gēnjù: 根据 - According to, Based on, On the basis of

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• Summary: Learn how to use “根据 (gēnjù)”, a fundamental Chinese word meaning “according to” or “based on”. This page provides a deep dive into its meaning, cultural context, and practical usage with over 10 example sentences. Master `根据` to cite evidence, state reasons, and add authority to your statements, and understand the crucial difference between `根据` and similar words like `按照 (ànzhào)`.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): gēnjù
• Part of Speech: Preposition, Noun, Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: A word used to introduce the source, reason, or evidence for a statement or action, translating to “according to,” “based on,” or “on the basis of.”
• In a Nutshell: `根据` is your go-to word when you need to back up what you're saying. Think of it as the Chinese equivalent of saying “According to…” or “Based on the evidence…”. It signals that your statement isn't just a personal opinion, but is founded on a specific source, be it a rule, a report, an observation, or a fact. Using `根据` makes your language sound more objective, credible, and well-reasoned.

• 根 (gēn): The original meaning is “root,” as in the root of a tree or plant. It carries the strong sense of a foundation, origin, or fundamental basis.
• 据 (jù): This character means “to rely upon,” “to occupy,” or can refer to “evidence” or “proof.”
• When you combine 根 (root/foundation) and 据 (to rely on/evidence), you get `根据`. The word paints a powerful picture: your statement or action is firmly rooted in a solid foundation of evidence. It's not floating in the air; it has something concrete supporting it.

While `根据` doesn't carry deep philosophical weight like `面子 (miànzi)`, its usage highlights a practical aspect of Chinese communication, particularly in formal settings. There is a strong emphasis on authority, precedent, and evidence. In Western culture, “citing your sources” is crucial in academia but can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In Chinese, using `根据` is common in a wider range of situations, from official government announcements to discussing the weather forecast with a friend. Using `根据` to cite a rule, a law, or an official source (`根据规定…` “according to regulations…”) is a way of establishing an objective, non-negotiable basis for an action. It removes personal opinion from the equation and points to a higher, shared authority. This reflects a cultural tendency to respect and operate within established systems and frameworks, whether in business, law, or social interactions. It’s less about opening a debate and more about stating an established fact.

`根据` is an extremely versatile word used across all levels of formality.

• As a Preposition (Most Common): It introduces the basis for a clause. The structure is typically: `根据 + Source/Evidence, Statement/Conclusion`.
  • Formal Use: In news reports, legal documents, academic papers, and company policies. For example, `根据法律规定…` (“According to legal regulations…”).
  • Informal Use: In daily conversation to explain your reasoning. For example, `根据天气预报，明天会下雨。` (“According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.”).
• As a Noun: It means “basis,” “foundation,” or “evidence.”
  • `你这么说的根据是什么？` (Nǐ zhème shuō de gēnjù shì shénme?) - What is the basis for you saying that?
  • `他的指控没有任何根据。` (Tā de zhǐkòng méiyǒu rènhé gēnjù.) - His accusation has no basis whatsoever.
• As a Verb (Less Common): It means “to be based on.” This usage often appears in formal or written Chinese.
  • `这个故事是根据真实事件改编的。` (Zhège gùshì shì gēnjù zhēnshí shìjiàn gǎibiān de.) - This story is adapted based on real events.

