Difference between revisions of "Comparing "gen" and "dui""

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{{Grammar Box}}  
 
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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. You need to be aware which cases are which.
  
 
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== Used with 说 in the Same Way ==
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!
 
 
 
 
 
== When they have the same form and same meaning when used with 说 ==
 
  
 
When 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.  
 
When 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.  
 
  
 
=== Structure ===
 
=== Structure ===
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</div>
 
</div>
  
==== Examples ====
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=== Examples ===
  
 
<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
* 我 <em>跟</em> 她 说 了,但是 她 不 信。<span class="trans">I told her, but she didn't believe me.</span>
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* 我 <em>跟</em> 她 说 了,但是 她 不 信。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ <em>gēn</em> tā shuō le, dànshì tā bù xìn.</span><span class="trans">I told her, but she didn't believe me.</span>
* 我 <em>对</em> 她 说 了,但是 她 不 信。<span class="trans">I told her, but she didn't believe me.</span>
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* 我 <em>对</em> 她 说 了,但是 她 不 信。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ <em>duì</em> tā shuō le, dànshì tā bù xìn.</span><span class="trans">I told her, but she didn't believe me.</span>
* 他 <em>对</em> 我 说 他 爱 我。<span class="trans">He told me he loved me.</span>
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* 他 <em>对</em> 我 说 他 爱 我。<span class="pinyin">Tā <em>duì</em> wǒ shuō tā ài wǒ.</span><span class="trans">He told me he loved me.</span>
* 他 <em>跟</em> 我 说 他 爱 我。<span class="trans">He told me he loved me.</span>
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* 他 <em>跟</em> 我 说 他 爱 我。<span class="pinyin">Tā <em>gēn</em> wǒ shuō tā ài wǒ.</span><span class="trans">He told me he loved me.</span>
* 刚才 你 <em>对</em> 他 说 什么 了?<span class="trans">What did you just tell him?</span>
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* 刚才 你 <em>对</em> 他 说 什么 了?<span class="pinyin">Gāngcái nǐ <em>duì</em> tā shuō shén me le?</span><span class="trans">What did you just tell him?</span>
* 刚才 你 <em>跟</em> 他 说 什么 了?<span class="trans">What did you just tell him?</span>
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* 刚才 你 <em>跟</em> 他 说 什么 了?<span class="pinyin">Gāngcái nǐ <em>gēn</em> tā shuō shén me le?</span><span class="trans">What did you just tell him?</span>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
== When they have a similar grammar structure but different meanings ==
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== Similar Structures but Different Meanings ==
 
 
跟 and 对 can be verbs, and they often are used with a 着, however their meanings are different.
 
  
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跟 and 对 can both be verbs, and they are often used with 着, however their meanings are different.
  
 
=== Structure ===
 
=== Structure ===
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</div>
 
</div>
  
==== Examples for 跟====
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=== Examples for 跟 ===
 
 
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.
 
 
 
  
 +
跟 can be a verb, and its simplest meaning is "follow." Often it is used as a verb phrase, such as 跟着, 跟上, 跟不上, or 跟得上.
  
 
<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
* 这 只 小 猫 总是 <em>跟着</em> 我。<span class="trans">This little cat always follows me.</span>
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* 这 只 小 猫 总是 <em>跟着</em> 我。<span class="pinyin">Zhè zhǐ xiǎo māo zǒng shì <em>gēnzhe</em> wǒ.</span><span class="trans">This little cat always follows me.</span>
* 你 走 得 太 快 ,我 <em>跟不上</em>。<span class="trans">You walk too fast, I can't keep up.</span>
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* 你 走 得 太 快 ,我 <em>跟不上</em>。<span class="pinyin">Nǐ zǒu de tài kuài, <em>gēn bu shàng</em>.</span><span class="trans">You walk too fast, I can't keep up.</span>
* 你 想 <em>跟 我 去</em> 吗?<span class="trans">Do you want to go with me?</span>
 
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
==== Examples for 对====
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=== Examples for 对 ===
  
 
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.
 
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.
 
