How to say two things are the same (A 跟 B 一样), how to say one is like another (A 像 B), and how both differ from the unequal comparison with 比. The grammar of sameness and resemblance.
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概述gàishùOverview — Same, Similar, Different
语法核心 yǔfǎ héxīn · Grammatical Core
Comparison in Chinese sorts into three relationships, each with its own structure. To say two things are the same, use 一样 yíyàng in the frame A 跟 B 一样 ("A is the same as B"). To say one thing resembles another, use 像 xiàng in the frame A 像 B ("A is like B"). To say one exceeds another, use 比 bǐ (covered in its own entry): A 比 B 高 ("A is taller than B").
一样 and 像 both belong to the world of likeness, but they differ in strength. 一样 asserts sameness or equality: identical, or equal in a stated respect. 像 asserts resemblance: alike, similar, reminiscent of, without claiming to be identical. The two often combine in the simile frame 像…一样 ("just like…"). Seeing 一样 (equality) and 比 (inequality) as opposites, with 像 (resemblance) alongside, gives you the whole map.
The three comparisonsSame: A 跟/和 B 一样（+ Adj）, 他跟我一样高 · He is as tall as I am Similar: A 像 B（+ Adj/Verb）, 她像她妈妈 · She resembles her mother Simile: A 像 B 一样（+ Adj）, 像雪一样白 · white as snow More (different): A 比 B 高 · A is taller than B (see 比)
Marks two things as the same. The frame is A 跟 B 一样 (跟 gēn or 和 hé link the two). Add an adjective to compare a specific quality as equal: A 跟 B 一样 + Adj. Negate as A 跟 B 不一样 ("different") or A 跟 B 不一样 + Adj. 一样 alone can also modify a noun: 一样的衣服 ("the same clothes").
我的想法跟你一样。
Wǒ de xiǎngfǎ gēn nǐ yíyàng.
My idea is the same as yours.
这两件衣服一样贵。
Zhè liǎng jiàn yīfu yíyàng guì.
These two pieces of clothing are equally expensive.
我们的爱好不一样。
Wǒmen de àihào bù yíyàng.
Our hobbies are different.
语法 yǔfǎ · Grammar
To express equality in a quality, the order is A 跟 B 一样 + Adjective: 他跟我一样高 ("he is as tall as me"), literally "he with me same tall." Negation usually attaches to 一样: 不一样高 ("not equally tall"). Note the tone sandhi: 一样 is yíyàng (一 becomes second tone before the fourth-tone 样).
像xiàngTo Resemble — A 像 B
像xiàngto resemble; to be like; such as
V 动词 dòngcí
A verb meaning "to resemble, to be like." The basic frame is A 像 B ("A is like B"), asserting likeness rather than identity. It powers similes in the frame A 像 B 一样 + Adj/Verb ("A is just like B"). 像 also introduces examples, "such as / like" (像…这样的, "things like…"). Negate as 不像 ("does not resemble").
语法 yǔfǎ · Grammar
The simile frame 像 B 一样 is the standard way to build comparisons in Chinese: 像雪一样白 ("white as snow"), 像孩子一样天真 ("innocent as a child"). Here 一样 closes the bracket on what is being compared to. Distinguish 像 (resemble, the comparison verb) from its homophone 象 (elephant; image), now usually merged in the simplified character 像 for "resemble."
一样 and 比 are the two poles of comparison, and they take different structures. 一样 marks equality: A 跟 B 一样高 ("A is as tall as B"), the two are level. 比 marks inequality: A 比 B 高 ("A is taller than B"), one exceeds the other. You cannot mix the frames; 跟 goes with 一样, 比 stands alone before the standard.
Negation differs too. To deny sameness, negate 一样: A 跟 B 不一样 ("A and B are different"). To deny a 比 comparison, Chinese normally switches to 没有: A 没有 B 高 ("A is not as tall as B"), meaning A falls short of B. A common learner slip is 不比, which exists but means something subtler ("not necessarily more… than"), not a plain "less than." The clean toolkit: 一样 for equal, 比 for more, 没有 for less, 不一样 for different, and 像 for merely alike.
相关xiāngguānRelated
Related entries — pages and vocabulary in the neighbourhood of this one
How do you say two things are the same in Chinese?
Use the pattern A 跟/和 B 一样 ('A is the same as B'): 我的手机跟你的一样 ('my phone is the same as yours'). You can extend it with an adjective to say they are equal in some quality: A 跟 B 一样 + adjective, as in 他跟我一样高 ('he is as tall as I am'). 一样 yíyàng means 'the same / alike / equally,' and it marks equality, in contrast to 比, which marks difference.
What is the difference between 一样 and 像?
一样 yíyàng means 'the same' (identical or equal in some respect): A 跟 B 一样. 像 xiàng means 'to resemble / to be like' (similar but not identical): A 像 B. So 这个跟那个一样 means 'this is the same as that,' while 这个像那个 means 'this is like / resembles that.' 一样 asserts sameness; 像 asserts likeness or resemblance, often with 一样 added for emphasis (像…一样, 'just like…').
How do you use the A 像 B 一样 pattern?
A 像 B 一样 means 'A is just like B' and is used for vivid comparisons and similes: 他像孩子一样天真 ('he is innocent just like a child'), 时间像水一样流过 ('time flows past like water'). The 像…一样 frame brackets the thing being compared to, and an adjective or verb often follows. It is the standard structure for similes in Chinese.
How is 一样 different from 比 (the comparison word)?
一样 marks equality, things that are the same: A 跟 B 一样高 ('A is as tall as B'). 比 marks inequality, one thing exceeding another: A 比 B 高 ('A is taller than B'). To say two things are NOT the same, use 不一样 ('different') or 不一样高 ('not equally tall'); to negate a 比 comparison you generally use 没有: A 没有 B 高 ('A is not as tall as B'). Use 一样 for sameness, 比 for difference.