根据 (gēnjù)

根据 introduces the source, evidence, or basis upon which an action or conclusion rests, and also functions as a noun meaning a foundation or grounds.

Meanings

[preposition] According to, based on, in accordance with.
[noun] Basis, grounds, evidence, foundation.

Example Sentences

根据最新的调查报告，超过半数的受访者对现有的医疗服务不满意。 Gēnjù zuìxīn de diàochá bàogào, chāoguò bànshù de shòufǎng zhě duì xiànyǒu de yīliáo fúwù bù mǎnyì. According to the latest survey report, more than half of respondents are dissatisfied with existing healthcare services.

他的结论缺乏充分的根据，很难让人信服。 Tā de jiélùn quēfá chōngfèn de gēnjù, hěn nán ràng rén xìnfú. His conclusion lacks sufficient basis and is difficult to find convincing.

根据合同条款，买方有权在规定期限内退款。 Gēnjù hétong tiáokuǎn, mǎifāng yǒu quán zài guīdìng qīxiàn nèi tuìkuǎn. According to the contract terms, the buyer has the right to a refund within the stipulated period.

请根据实际情况灵活调整计划，不必完全按照原方案执行。 Qǐng gēnjù shíjì qíngkuàng línghuó tiáozhěng jìhuà, bù bì wánquán ànzhào yuán fāng'àn zhíxíng. Please adjust the plan flexibly according to the actual situation; you do not need to follow the original scheme exactly.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
根据情况	according to the situation
根据规定	according to the regulations
有根据	to have grounds/basis
没有根据	groundless, unfounded
以...为根据	to use ... as the basis

Usage Notes

As a preposition, 根据 begins a clause and is followed by the source of authority or information. Unlike 按照 (in accordance with), which emphasizes following a set procedure, 根据 emphasizes the basis or evidence. As a noun, 根据 often pairs with 有/没有 (有根据 — well-founded; 没有根据 — groundless). The idiom 无根之木 (a tree without roots) captures the same idea.

Memory Hook

根 means "root" and 据 means "to rely on/hold" — you hold on to the root of something, the very foundation your reasoning grows from.