Comparison with 跟...一样 (gēn...yíyàng) - As...As

The structure is like a sandwich. You have your two items on the outside. The grammar pattern sits right in the middle. 跟 means "with" or "and." 一样 means "the same." Put them together and you have a match. You are basically saying "A with B is the same." It is a very logical way to think. You don't need complex verb conjugations here. You just need to place your nouns and your adjectives in the right spots. If you want to say two things are identical, just use the basic pattern. If you want to say they share a specific quality, add an adjective at the end. It is like adding a topping to your pizza. The base stays the same, but the topping adds detail. Think of it like a grammar scale where both sides are perfectly balanced. No one side is heavier than the other.

1. 1Basic Equality: A + 跟 + B + 一样. Use this when two things are just "the same" in general. Example: 他的手机跟我的一样 (His phone is the same as mine).
2. 2Specific Quality: A + 跟 + B + 一样 + Adjective. Use this to specify how they are the same. Example: 他跟我一样高 (He is as tall as I am).
3. 3Negation: A + 跟 + B + 不一样. This means they are different. You just put 不 (bù) right before 一样. Example: 上海跟北京不一样 (Shanghai is not the same as Beijing).
4. 4Negating a Quality: A + 跟 + B + 不一样 + Adjective. This is less common but used to say they don't share a specific degree. However, usually, we use 没有 for "not as... as."
5. 5Adding Emphasis: You can add 都 (dōu) before 一样 if there are multiple things. Example: 他们都跟我一样 (They are all the same as me).

Use it when comparing prices at the local market. "Is this apple the same price as that one?" Use it in job interviews to discuss your skills. "My experience is the same as the requirement." Use it when talking about weather during your travels. "Today is as hot as yesterday." It works for physical traits like height and weight. It also works for abstract ideas like opinions or feelings. Imagine you are ordering food with a friend. They order a spicy soup. You want the same level of spice. You would say, "I want mine as spicy as hers." It is perfect for finding common ground. It is also great for describing people. "You look just like your father." (Wait, that's 像, but we'll get to that!). Use 跟...一样 when the focus is on the degree of a quality.

Do not use it for "more than" or "less than." That is the job for 比 (bǐ). If one thing is even slightly different in degree, 跟...一样 is no longer your friend. Do not use it when you have specific numbers or measurements of difference. If you are 5cm taller than your brother, you cannot use this pattern. You also shouldn't use it if you are just describing one thing. It requires two entities to compare. Think of it like a dance; you need a partner. If you are only talking about your own height without a reference, just use a normal sentence. Also, avoid using it when you want to emphasize a "look-alike" rather than a "same-level." If someone looks like a celebrity, 像 is usually better.

A big one is putting 不 in the wrong place. You cannot say 不我跟你一样. That sounds like you're glitching. It must be 我跟你不一样. Another mistake is adding 很 (hěn) before the adjective. You do not need 很 here. The comparison already implies the level. Saying 一样很高 is like saying "the same very tall." It is redundant and sounds a bit clunky. Yes, even native speakers might slip up, but you can be better! Also, don't forget the second item. You can't just say 我跟你一样. Well, you can, but only if the context is clear. Usually, you need to state what is the same. Finally, don't mix up 跟 and 比. They are like oil and water; they don't mix in the same sentence structure.

You might know 像...一样 (xiàng...yíyàng). While they look similar, they have a different vibe. 像 is more about "resemblance" or "acting like." If you act like a child, use 像. If you are exactly as old as a child, use 跟. Think of 跟 as a mathematical equals sign (=). Think of 像 as a mirror. Then there is 没有...那么 (méiyǒu...nàme). This is the negative version of "as... as." If you are NOT as tall as your friend, you use 没有. While 不一样高 is grammatically okay, 没有他那么高 is much more natural and common. It is like choosing between a spoon and a fork. Both work, but one is usually better for the job.