跟 vs 向 (gēn vs xiàng): from, with, or toward
Both 跟 (gēn) and 向 (xiàng) can mark the source in verbs like 'ask' or 'borrow', but 跟 is the colloquial choice also used for 'with' (accompanying), while 向 is more formal and also means 'toward' (direction). Use 跟 for everyday interpersonal actions and accompaniment; use 向 for directional movement and in formal written contexts.
跟 and 向 are both coverbs that can indicate the source of an action (e.g., borrowing, asking), but they differ in register and additional functions. 跟 is more colloquial and is also the standard coverb for 'with' (accompanying someone). 向 is more formal and also expresses direction ('toward'). In casual conversation, 跟 is preferred for interpersonal source; 向 is used for direction and in formal or written language for source.
Quando usare ciascuno
Use 跟 to mean 'with' when accompanying someone or doing an action together. Use it to indicate the source of an action (e.g., asking, borrowing) in everyday spoken Chinese. It is the natural choice for verbs like 说 (speak to), 问 (ask), 借 (borrow), 要 (ask for).
跟 cannot be used to express direction ('toward'). For that, use 向 or 往.
Use 向 to indicate direction ('toward') with motion verbs like 走 (walk), 跑 (run), 看 (look). Use it to mark the source of an action in formal or written Chinese (e.g., asking, borrowing), especially when the verb is more formal (e.g., 请教, 查询).
向 cannot be used to mean 'with' (accompanying). For accompaniment, use 跟.
In sintesi
| 跟 | 向 | |
|---|---|---|
| Core meaning | 'with' (accompaniment) and 'from' (source) | 'toward' (direction) and 'from' (source) |
| Register for source | Colloquial, everyday speech | Formal, written |
| Use with verb 问 (ask) | 我跟他问路 (Wǒ gēn tā wèn lù) – I asked him for directions. | 我向他问路 (Wǒ xiàng tā wèn lù) – same, but more formal. |
| Use with verb 借 (borrow) | 我跟他借了一本书 (Wǒ gēn tā jiè le yī běn shū.) | 我向他借了一本书 (Wǒ xiàng tā jiè le yī běn shū.) – formal |
| Directional use | Not allowed | 他向学校走去 (Tā xiàng xuéxiào zǒu qù.) – He walked toward the school. |
Esempi
- 跟我跟朋友去公园。Wǒ gēn péng you qù gōng yuán.I go to the park with a friend.跟 indicates accompaniment ('with').
- 跟我跟他借了一本书。Wǒ gēn tā jiè le yì běn shū.I borrowed a book from him.Colloquial source usage.
- 向他向我走来。Tā xiàng wǒ zǒu lái.He walked toward me.Directional sense.
- 向我向他借了一本书。Wǒ xiàng tā jiè le yì běn shū.I borrowed a book from him. (formal)Formal source usage; same meaning as 跟 example but more written.
- 跟你别跟我说话。Nǐ bié gēn wǒ shuō huà.Don’t talk to me.跟 with 说 (speak) – colloquial.
- 向他向老师请教问题。Tā xiàng lǎo shī qǐng jiào wèn tí.He asked the teacher a question (respectfully).Formal verb 请教; 向 is appropriate.
Errori comuni
- Using 向 for 'with' accompaniment: ✗ 我向朋友去公园 (should be 跟).
- Using 跟 for directional 'toward': ✗ 他跟我走来 (should be 向).
- Overusing 向 in casual speech for 'from' when 跟 sounds more natural: ✗ 我向他要电话 (formal, but in conversation 跟他 is better).
- Using 跟 with formal verbs like 请教: ✗ 我跟他请教 (sounds odd; use 向).
FAQ
- When do I use 跟 vs 向 for 'from someone'?
- Both can mean 'from' after verbs like 借 (borrow), 问 (ask), or 要 (ask for). 跟 is the everyday spoken choice; 向 is more formal and common in writing. In casual conversation, prefer 跟.
- Can 向 be used to mean 'with' (accompanying)?
- No. 向 only expresses direction ('toward') or source (formal). For 'with' as in 'go with someone', always use 跟.
- Can 跟 be used to express direction like 'toward'?
- No. 跟 does not have a directional meaning. Use 向 or 往 for 'toward' (e.g., 向/往东走 – walk eastward).
- Is there a difference in formality between 跟 and 向 for 'ask'?
- Yes. 跟 is neutral and used in all spoken contexts. 向 is more formal and often used with polite or respectful verbs like 请教, 汇报, 查询. For simple 问, both work, but 跟 is more conversational.