In Chinese culture, 证据 (zhèngjù) carries a heavy, formal weight, deeply rooted in the legal and bureaucratic systems. While modern China's legal framework increasingly aligns with international standards emphasizing evidence, there's a cultural undertone that distinguishes it from the Western concept of “proof.” In the West, “proof” can be used very casually (e.g., “Here's proof I was at the party!”). In Chinese, using 证据 for such a trivial matter would sound overly dramatic. 证据 is reserved for situations where facts are seriously contested—in a courtroom, a scientific debate, or a major accusation. This ties into the concept of “face” or 面子 (miànzi). Making an accusation requires presenting solid 证据, because a baseless claim can cause both the accuser and the accused to lose face. Therefore, the demand for “证据” is also a demand for seriousness and accountability. It's the opposite of hearsay or gossip. In a society that values social harmony, 证据 is the formal mechanism for resolving disputes when harmony has already broken down.
The use of 证据 is primarily in formal contexts.
The connotation is neutral; evidence is simply a factual tool. The context determines whether it is good or bad for the people involved.
The most common mistake for English speakers is confusing 证据 (zhèngjù) with 证明 (zhèngmíng).
Rule of Thumb: If you can replace the word with “a piece of evidence” in English, you should use 证据. If you can replace it with “the act of proving,” you should use 证明.