  
 
<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
* 枪口 不 要 <em>对着</em> 人。<span class="trans">Don't point that at people.</span>
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* 枪口 不 要 <em>对着</em> 人。<span class="pinyin">Qiāng kǒu bùyào <em>duìzhe</em> rén.</span><span class="trans">Don't point guns at people.</span>
* 我 喜欢 <em>对着</em> 镜子 笑。<span class="trans">I like to laugh at myself in the mirror.</span>
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* 我 喜欢 <em>对着</em> 镜子 笑。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ xǐhuan <em>duìzhe</em> jìngzi xiào.</span><span class="trans">I like to laugh at myself in the mirror.</span>
* 这 两 本 账 <em>对不上</em>。<span class="trans">These two accounts don't match up.</span>
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* 这 两 本 账 <em>对不上</em>。<span class="pinyin">Zhè liǎng běn zhàng <em>duì bu shàng</em>.</span><span class="trans">These two accounts don't match up.</span>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
== When to use 跟 and not 对 ==
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== When to Use 跟 and Not 对 ==
  
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.
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跟 is a preposition, and it can be used in [[comparing|comparison patterns]]. 对 cannot be used this way.
  
 
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=== Comparison Structure with 一样 ===
=== Structure 1 ===
 
  
 
This structure is used to explain that two things are (or aren't) similar.
 
This structure is used to explain that two things are (or aren't) similar.
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A + 跟 + B + (不)一样
 
A + 跟 + B + (不)一样
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
==== Examples ====
 
  
 
<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
* 我 <em>跟</em> 你们 <em>不一样</em>,我 还 有 孩子 呢。<span class="trans">I am not like you guys. I still have kids.</span>
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* 我 <em>跟</em> 你们 <em>不一样</em>,我 还 有 孩子 呢。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ <em>gēn</em> nǐmen <em>bù yīyàng</em>, wǒ hái yǒu háizi ne.</span><span class="trans">I am not like you guys. I still have kids.</span>
* 上海 <em>跟</em> 纽约 <em>一样</em>,都 是 国际 大 都市。<span class="trans">Shanghai and New York are alike; they are both international cities.</span>
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* 上海 <em>跟</em> 纽约 <em>一样</em>,都 是 国际 大 都市。<span class="pinyin">Shànghǎi <em>gēn</em> Niǔyuē <em>yīyàng</em>, dōu shì guójì dà dūshì.</span><span class="trans">Shanghai and New York are alike; they are both international cities.</span>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
=== Structure 2===
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=== Comparison Structure with 一样 + Adj.===
  
This structure shows that two nouns are the same in some some aspect, which is the word that follows "一样".
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This structure shows that two nouns are the same in some some aspect, which is the word that follows "一样."
  
 
<div class="jiegou">
 
<div class="jiegou">
 
A + 跟 + B + (不)一样 + Adj.
 
A + 跟 + B + (不)一样 + Adj.
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
==== Examples ====
 
  
 
<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
* 我 现在 <em>跟</em> 我 爸 <em>一样</em> <strong>高</strong>。<span class="trans">Now I'm as tall as my dad.</span>
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* 我 现在 <em>跟</em> 我 爸 <em>一样</em> <strong>高</strong>。<span class="pinyin">Wǒ xiànzài <em>gēn</em> wǒ bà <em>yīyàng</em> <strong>gāo</strong>.</span><span class="trans">Now I'm as tall as my dad.</span>
* 你 <em>跟</em> 你 妈 <em>一样</em> <strong>喜欢 买 衣服</strong>。<span class="trans">You like to buy clothes just like your mother.</span>
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* 你 <em>跟</em> 你 妈 <em>一样</em> <strong>喜欢 买 衣服</strong>。<span class="pinyin">Nǐ <em>gēn</em> nǐ mā <em>yīyàng</em> <strong>xǐhuan mǎi yīfu</strong>.</span><span class="trans">You like to buy clothes just like your mother.</span>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
=== Structure 3 ===
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=== 跟 as "And" or "With" ===
  
"" functions as a conjunction in this structure, joining two things together. Generally, these are nouns or pronouns (as with ""). "" cannot function like this.
+
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.
  
