HSK 7

基于

jī yú

Based on

Explanation

"基于" (jī yú) is a preposition (a word placed before a noun indicating a relationship: at, with, for, etc.) used to state the basis, foundation, or grounds of a matter, action, or conclusion; it means "based on", "on the basis of". It carries a written (used in books and formal texts, seldom in speech), formal tone.

Structure

基于 (jī yú) + noun / noun phrase / verb phrase (serving as the basis). The phrase "基于…" usually serves as an adverbial (the element indicating time, place, or manner) placed before the predicate, or as the predicate after "是".

When to use

in argumentative writing, reports, and scientific reasoning, when presenting the grounds or premises leading to a judgment.

Distinguish

"基于" emphasizes the foundation/premise of an argument; "根据" (gēn jù) emphasizes concrete grounds or materials to act upon; "由于" (yóu yú) indicates cause. "基于" is more formal and abstract than "根据".

Common mistakes

using "基于" right before a full clause with a long subject-predicate structure (it should be condensed into a noun/verb phrase); confusing "基于" with "基础" (jī chǔ, the noun "foundation") — "基于" is a preposition taking an object (the entity acted upon by the action).

Examples

这两种不同的人生态度是基于对人生不同的理解。
zhèliǎngzhǒngtóngderénshēngtàishìduìrénshēngtóngdejiě

These two different attitudes toward life are based on different understandings of life.

你的结论都基于假设,所以不可信。
dejiélùndōujiǎshèsuǒxìn

Your conclusions are all based on assumptions, so they are not credible.

Practice

Test your understanding with a quick quiz

Learn “基于” effectively

The grammar point “基于” (Based on) is one of the key structures at HSK 7. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.

Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.

You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.

Frequently asked questions