• Example 1:
  • 根据天气预报，明天有大风。
  • Pinyin: Gēnjù tiānqì yùbào, míngtiān yǒu dàfēng.
  • English: According to the weather forecast, it will be very windy tomorrow.
  • Analysis: A very common, everyday use. The weather forecast is the “source” of the information.
• Example 2:
  • 医生根据我的症状，诊断我得了感冒。
  • Pinyin: Yīshēng gēnjù wǒ de zhèngzhuàng, zhěnduàn wǒ déle gǎnmào.
  • English: The doctor, based on my symptoms, diagnosed me with a cold.
  • Analysis: Here, the “basis” for the doctor's conclusion is the patient's symptoms. This shows a cause-and-effect relationship based on evidence.
• Example 3:
  • 根据最新消息，那座桥已经修好了。
  • Pinyin: Gēnjù zuìxīn xiāoxī, nà zuò qiáo yǐjīng xiū hǎo le.
  • English: According to the latest news, that bridge has already been repaired.
  • Analysis: Used frequently in news and updates. The “latest news” is the cited authority.
• Example 4:
  • 根据公司规定，员工每年有十天年假。
  • Pinyin: Gēnjù gōngsī guīdìng, yuángōng měinián yǒu shí tiān niánjià.
  • English: According to company regulations, employees have ten days of annual leave each year.
  • Analysis: A typical formal usage in a business context. It states a fact based on an official rule.
• Example 5:
  • 你这样说有什么根据吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ zhèyàng shuō yǒu shé me gēnjù ma?
  • English: Do you have any basis for saying that?
  • Analysis: This shows `根据` used as a noun, meaning “basis” or “evidence.” It's a way of challenging someone's statement.
• Example 6:
  • 这部电影是根据一部著名小说改编的。
  • Pinyin: Zhè bù diànyǐng shì gēnjù yī bù zhùmíng xiǎoshuō gǎibiān de.
  • English: This movie is adapted based on a famous novel.
  • Analysis: Here, `根据` acts as a verb, “to be based on.” This `是…根据…的` structure is common for explaining origins.
• Example 7:
  • 根据我们去年的销售数据，这个产品非常受欢迎。
  • Pinyin: Gēnjù wǒmen qùnián de xiāoshòu shùjù, zhège chǎnpǐn fēicháng shòu huānyíng.
  • English: Based on our sales data from last year, this product is very popular.
  • Analysis: A perfect example of using `根据` in a business or analytical context to present a conclusion derived from data.
• Example 8:
  • 根据法律，你必须为你的行为负责。
  • Pinyin: Gēnjù fǎlǜ, nǐ bìxū wèi nǐ de xíngwéi fùzé.
  • English: According to the law, you must be responsible for your actions.
  • Analysis: A very formal and serious use, citing the law as the ultimate authority.
• Example 9:
  • 他的理论缺乏科学根据。
  • Pinyin: Tā de lǐlùn quēfá kēxué gēnjù.
  • English: His theory lacks a scientific basis.
  • Analysis: Another example of `根据` as a noun, often paired with adjectives like `科学` (scientific), `事实` (factual), etc.
• Example 10:
  • 根据我的观察，他今天心情不太好。
  • Pinyin: Gēnjù wǒ de guānchá, tā jīntiān xīnqíng bù tài hǎo.
  • English: Based on my observation, he's not in a very good mood today.
  • Analysis: This shows that the “basis” can also be personal, like an observation, not just an official document. It makes your opinion sound more reasoned.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between `根据` and `按照 (ànzhào)`.

• `根据 (gēnjù)` - The Basis of Knowledge (“Why”)
  • Focuses on the source of information, evidence, or reason that informs a conclusion or decision. It answers the question, “How do you know that?” or “What's the reason?”.
  • Think: Based on the map, according to the report, on the basis of the evidence.
• `按照 (ànzhào)` - The Basis of Action (“How”)
  • Focuses on following a specific plan, procedure, instruction, or standard. It answers the question, “How should you do it?”.
  • Think: In accordance with the instructions, following the plan, as per the schedule.

Quick Test: If you can replace it with “based on this information,” use `根据`. If you can replace it with “by following this method/plan,” use `按照`.

• Correct: 根据地图，我们应该向东走。(Gēnjù dìtú, wǒmen yīnggāi xiàng dōng zǒu.) - According to the map (source of information), we should go east.
• Correct: 我们要按照地图上的路线走。(Wǒmen yào ànzhào dìtú shàng de lùxiàn zǒu.) - We need to follow the route on the map (the procedure/plan).
• Incorrect: ~~我们应该按照天气预报穿衣服。~~ (Wǒmen yīnggāi ànzhào tiānqì yùbào chuān yīfú.)
  • Why it's wrong: The weather forecast is a source of information, not a set of instructions to follow.
  • Correct: 我们应该根据天气预报穿衣服。(Wǒmen yīnggāi gēnjù tiānqì yùbào chuān yīfú.) - We should dress according to the weather forecast.
• False Friend: `听说 (tīngshuō)`
  • Don't confuse `根据` with `听说 (tīngshuō)`, which means “to hear tell; I heard that…”.
  • `根据` implies a reliable, verifiable source.
  • `听说` implies hearsay, rumor, or second-hand information. It's much less certain.
  • Example: `听说他要来。` (I heard he's coming.) → Informal, maybe a rumor.
  • Example: `根据他的邮件，他今天下午会到。` (According to his email, he will arrive this afternoon.) → Formal, based on evidence.

• 按照 (ànzhào) - A close relative of `根据`. It means “in accordance with” and emphasizes following a procedure, method, or plan.
• 依照 (yīzhào) - A more formal synonym for both `根据` and `按照`. It's often used in legal and official documents.
• 基于 (jīyú) - A formal, often written, synonym for “based on.” It's frequently used for more abstract foundations, like “based on the principle of…” (`基于…的原则`).
• 证据 (zhèngjù) - Evidence; the concrete proof or data that you might cite using `根据`.
• 理由 (lǐyóu) - Reason; the justification for an action. You can state your reason `根据` certain facts.
• 来源 (láiyuán) - Source; the origin of information, which is what `根据` is used to introduce.
• 规定 (guīdìng) - Regulation, rule. A very common thing to cite using `根据`. Example: `根据规定…`
• 事实 (shìshí) - Fact. You often make a statement `根据` the facts (`根据事实`).