Let’s learn how to say “with” and “and” in Chinese using 跟 (gēn) and 和 (hé). These two little words make it much easier to talk about doing things together—whether you’re studying with a friend... or arguing with your boss about who ate the last dumpling.
1. 跟 (gēn) — with (someone)
Use 跟 to say you’re doing something with someone. Think of 跟 like telling a story: “I went with my friend.”
我跟妈妈去商店。 (Wǒ gēn māma qù shāngdiàn.) – I go with my mom to the store.
他跟老师请假了。 (Tā gēn lǎoshī qǐngjià le.) – He asked for leave with the teacher (=He asked the teacher for leave.)
2. 和 (hé) — and / with (someone)
和 means “and,” but it can also mean “with” when talking about people! In daily speech, 和 and 跟 can often both mean “with” someone—you can choose either, and Chinese people won’t mind.
我和朋友一起吃饭。 (Wǒ hé péngyǒu yìqǐ chīfàn.) – I eat with my friend. / My friend and I eat together.
我没和姐姐一起去中国。 (Wǒ méi hé jiějie yìqǐ qù Zhōngguó.) – I didn’t go to China with my older sister.
Okay, what's the difference?
When talking about objects, use 和 (and). Ex: 苹果和香蕉 (apples and bananas).
When talking about people, both 跟 and 和 mean “with.” 跟 is a little more colloquial, but honestly, you’ll hear both! If in doubt, copy what your favorite Chinese drama character says.
Pro tip: 和 is NOT pronounced like "he"! It's "hé" (sounds a bit like 'her', but without the 'r'), and 跟 rhymes with “den,” not with “gen” from "genius" (unless you’re a genius at tones).
浩然和晓彤一起学习。 (Hàorán hé Xiǎotóng yìqǐ xuéxí.) – Haoran and Xiaotong study together.
建国跟妈妈说话。 (Jiànguó gēn māma shuōhuà.) – Jianguo talks with his mom.
我们跟老师学中文。 (Wǒmen gēn lǎoshī xué Zhōngwén.) – We learn Chinese with the teacher.
Funny tip: If you ever hear “和” pronounced “hè”... you have two options: a) politely nod and pretend you didn’t hear, or b) run—because that means “to mix with water”! Totally different character and now you’re either in a chemistry class or helping Grandma make soup.
莉莉 志强喝咖啡。 (Lili drinks coffee with Zhiqiang.)
我没 姐姐一起去中国。 (I didn’t go to China with my sister.)