根据 vs 据 (according to)

• Pinyin: gēnjù / jù
• Formation: 根据 + Noun/Clause + Result / 据 + Monosyllabic Source + Clause
• Hanzi breakdown: 根 = 木 (wood) + 艮 (stubborn/firm) — firm root of a tree; 据 = 扌(hand) + 居 (reside) — hand holding firm

Meaning

根据 (gēnjù) and 据 (jù) both mean 'according to' or 'based on,' but 据 is a monosyllabic literary abbreviation that is more concise and formal. 根据 is the standard form used in both spoken and written Chinese.

据 is essentially a condensed form of 根据 used in formal writing, journalism, and fixed expressions. It pairs naturally with monosyllabic nouns like 据报 (according to reports), 据称 (allegedly), 据悉 (it is learned that), and 据说 (it is said). 根据 is more versatile and can precede both monosyllabic and polysyllabic nouns or clauses. A key difference is that 根据 can also function as a noun meaning 'basis' or 'grounds' (e.g., 有什么根据？), while 据 cannot. In academic and legal writing, 根据 is preferred for precision; in news headlines and literary prose, 据 is favored for brevity.

Examples

1. 根据最新的调查报告，超过半数的居民支持这项政策。 According to the latest survey report, more than half the residents support this policy.
2. 据悉，该公司计划明年在海外设立分支机构。 It is learned that the company plans to establish overseas branches next year.
3. 根据他提供的线索，警方很快锁定了嫌疑人。 Based on the clues he provided, the police quickly identified the suspect.

Usage Guide

Context: written, news, academic

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 根据合同条款，双方应在三十天内完成交接。
• 据报道，这场暴风雨已造成多地断电。
• 根据历史记载，这条古道曾是重要的贸易通道。
• 据了解，新的交通管制措施将于下月实施。

Don't Say

• 据我的朋友说的那番话，他可能不来了。(据 pairs with concise monosyllabic sources, not long phrases — use 根据 for extended noun phrases) → 根据我朋友说的话，他可能不来了。
• 这件事没有据。(据 cannot be used as a noun meaning 'basis' — only 根据 functions as a noun; say 没有根据) → 这件事没有根据。

Origin & History

根据 combines 根 (root) and 据 (to rely on, to occupy), literally meaning 'rooted reliance' — a basis or foundation for claims. 据 alone retained its Classical Chinese sense of 'relying on' and became a concise literary preposition.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal