据

• Pinyin: jù
• Hanzi breakdown: 据 = 扌(hand) + 居 (to dwell, phonetic), to rely on/according to

Meaning

According to; based on. A preposition indicating the source of information.

Used to cite sources: 据报道 (according to reports), 据说 (it is said), 据了解 (according to information), 据悉 (it is learned that). Also functions as a verb meaning 'to occupy' (占据) or as a noun meaning 'evidence' (证据). Very common in news and formal writing.

Examples

1. 据统计，今年的游客数量比去年增长了百分之三十。 According to statistics, the number of tourists this year increased by thirty percent compared to last year.
2. 据当地居民反映，这条河的水质近年来明显改善。 According to local residents, the water quality of this river has improved significantly in recent years.
3. 据我所知，他已经辞职了，具体原因不太清楚。 As far as I know, he has already resigned, but I'm not clear on the specific reasons.

Usage Guide

Context: news, reports, academic

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 据报道，事故原因正在调查中。(According to reports, the cause of the accident is under investigation.)
• 据我了解，情况不是这样的。(As far as I know, the situation isn't like that.)

Don't Say

• 在口语中过度使用据，如'据我想...' (In casual speech, 据 sounds too formal — use 我觉得 or 听说 instead)

Origin & History

Originally meant 'to lean on' or 'to rely on' (扌+ 豦). Extended to mean 'according to' — relying on a source of information.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal