.

\r\n== Examples when to use 对 and not 跟 ==\r\n=== Structure ===\r\nWhen 对 as a proposition, it points to a certain target,since it can mean "point to" or "toward to". 跟 can only be used this way with 说.\r\n

Subject 1 对 Subject 2 + Verb

\r\n==== Examples ====\r\n

• 那 个 美女 正 对 我 笑 呢。That pretty girl is laughing at me.
• 不 要 对 老板 发脾气， 不然 后果 很 严重。Don't lose your temper with the boss, otherwise there will be serious consequences.

\r\n== Example Dialog ==\r\n

• A: 那 个 帅哥 在 对 我 招手！That handsome guy is motioning for me to go to him!
• B: 那 你 要 跟 他 去 吗？Well, are you going to go with him?

\r\n== See also ==\r\n* Expressing "with" with "gen"

• Using "dui"\r\n== Sources and further reading ==\r\n=== Books ===\r\n*现代汉语八百词（增订本） (跟 p. 201) →buy\r\n=== Dictionaries ===
• 现代汉语词典（第5版） (跟p.465 对p.343) →buy\r\n

HSK5