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Using 根据 (gēnjù) to Express Basis and Grounds in Chinese
In Chinese, the preposition 根据 (gēnjù) introduces the basis, foundation, or grounds for a judgment, conclusion, or action. It corresponds closely to English phrases like 'according to' or 'based on' and normally comes before the main predicate or at the beginning of the clause.
根据天气预报，明天会下大雨。
Here, 根据 + [Basis] sits at the start of the sentence to introduce the informational source for a prediction.
× 我们修改了计划根据客户的要求。
In an ordinary written sentence, place 根据客户的要求 before 修改了计划. The revised example preserves the same action and reason for revising the plan.
Corrected example: 我们根据客户的要求修改了计划。
Read the full explanation and examples
Core Meaning and Syllabus Scope
In the HSK 3 grammar outline (2025-11 edition, implementation label 2026-07), 根据 (gēnjù) is listed as a preposition (介词) used to introduce a basis, foundation, or reliance (引出凭借、依据). Note that syllabus levels describe the supplied curriculum outline rather than guaranteeing which version a specific test center administers.
When used as a preposition, 根据 connects an action, decision, or conclusion to the fact or reported information, rule, condition, or source of information upon which it is founded. In English, it most naturally translates to 'according to', 'based on', or 'on the basis of'. While 根据 can also function as a noun meaning 'basis' or 'grounds' in broader Chinese usage, this lesson focuses on its core prepositional role.
Two Key Sentence Positions
In a neutral written clause, 根据 + Basis normally precedes the main predicate. The two patterns below are useful starting points. A separate afterthought in conversation is not the basic pattern taught here.
Placing the 根据 phrase at the very beginning of the sentence—followed by a comma—is especially common when stating an authoritative source, a rule, or evidence from which a conclusion or general rule follows.
根据天气预报，明天会下大雨。
Here, 根据 + [Basis] sits at the start of the sentence to introduce the informational source for a prediction.
根据学校的规定，学生不能在教室里吃东西。
Sentence-initial 根据 introduces an official rule as the basis for what is permitted.
The phrase can follow the subject to explain the basis for a particular action. A modal can occur before it, as in 你可以根据自己的情况决定, or after it, as in 你根据自己的情况可以决定. Do not treat the modal’s position as fixed.
老师根据学生的水平安排了不同的练习。
Placed between the subject (老师) and the main verb (安排), showing the basis for a tailored action.
你可以根据自己的时间选择合适的课程。
Here 可以 comes before the 根据 phrase. 根据 can also come before 可以: 你根据自己的时间可以选择合适的课程。 Choose the order to suit what the sentence is presenting as its basis.
What Can Serve as the Basis?
The object following 根据 is typically a noun phrase representing an established fact, document, condition, or standard. Notice how these categories work in practice:
- Sources of information or data: 天气预报 (weather forecast), 调查结果 (survey results), 统计 (statistics), 新闻报道 (news reports).
- Rules, laws, and agreements: 规定 (regulations), 法律 (law), 合同 (contract), 要求 (requirements).
- Concrete conditions and traits: 实际情况 (actual situation), 学生的水平 (students' level), 自己的时间 (one's own time), 经验 (experience).
- Indirect questions or clauses acting as a nominal basis: what someone needs or how a situation develops.
Useful Contrast: 根据 vs. 按照
Learners often wonder how 根据 differs from another common preposition, 按照 (ànzhào), since both can be translated into English as 'according to'. While they overlap when referring to rules or requirements, their core focus is different.
- 根据 emphasizes the basis for a judgment or decision. It is the usual choice for drawing a conclusion from evidence, such as a prediction based on a weather forecast.
- 按照 focuses on strictly following an established standard, instruction, order, or method in execution—similar to 'in accordance with' or 'by following'.
- When an action involves adapting or making decisions based on conditions (like adjusting exercises to fit students' levels), 根据 is preferred. When an action involves complying with a fixed format or instruction, 按照 is preferred.
请大家按照要求填写这张表格。
按照 highlights strictly following a prescribed standard or instruction when performing a task.
Common Learner Mistake: Post-Verbal Placement
English can put “based on the client’s requirements” after the verb and object. For a neutral written Chinese sentence, move 根据客户的要求 before 修改了计划. A spoken afterthought with a pause is a different construction; the unpunctuated example below is not a model to copy.
× 我们修改了计划根据客户的要求。
In an ordinary written sentence, place 根据客户的要求 before 修改了计划. The revised example preserves the same action and reason for revising the plan.
Corrected example: 我们根据客户的要求修改了计划。
我们根据客户的要求修改了计划。
Correct replacement: The prepositional phrase 根据客户的要求 is placed before the main verb 修改.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a person's name or pronoun directly after 根据, like 'according to him'?
No. Unlike English 'according to him', Chinese does not normally place a bare person noun or pronoun after 根据. You need to include a noun that names the basis, such as 根据他的看法 (according to his view) or 根据他说的话 (based on what he said).
Where do negation words or modal verbs go when using 根据?
A modal or negation often comes before 根据, as in 你可以根据自己的情况决定. 根据 can also precede a modal: 根据目前的情况，我们应该先等一等。 Position depends on scope and emphasis; do not apply a blanket “modal first” rule.
Is 根据 always a preposition?
In the HSK 3 grammar syllabus item covered here, 根据 is taught as a preposition meaning 'based on' or 'according to'. However, in general Chinese it can also act as a noun meaning 'grounds' or 'foundation', as in 没有根据 (without grounds / unfounded).