 
<div class="jiegou">
 
<div class="jiegou">
Subj. 1 跟 Subj. 2 + Verb-Obj.
+
Subj. 1 + + Subj. 2 + Verb-Obj.
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
==== Examples ====
 
  
 
<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
* 你 要 <em>跟</em> 我 一起 去 吗?<span class="trans">Are you going to go with me?</span>
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* 你 要 <em>跟</em> 我 一起 去 吗?<span class="pinyin">Nǐ yào <em>gēn</em> wǒ yīqǐ qù ma?</span><span class="trans">Are you going to go with me?</span>
* 鲜花 <em>跟</em>巧克力 是 最 好 的 礼物。<span class="trans">Flowers and chocolate are the best gifts.</span>
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* 鲜花 <em>跟</em> 巧克力 是 最好 的 礼物。<span class="pinyin">Xiānhuā <em>gēn</em> qiǎokèlì shì zuì hǎo de lǐwù.</span><span class="trans">Flowers and chocolate are the best gifts.</span>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
== Examples when to use 对 and not 跟 ==
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== When to Use 对 and not 跟 ==
  
 
=== Structure ===
 
=== Structure ===
  
When 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.
+
When 对 as a preposition, it points to a certain target, since it can mean "facing" or "toward." 跟 can only be used this way with 说.
 
 
  
 
<div class="jiegou">
 
<div class="jiegou">
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</div>
 
</div>
  
==== Examples ====
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=== Examples ===
 
 
<div class="liju">
 
* 那 个 美女 正 <em>对</em> 我 笑 呢。<span class="trans">That pretty girl is laughing at me.</span>
 
* 不 要 <em>对</em> 老板 发脾气, 不然 后果 很 严重。<span class="trans">Don't lose your temper with the boss, otherwise there will be serious consequences.</span>
 
</div>
 
 
 
== Example Dialog ==
 
  
 
<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">
* A: 那 个 帅哥 在 <em>对</em> 我 招手!<span class="trans">That handsome guy is motioning for me to go to him!</span>
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* 那 个 美女 正 <em>对</em> 我 笑 呢。<span class="pinyin">Nàge měinǚ zhèng <em>duì</em> wǒ xiào ne.</span><span class="trans">That pretty girl is laughing at me.</span>
* B: 那 你 要 <em></em> 他 去 吗?<span class="trans">Well, are you going to go with him?</span>
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* 要 <em></em> 老板 发脾气, 不然 后果 很 严重。<span class="pinyin">Bùyào <em>duì</em> lǎobǎn fā píqì, bùrán hòuguǒ hěn yánzhòng.</span><span class="trans">Don't lose your temper with the boss, otherwise there will be serious consequences.</span>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
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=== Books ===
 
=== Books ===
  
*[[现代汉语八百词(增订本)]] (跟 p. 201) [http://www.amazon.cn/%E7%8E%B0%E4%BB%A3%E6%B1%89%E8%AF%AD%E5%85%AB%E7%99%BE%E8%AF%8D/dp/B001198GSW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345693275&sr=8-1 →buy]
+
{{Source|现代汉语八百词(增订本)|201}}
  
 
=== Dictionaries ===
 
=== Dictionaries ===
* [[现代汉语词典(第5版)]] (跟p.465 对p.343) [http://www.amazon.cn/%E7%8E%B0%E4%BB%A3%E6%B1%89%E8%AF%AD%E8%AF%8D%E5%85%B8/dp/B001B1RZCI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345693609&sr=8-1 →buy]
 
  
 +
{{Source|现代汉语词典(第5版)|465, 343}}
  
 
[[Category:grammar comparison]]
 
[[Category:grammar comparison]]

Latest revision as of 07:34, 19 January 2021

跟 (gēn) and 对 (duì) sometimes seem like they mean the same thing, and at other times they seem to be different. You need to be aware which cases are which.

Used with 说 in the Same Way

When 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.

