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HSK 2.0 Level 3+ HSK 3.0 Level 3+ 5 min read

根据 for “According to”

Use 根据 to say what a fact, choice, or plan is based on.

Pattern

根据 + source or basis，main clause / Subject + 根据 + basis + verb

根据 names the information, rule, or situation that something is based on, and it always comes before the main verb.

根据地图，银行就在前面。

When to use 根据 for “According to”

根据 is a preposition meaning “according to” or “based on.” Put a noun phrase after it: a source of information (a map, the news), a rule, or a situation (someone’s level, interests, or needs).

老师根据每个学生的水平，给了不同的作业。

The teacher gave different homework based on each student’s level.

根据学校的要求，学生上课不能用手机。

According to the school’s requirements, students can’t use phones in class.

你可以根据自己的兴趣选课。

You can choose classes based on your own interests.

根据他说的，这家店九点开门。

According to what he said, this shop opens at nine.

Common traps

  • Keep the 根据 phrase before the verb; 明天会下雨根据新闻 is wrong.
  • Use 关于, not 根据, when you only mean “about a topic.”
  • Follow 根据 with a source or basis, not a bare person: say 根据他说的, not 根据他.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

学校的要求，学生上课不能用手机

According to the school’s requirements, students can’t use phones in class
Fill in the missing piece, then press Enter

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