According To (根据)

根据 is used to introduce the basis or source of information for what follows. It works similarly to "according to" or "based on" in English. The structure is: 根据 + source/basis, + statement.

根据 frequently appears in formal and semi-formal contexts: news reports (根据最新消息 — according to the latest news), academic writing (根据研究结果 — based on research findings), and everyday reasoning (根据天气预报 — according to the weather forecast).

You can also use 根据 as a verb meaning "to base on": 我们根据实际情况来决定 — "We'll decide based on the actual situation." In this usage, it functions as the main verb of the clause.

When used as a preposition, 根据 introduces information at the beginning of the sentence. This is different from 按照 (ànzhào), which means "in accordance with" and emphasizes following rules or instructions. 根据 emphasizes evidence or information sources; 按照 emphasizes compliance with standards. Both are useful at HSK 3 and above.