Preposition: 根据 (based on/according to)
根据
Use 根据 to cite evidence, sources, or criteria for actions and decisions
Place 根据 before the evidence, source, or basis to indicate that the action or conclusion in the main clause is founded on it. 根据 can also function as a noun meaning "basis" or "evidence."
根据 is essential for academic, professional, and news Chinese. It adds authority to your statements by showing that your conclusion has a foundation. The phrase 根据……的意见/规定/报道 is extremely common.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Preposition: 根据 (based on/according to) (根据)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 根据 pattern
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Understanding 根据
The preposition 根据 (gēnjù) means "based on" or "according to." It is your evidence-citing word — whenever you need to show that a decision, conclusion, or action has a rational basis, 根据 is the tool you reach for. When you say 学校根据学生的中文水平分班, you are explaining that the class placement was not random — it was based on students' Chinese levels. When you say 根据大家的意见，我们修改了计划, you are showing that the plan revision was driven by group input. 根据 makes your Chinese sound logical, well-reasoned, and professional. It is everywhere in formal Chinese: news reports (根据最新报道), academic papers (根据研究结果), and business settings (根据公司规定). Beyond its preposition role, 根据 can also serve as a noun meaning "basis" or "grounds" — as in 你有什么根据？(What is your evidence?).
Key Points
- 根据 (gēnjù) = "based on / according to" — cites the basis for an action or conclusion.
- 根据 + source/evidence + comma + main clause is the standard pattern.
- Common collocations: 根据报道 (according to reports), 根据规定 (according to regulations), 根据调查 (based on an investigation).
- 根据 as a noun = "basis / evidence / grounds": 没有根据 (without basis).
- 根据 adds authority and logic to your statements.
- Similar to 按照 (according to / in accordance with), but 根据 emphasizes evidence while 按照 emphasizes following a standard.
In Chinese professional and academic culture, stating your evidence with 根据 is expected. Unsubstantiated claims are viewed skeptically. Starting a sentence with 根据 shows you have done your research and are speaking responsibly.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
学校根据学生的中文水平分班。
The school assigns classes based on students' Chinese proficiency.
根据大家的意见，我们修改了计划。
Based on everyone's opinions, we revised the plan.
根据天气预报，明天会下雪。
According to the weather forecast, it will snow tomorrow.
根据最新的调查，年轻人越来越关注健康。
According to the latest survey, young people are paying more and more attention to health.
他的话没有什么根据。
His words have no basis.
Noun usage — "basis / evidence"
根据公司的规定，员工每年有十五天假期。
According to company regulations, employees have fifteen days of vacation per year.
Common Mistakes
根据 needs a source or basis — "根据我觉得" is grammatically broken. Either drop 根据 or provide a proper basis like 我的经验 (my experience).
根据 needs a noun phrase as its object. Use 他说的 (what he said) or restructure the sentence.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Start sentences with 根据 when you want to sound authoritative: 根据报道…… 根据调查…… 根据研究……
Remember that 根据 needs a noun or noun phrase after it — never a full verb clause.
Use 根据 in essays to cite evidence and strengthen your arguments.
When someone makes a wild claim, you can challenge them: 你有什么根据？ (What's your evidence?)
Homework
Write four sentences using 根据 as a preposition, citing different sources (a report, a survey, regulations, someone's advice). Then write two sentences using 根据 as a noun meaning "basis" or "evidence."