Question 1

What does 根据 mean in Chinese?

Accepted Answer

根据 (gēnjù) means 'according to' or 'based on' — it introduces the source, evidence, or basis for what comes next. As a preposition it almost always sits at the front of the clause: 根据 + source + comma + main statement (根据天气预报，明天会下雨 — according to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow). 根据 can also work as a noun meaning 'basis / grounds' (没有根据 — without basis / unfounded).

Two contrasts with English: first, unlike 'according to,' 根据 cannot drop the source and stand alone. Second, Chinese tends to put the source UP FRONT, while English often tacks it on at the end. For the more formal 'in accordance with,' use 按照 (ànzhào); 根据 emphasizes evidence/source, 按照 emphasizes following a rule.

Question 2

How do you pronounce 根据?

Accepted Answer

根据 is pronounced gēnjù — 根 (gēn), 据 (jù).

Question 3

Is 根据 a noun, verb, or something else?

Accepted Answer

根据 is a preposition, register: neutral. Common in news, reports, and formal speech, but also normal in everyday conversation when explaining reasoning ('based on what you said...').

Question 4

What's the difference between 根据 and 因为?

Accepted Answer

因为 means 'because' — gives a cause/reason for an action. 根据 cites a SOURCE or evidence. 因为下雨 (because it's raining) ≠ 根据天气预报 (according to the forecast).

Question 5

What's the difference between 根据 and 按照?

Accepted Answer

按照 follows rules/methods; 根据 cites information. 按照计划 (according to plan) vs 根据报告 (according to the report). Don't swap them.

根据

What does 根据 mean?

Character breakdown

Example sentences

Common phrases with 根据

Synonyms

Don't confuse 根据 with

FAQ