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.

Structure

Examples

When they have a similar grammar structure but different meanings

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

Structure

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.

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.

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.

Structure 1

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

Examples

Structure 2

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

Examples

Structure 3

"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.

Examples

Examples when to use 对 and not 跟

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.

Examples

Example Dialog

See Also

• Expressing "with" with "gen"
• Using "dui"

Sources and further reading

Books

• 现代汉语八百词（增订本） (跟 p. 201)

Dictionaries

• 现代汉语词典（第5版） (跟p.465 对p.343)