HSK 5 · VERSION 2.0#96
Comparing “gēn” and “duì”
跟 vs 对
Comparison section · original #3 · level order #96
How it works
Both 跟 (gēn) and 对 (duì) can be translated as “to / with,” but their meanings are different.
跟 (gēn) often means “with” and emphasizes participation or connection between people.
对 (duì) often means “toward” or introduces the target of attitude, speech, or action.
Example sentences
我想先跟你商量一下，再做决定。
I want to discuss it with you first and then make a decision.
老师对我们的要求一直很严格。
The teacher has always been very strict with us.
他平时不太愿意跟别人谈自己的事，但对工作却一向很认真。
He is usually not very willing to talk about his own matters with others, but he has always been very serious toward his work.
Key point
A simple rule:
跟 (gēn) = with someone
对 (duì) = toward someone / something