跟着 (gēn zhe) is a compound word formed from 跟 (gēn), meaning 'with' or 'to follow', and the aspect particle 着 (zhe), which indicates continuity or ongoing action. Together, it expresses the idea of moving, acting, or staying in company with someone or something — literally 'following along' or 'keeping up with'. It often implies physical proximity or temporal alignment, such as walking behind someone, imitating their behavior, or doing something simultaneously.

This word functions either as a preposition (followed by a noun/pronoun, e.g., 跟着老师) or as a verb (often with directional complements or resultative suffixes, e.g., 跟着走). It’s common in daily conversation, instructions, storytelling, and descriptions of coordinated actions — especially when emphasizing accompaniment, imitation, or adherence to a pace or plan.