Using the Preposition 依据 (yījù) to Introduce a Basis or Standard

Core Function and Register

In the HSK 5 grammar outline, 依据 (yījù) is classified under prepositions (介词, jiècí) that introduce the basis, grounds, or foundation for an action or conclusion.

依据 corresponds to “on the basis of” or “in accordance with” and is common in formal explanation, administration and research. Its object names the basis being used: a law, contract, dataset, experience or judgment. It presents that basis as relevant to the action; it does not make the basis authoritative, verified or objectively correct.

Sentence Structures and Placement

In this prepositional use, 依据 is followed by an expression naming the basis, such as 合同规定, 调查数据 or 我个人的判断. The resulting phrase can introduce the sentence or appear before the main action after the subject.

At the start of a sentence, the phrase sets up the basis for the statement that follows. A comma helps separate a longer introductory phrase. In the contract example, the basis happens to be a contractual provision.

Second, the prepositional phrase can be placed after the subject and before the main verb phrase (including after modal verbs or future markers like 将, jiāng). This placement highlights how a specific agent carries out an action based on the cited grounds:

Typical Collocations

Common bases include documents, standards and research findings, as listed below. These are examples, not an exhaustive restriction: 依据自己的经验 or 依据个人判断 is also possible. Evaluate the quality of the cited basis separately from the grammar.

• Laws, regulations, and contracts: 法律 (fǎlǜ, law), 规定 (guīdìng, regulation/provision), 合同 (hétong, contract), 条款 (tiáokuǎn, clause).
• Standards and policies: 标准 (biāozhǔn, standard), 政策 (zhèngcè, policy), 原则 (yuánzé, principle), 制度 (zhìdù, system/institution).
• Objective facts and research: 事实 (shìshí, fact), 数据 (shùjù, data), 报告 (bàogào, report), 调查结果 (diàochá jiéguǒ, survey results).

Comparing 依据, 根据, and 按照

Learners often wonder how 依据 differs from 根据 (gēnjù) and 按照 (ànzhào), since all three can be translated as 'according to'. Choosing the most natural word depends on formality and whether you are making a deduction or following a procedure.

• 依据 and 根据 overlap widely when introducing grounds for a decision or conclusion. 根据 suits a broad range of everyday and formal contexts; 依据 often sounds more formal. Both can introduce evidence or personal experience. Authority and objectivity are not guaranteed by either word.
• 按照 often emphasizes conforming to a standard, instruction or plan; 依据 highlights the grounds being used. The same object may follow either: 按照合同规定 stresses compliance, while 依据合同规定 presents the contractual basis. 按照 does not always describe a sequence of steps.

For an everyday reference to the weather forecast, 根据 is a straightforward choice. 依据天气预报 is also grammatically possible, especially in a formal explanation; it should not be marked wrong merely because 根据 sounds more conversational.

Common Learner Mistake: Quoting People

To report a person’s statement, name the speaker with 据……说 or 听……说. Bare 依据我的老师 does not clearly express “according to what my teacher said” in the example below.

For this reporting meaning, use 据我的老师说. If a teacher’s advice is the basis for an action, use a phrase such as 依据老师的建议. A personal opinion can serve as a stated basis; the problem in the error example is the missing expression of what the teacher said, not the fact that the source is a person.

Frequently asked questions