Structure

Person A + 跟 / 对 + Person B 说

Examples

  • 她 说 了,但是 她 不 信。gēn tā shuō le, dànshì tā bù xìn.I told her, but she didn't believe me.
  • 她 说 了,但是 她 不 信。duì tā shuō le, dànshì tā bù xìn.I told her, but she didn't believe me.
  • 我 说 他 爱 我。duì wǒ shuō tā ài wǒ.He told me he loved me.
  • 我 说 他 爱 我。gēn wǒ shuō tā ài wǒ.He told me he loved me.
  • 刚才 你 他 说 什么 了?Gāngcái nǐ duì tā shuō shén me le?What did you just tell him?
  • 刚才 你 他 说 什么 了?Gāngcái nǐ gēn tā shuō shén me le?What did you just tell him?

Similar Structures but Different Meanings

跟 and 对 can both be verbs, and they are often used with 着, however their meanings are different.

Structure

Subj. + 跟 / 对 + Obj.

Examples for 跟

跟 can be a verb, and its simplest meaning is "follow." Often it is used as a verb phrase, such as 跟着, 跟上, 跟不上, or 跟得上.

  • 这 只 小 猫 总是 跟着 我。Zhè zhǐ xiǎo māo zǒng shì gēnzhe wǒ.This little cat always follows me.
  • 你 走 得 太 快 ,我 跟不上Nǐ zǒu de tài kuài, wǒ gēn bu shàng.You walk too fast, I can't keep up.

Examples for 对

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.

  • 枪口 不 要 对着 人。Qiāng kǒu bùyào duìzhe rén.Don't point guns at people.
  • 我 喜欢 对着 镜子 笑。Wǒ xǐhuan duìzhe jìngzi xiào.I like to laugh at myself in the mirror.
  • 这 两 本 账 对不上Zhè liǎng běn zhàng duì bu shàng.These two accounts don't match up.

When to Use 跟 and Not 对

跟 is a preposition, and it can be used in comparison patterns. 对 cannot be used this way.

Comparison Structure with 一样

This structure is used to explain that two things are (or aren't) similar.

A + 跟 + B + (不)一样

  • 你们 不一样,我 还 有 孩子 呢。gēn nǐmen bù yīyàng, wǒ hái yǒu háizi ne.I am not like you guys. I still have kids.
  • 上海 纽约 一样,都 是 国际 大 都市。Shànghǎi gēn Niǔyuē yīyàng, dōu shì guójì dà dūshì.Shanghai and New York are alike; they are both international cities.

Comparison Structure with 一样 + Adj.

This structure shows that two nouns are the same in some some aspect, which is the word that follows "一样."

A + 跟 + B + (不)一样 + Adj.

  • 我 现在 我 爸 一样 Wǒ xiànzài gēn wǒ bà yīyàng gāo.Now I'm as tall as my dad.
  • 你 妈 一样 喜欢 买 衣服gēn nǐ mā yīyàng xǐhuan mǎi yīfu.You like to buy clothes just like your mother.

跟 as "And" or "With"

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.

Subj. 1 + 跟 + Subj. 2 + Verb-Obj.

  • 你 要 我 一起 去 吗?Nǐ yào gēn wǒ yīqǐ qù ma?Are you going to go with me?
  • 鲜花 巧克力 是 最好 的 礼物。Xiānhuā gēn qiǎokèlì shì zuì hǎo de lǐwù.Flowers and chocolate are the best gifts.

When to Use 对 and not 跟

Structure

When 对 as a preposition, it points to a certain target, since it can mean "facing" or "toward." 跟 can only be used this way with 说.

Subj. 1 对 Subj. 2 + Verb

Examples

  • 那 个 美女 正 我 笑 呢。Nàge měinǚ zhèng duì wǒ xiào ne.That pretty girl is laughing at me.
  • 不 要 老板 发脾气, 不然 后果 很 严重。Bùyào duì lǎobǎn fā píqì, bùrán hòuguǒ hěn yánzhòng.Don't lose your temper with the boss, otherwise there will be serious consequences.

See Also

Sources and further reading

Books

Dictionaries

HSK5