根据 (gēn jù) — (preposition) according to, based on; (noun) basis, foundation

Definition

Most common 'according to / based on' at HSK 3 — used as both preposition (根据...) and noun (basis). 对比基础 (foundation, abstract base), 根据 emphasizes following a source, rule, or evidence.

preposition
according tobased on
noun
basisfoundation
Measure word · 个

Examples

  • 根据。
    Qǐng gēn jù lǎo shī shuō de fāng fǎ zuò.
    Please do it according to the method the teacher said.
  • 根据？
    Tā de xiǎng fǎ yǒu gēn jù ma?
    Does his idea have any basis?
  • 根据。
    Wǒ gēn jù xīn wén zhī dào míng tiān yǒu yǔ.
    I know from the news that it will rain tomorrow.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéSide by side

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

根gēnbasis
据jùevidence

根 and 据 both point to the basis or evidence behind something, giving 'according to' or 'basis'.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
木木mù
Sound part声符shēngfú
艮
艮gèn根gēn(r)
Same sound today

根 pairs 木 (tree/wood), pointing to plant roots, with 艮 as a sound part.

Open 根 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
手手shǒuhand
Sound part声符shēngfú
居
居jū据jù
Same sound today

据 uses 手 (hand) as one part and 居 to give the sound.

Open 据 →

Grammar

Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 3HSK 2.0 Level 3Abstract Concepts2000 Most Frequent Chinese Words3000 Most Frequent Chinese Words5000 Most Frequent Chinese Words

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