按 vs 按照 vs 根据: basis coverbs for 'according to'
The coverbs 按 (àn), 按照 (ànzhào), and 根据 (gēnjù) all translate to 'according to' but differ in what they base the statement on. 按 and 按照 are used when following a rule, procedure, or standard, while 根据 introduces an evidential basis or source of information.
All three words function as coverbs meaning 'according to', but they are not interchangeable. 按 and 按照 are nearly synonymous, with 按 being more concise and often used in set phrases, while 按照 is more formal and used with longer expressions. Both indicate compliance with a rule, standard, or procedure. 根据, on the other hand, refers to the evidential basis or source of information, such as a report or data. Choosing the wrong one can change the meaning from 'following a rule' to 'based on evidence'.
When to use each
Use 按 when indicating that an action follows a rule, standard, procedure, or plan. It is often used in fixed expressions and with single-character nouns, but it also appears naturally with multi-character nouns. 按 is slightly less formal than 按照 but is common in both spoken and written Chinese.
按 is often preferred in set phrases like 按时 (on time) or 按计划 (according to plan).
Use 按照 to express following a rule, law, standard, or instruction. It is more formal and explicit than 按 and is typical with longer or more complex noun phrases, such as 按照学校的规定 (according to school regulations).
按照 can often be replaced by 按 in informal contexts, but 按 may sound unnatural with very long phrases.
Use 根据 to introduce the source, evidence, or factual basis for a statement or action. It is used with nouns like research, data, reports, or experiences. 根据 does not imply following a procedure but rather that the conclusion is drawn from information.
Unlike 按/按照, 根据 can function as a noun meaning 'basis' or 'foundation' (e.g., 有根据 'have basis').
At a glance
| 按 | 按照 | 根据 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core meaning | Following a rule/standard | Following a rule/standard (more formal) | Based on evidence/source |
| Formality | Neutral to informal | Formal | Neutral to formal |
| Typical nouns | 单字词 (e.g. 时, 计划) or fixed phrases | 多字短语 (e.g. 学校的规定) | 来源性名词 (e.g. 报道, 数据) |
| Can be a noun? | No | No | Yes (根据 as noun: basis) |
Examples
- 按按计划完成。àn jìhuà wánchéng.Complete according to plan.
- 按照按照老师的要求写作业。ànzhào lǎoshī de yāoqiú xiě zuòyè.Do homework according to the teacher's requirements.
- 根据根据天气预报，明天会下雨。gēnjù tiānqì yùbào, míngtiān huì xià yǔ.According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
- 按按顺序排队。àn shùnxù pái duì.Queue in order.
- 根据根据这条新闻，事故没有造成伤亡。gēnjù zhè tiáo xīnwén, shìgù méiyǒu zàochéng shānghé.According to this news, the accident caused no casualties.
- 按照请按照说明书操作。qǐng ànzhào shuōmíngshū cāozuò.Please operate according to the manual.
Common mistakes
- Using 根据 when following a schedule or plan (e.g., 根据计划 should be 按照计划 or 按计划).
- Using 按 for a source of information (e.g., 按新闻 should be 根据新闻).
- Using 按照 with very short nouns where 按 is more natural (e.g., 按照时 instead of 按时).
- Confusing 根据 as a noun and a coverb in sentence structure.
FAQ
- When do I use 按 vs 按照?
- 按 and 按照 are largely interchangeable when expressing 'according to a rule/standard'. 按 is shorter and often used in fixed expressions (e.g., 按时) or with single-character nouns. 按照 is more formal and preferred with longer noun phrases. In most cases, you can use 按照 if you are uncertain.
- What is the difference between 按照 and 根据?
- 按照 implies following a prescribed method, rule, or instruction. 根据 introduces the basis or evidence for a statement, such as a report or survey. For example, 按照规定 (according to regulations) uses 按照 because it's a rule, while 根据调查 (based on the survey) uses 根据 because it's evidence.
- Can 按 be used with multi-character nouns?
- Yes, 按 can be used with multi-character nouns like 按计划 (according to plan). However, it is more common with single-character nouns in fixed phrases. There is no strict syllable restriction; choose based on natural usage.