根据

• Pinyin: gēn jù
• Hanzi breakdown: 根 = 木 (wood/tree) + 艮 (phonetic), the root of a tree; 据 = 扌(hand) + 居 (to dwell), to hold or rely on firmly

Meaning

To base on; to act according to (V); based on; according to (Prep); basis; grounds; evidence (N). A versatile word used to introduce the source or reason behind an action or claim.

As a preposition, 根据 introduces the source, reason, or basis for an action or claim (e.g., 根据调查结果 — according to the survey results). As a noun, it refers to the factual basis or evidence for a claim (e.g., 有根据 — well-founded; 没有根据 — groundless). Extremely common across formal and everyday registers.

Examples

1. 根据天气预报，明天将有大雨，请带好雨具。 According to the weather forecast, there will be heavy rain tomorrow — please bring rain gear.
2. 你说的这些话有什么根据吗？ Do you have any basis for what you are saying?
3. 我们会根据每位学生的实际情况来调整教学方法。 We will adjust our teaching methods according to each student's actual situation.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, everyday, formal, speech

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 根据合同规定，双方必须在三十天内完成交接。(According to the contract, both parties must complete the handover within thirty days.)
• 你的判断有没有足够的根据？(Do you have sufficient grounds for your judgement?)

Don't Say

• 用'根据'引出纯主观意见 (Avoid using 根据 to introduce purely personal opinions — 根据 implies objective grounds; use 我认为 or 依我看 for personal views)

Origin & History

A compound of 根 (root of a tree) + 据 (to rely on/depend on). The image is of basing oneself on a root — a firm, reliable foundation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal