Basis & Conformance Prepositions: 据, 根据, 依据, 按照, 依照

Pattern

• 据 + Verb
• 根据 + Noun phrase
• 依据 + Noun phrase
• 按照 + Noun phrase

Usage

• In HSK 7-9 journalistic, administrative, and legal writing, subtle distinctions exist among basis prepositions: (1) 据 (jù) = most classical and concise, strictly heading reporting verbs to attribute information sources (e.g., 据报道 - according to reports; 据悉 - it is learned; 据统计 - according to statistics; 据我所知); (2) 根据 (gēnjù) = universal formal preposition taking concrete grounds or data to justify conclusions or policies (e.g., 根据合同规定 - according to contract provisions); (3) 依据 (yījù) = elevated legalistic term emphasizing authoritative or statutory legitimacy (e.g., 依据现有证据 - pursuant to current evidence; 依据法律); (4) 按照 (ànzhào) = "in accordance with / strictly following", emphasizing compliance with operational rules, schedules, or instructions (e.g., 按照说明书操作 - operate following the manual; 按照计划); (5) 依照 (yīzhào) = classical statutory equivalent of

Examples

1. 1

   据报道,该地区遭受了严重的洪灾。

   Jù bàodào, gāi dìqū zāoshòule yánzhòng de hóngzāi.

   According to media dispatches, this entire region has suffered catastrophic inundation.

2. 2

   根据合同规定,双方应共同承担责任。

   Gēnjù hétóng guīdìng, shuāngfāng yīng gòngtóng chéngdān zérèn.

   In accordance with the contract terms, both parties shall mutually bear the joint responsibilities.

3. 3

   依据现有证据,我们无法做出判断。

   Yījù xiànyǒu zhèngjù, wǒmen wúfǎ zuòchū pànduàn.

   Relying strictly on the available evidence, we are completely unable to deliver a definitive verdict.