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Comparing Similarity with 跟……一样
Use A跟B一样 to say that A and B are the same in a relevant respect. Learn the pattern's basic meaning, question form, and limits.
小林跟我一样高。
高 specifies height; the sentence does not claim the two people are identical.
Read the full explanation and examples
Meaning: alike in a stated respect
The outline lists this lesson as the second pattern under comparison sentences: A跟B一样. It expresses that A and B match or are alike in the respect made clear by the sentence or context. A and B can be people, objects, or times. The pattern itself does not say that A is greater, smaller, faster, or otherwise more intense than B.
小林跟我一样高。
高 specifies height; the sentence does not claim the two people are identical.
Here, the comparison concerns height. The word 一样 links the two sides as matching, and 高 names the respect in which they match. The sentence does not claim that Xiaolin and the speaker are identical people; it says their height is the same.
Formation: put the matching detail after 一样
Use A跟B一样, adding a description when the matching dimension needs to be stated. 一样高 compares height. Do not insert 更 into that simple height-equality frame to mean “as tall as”; 更 introduces a different degree relation. This is guidance for the intended equality comparison, not a ban on every larger sentence containing both 一样 and 更.
今天跟昨天一样冷。
The comparison is between the coldness of the two days.
The sentence compares today's weather with yesterday's in terms of coldness. It is a statement, not a question. The two time expressions occupy the A and B positions; the adjective identifies the point of similarity.
这间教室跟那间教室一样大。
大 gives the dimension of classroom size.
The same frame works for two objects: the description is 大, so the sentence compares their size. Make sure the listener can identify both sides. Repeating 教室 makes the two classrooms clear; in a shared context, Chinese may allow a speaker to leave out information that is already understood.
Ask whether two things are alike
Add 吗 to ask for confirmation: 这本书跟那本书一样贵吗？. A natural answer is 一样贵, or 不一样，这本便宜一些. The question asks about matching price, rather than which book costs more or the size of a difference.
这本书跟那本书一样贵吗？
The question asks whether the prices match; it does not assert that they do.
This asks whether the two books cost the same, using 贵 as the relevant description. It is useful when checking prices or confirming an impression. A question with 吗 does not imply that the prices really are equal; it leaves the answer open.
A skill or ability can be the shared point
The matching feature can be an ability, not just a simple adjective. 妹妹跟我一样会做饭 can present both people as able to cook. If the context is about being good at cooking, 会做饭 can also have a competence reading. Do not infer an exact equal skill score from the wording alone; specify the dimension if it matters.
妹妹跟我一样会做饭。
This can present a shared ability to cook. If the context is about skill, 会做饭 can also invite a competence reading; 一样 alone does not supply a score.
Use this pattern when the point is sameness or similarity. If your point is that A exceeds B in degree, that is a different comparison: the outline places A比B+更/还+adjective in the neighboring entry. A跟B一样高 says their height matches; it does not mean “A is taller than B.” Keep the meaning you intend in view when choosing the form.
A quick way to build your own sentence
First, name the two people, things, or times you want to compare. Next, decide exactly what matches: height, weather, price, or a shared ability, for example. Put the description after 一样, then decide whether you are making a statement or asking for confirmation. Before speaking, check that the sentence does not accidentally suggest a different degree or claim more than you know.
Frequently asked questions
Does 一样 have to be followed by an adjective?
No. It can have a description such as 高 or 会做饭, or end at 一样 when the matching dimension is already clear, as in 我的想法跟你的一样.
How do I turn the pattern into a yes/no question?
Keep the statement form and add 吗 at the end. The question asks whether the two sides match in the stated respect.
Does A跟B一样 mean A is more than B?
No. It presents the two sides as alike in the stated respect. A comparison of greater degree uses a different form.
