证据 (zhèngjù)

证据 refers to concrete evidence or proof that establishes facts in legal, scientific, or argumentative contexts, and is an essential term in law, journalism, and academic reasoning.

Meanings

[noun] evidence; proof; supporting material

Example Sentences

检察官向法庭提交了大量证据。 Jiǎncháguān xiàng fǎtíng tíjiāo le dàliàng zhèngjù. The prosecutor submitted a large amount of evidence to the court.

没有证据，就不能随意指控他人。 Méiyǒu zhèngjù, jiù bù néng suíyì zhǐkòng tārén. Without evidence, you cannot accuse others arbitrarily.

科学家发现了支持这一理论的新证据。 Kēxuéjiā fāxiàn le zhīchí zhè yī lǐlùn de xīn zhèngjù. Scientists discovered new evidence supporting this theory.

警方正在收集犯罪现场的证据。 Jǐngfāng zhèngzài shōují fànzuì xiànchǎng de zhèngjù. The police are collecting evidence at the crime scene.

他声称自己无辜，但缺乏证据证明这一点。 Tā chēngchēng zìjǐ wúgū, dàn quēfá zhèngjù zhèngmíng zhè yī diǎn. He claims to be innocent but lacks evidence to prove it.

这项调查的证据表明，问题比预想的更严重。 Zhè xiàng diàochá de zhèngjù biǎomíng, wèntí bǐ yùxiǎng de gèng yánzhòng. The evidence from this investigation shows that the problem is more serious than expected.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
收集证据 (shōují zhèngjù)	to collect evidence
提供证据 (tígōng zhèngjù)	to provide evidence
确凿证据 (quèzáo zhèngjù)	conclusive/solid evidence
缺乏证据 (quēfá zhèngjù)	to lack evidence
证据不足 (zhèngjù bùzú)	insufficient evidence

Usage Notes

证据 is the standard term for evidence in legal contexts (court proceedings, criminal investigations) as well as in scientific and argumentative writing. In legal settings it is often modified by adjectives like 确凿 (quèzáo, conclusive), 充分 (chōngfèn, sufficient), or 直接 (zhíjiē, direct).

Contrast with 论据 (lùnjù), which is used specifically for the supporting evidence within a structured argument or essay, while 证据 is broader and more concrete.

Memory Hook

证 (to prove/certify) + 据 (basis/grounds): the basis upon which proof rests -- evidence.