跟随

• Pinyin: gēn suí
• Hanzi breakdown: 跟 = to follow; 随 = to follow/comply

Meaning

To follow; to accompany. Going along with someone or something.

Used for physically following someone, following in a career or path, or figuratively following trends, teachings, or examples. More formal than simple 跟.

Examples

1. 他跟随师傅学艺已经五年了。 He has been learning from his master for five years now.
2. 她决定跟随自己的内心做选择。 She decided to follow her heart in making choices.
3. 保镖跟随在明星身后。 The bodyguard followed behind the celebrity.

Usage Guide

Context: career, movement, guidance

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 我跟随他学了很多。(I learned a lot following him.)
• 跟随潮流并不总是对的。(Following trends isn't always right.)

Don't Say

• 跟随去超市 (For casual accompaniment, use 一起去 or 陪 — 跟随 implies a more formal or sustained following)

Origin & History

Compound of 跟 (to follow) + 随 (to follow, comply), reinforcing the meaning of following.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal