Subject + (不) + 一样
Use 一样 when you want to say two or more things are the same — or, with 不, that they're different. 一样 acts like an adjective: it sits after the subject and works as the predicate by itself, no 是 needed. 我们一样 'we're the same,' 人是不一样的 'people are different.' You can attach what's being compared with 跟/和: 我跟你一样 'I'm the same as you.' This is one of the core HSK 1 comparison tools.
Structure
[SUBJECT] (跟/和 [REFERENCE]) (不)一样
(gēn/hé...) (bù) yīyàng
How to Think About It
一样 is a stand-alone adjective meaning 'the same in kind.' Negate it with 不一样 the same way you'd negate any other adjective. You don't need 是 in front of it: ✗我是一样, ✓我一样. When you bring in a comparison partner, attach them with 跟 or 和 before 一样: 'A 跟 B 一样.' That whole shape mirrors the simple S+Adj structure of 我高 or 他忙.
Examples
我的手机跟你的一样。
Wǒ de shǒujī gēn nǐ de yīyàng.
My phone is the same as yours.
南方和北方的菜不一样。
Nánfāng hé běifāng de cài bù yīyàng.
Southern and northern food are different.
每个人都不一样，这才有意思。
Měi gè rén dōu bù yīyàng, zhè cái yǒu yìsi.
Everyone is different — that's what makes it interesting.
Common Mistake
Learners add 是 before 一样 because English 'is the same' has a 'be' verb. In Chinese, 一样 is the adjective and doesn't need 是 — adding it makes the sentence ungrammatical in plain comparisons.
我和你是一样。
我和你一样。
Don't Confuse With
跟……一样 + Adjective
Adds a specific dimension of similarity ('as tall as you'). Plain 一样 just says 'the same,' without specifying along which axis.
差不多
Means 'roughly the same,' allowing small differences. 一样 claims they're identical or equivalent.
相同
Formal/written 'identical,' used in essays and contracts. 一样 covers daily speech.
Practice
我和妹妹长得不____。
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一样
他的想法____我的一样。
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跟
Arrange: 一样 / 我们的 / 不 / 衣服
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我们的衣服不一样。
Translate: Today's weather is the same as yesterday's.
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今天的天气跟昨天一样。
Write one sentence using 一样 or 不一样 comparing yourself with someone.
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我跟我爸爸一样喜欢喝茶，不喜欢喝咖啡。
Hear It in Real Episodes
This pattern appears in 1 Fluentide episode: