Using 跟 (gēn) as a Conjunction to Link Words and Phrases (HSK 2)

What Is 跟2 in the HSK 2 Outline?

In the HSK 2 grammar syllabus, the entry 跟2 is classified under conjunctions (连词) that connect words or phrases (连接词或短语). The number 2 in the syllabus label simply distinguishes this coordinating conjunction role from other grammatical functions of 跟, such as its use as a verb meaning 'to follow' or as a preposition meaning 'with'.

When used as a conjunction, 跟 translates to 'and' in English. It joins two parallel elements of equal grammatical weight, most commonly nouns, pronouns, or multi-word noun phrases. Compared to the standard conjunction 和 (hé), using 跟 to mean 'and' feels distinctly conversational and is especially frequent in everyday spoken Mandarin.

Core Structures and Word Order

To link two nominal items, place 跟 directly between them. Both items share the same grammatical role in the sentence, serving together as a combined subject or a combined object.

When two people or things are joined by 跟 as the subject of a sentence, speakers very frequently add the adverb 都 (dōu, 'both / all') before the verb or adjective to show that the statement applies equally to both sides.

Connecting Words vs. Connecting Noun Phrases

The syllabus specifically notes that 跟 connects either individual words or longer phrases. At the word level, you can pair two simple nouns as the object of a verb when listing everyday items.

At the phrase level, 跟 can join fuller noun phrases that include demonstratives (such as 这 'this' or 那 'that'), numbers, and measure words. Even when the phrases are several syllables long, 跟 sits cleanly at the boundary between the two nominal groups.

Important Contrasts: Conjunction 跟 vs.和 (hé) and Preposition 跟

Because learners encounter both 和 (hé) and multiple uses of 跟 early on, keeping their boundaries clear prevents confusion in reading and listening.

• For the basic noun-linking use here, 和 and 跟 often share the meaning “and”. 跟 is conversational; 和 works broadly in speech and writing. Choice also depends on the phrase and context, so there is no need to prefer 跟 in every casual sentence.
• Role difference with preposition 跟 ('with'): In Chinese, 跟 can also be a preposition introducing an accompanying person or a comparison target. In a sentence with a single action verb, 'A 跟 B + Verb' can sometimes be read either as 'A and B do something' (conjunction) or 'A does something with B' (preposition). You can tell them apart when negation or adverbs appear: if an adverb like 不 (bù, 'not') or 常 (cháng, 'often') comes before 跟, then 跟 is acting as a preposition ('not with...'), because adverbs cannot be placed directly before a coordinating conjunction to negate only the link.

Grammatical Limits and Common Learner Mistakes

Do not translate every English “and” as 跟. In the beginner pattern here it links nominal elements; it is not an ordinary connector between independent action clauses. Actions can themselves be treated as topics or nominal units, so “anything containing a verb is forbidden” would be too broad.

When you want to link two simultaneous actions performed by the same subject, do not insert 跟 between the verb phrases. Instead, use a verbal coordination pattern such as 一边……一边…… (yìbiān... yìbiān..., 'while doing A, doing B'), or simply place the clauses side by side according to context.

Frequently asked questions