~을/를 근거로
This phrase means 'based on' or 'using something as a foundation'.
Explanation at your level:
You use this to explain why. If you say 'I am happy based on this news', you use this phrase. It connects your feelings to a reason.
When you read news, you see this phrase often. It means that something is true because there is a reason for it. It is very useful for school reports.
At this level, you start using it to justify your opinions. Instead of just saying 'I think', you can say 'Based on these statistics, I think...'. It makes you sound much more convincing.
This is standard in professional environments. You use it to cite data or reports. It is essential for writing emails where you need to explain the reasoning behind a project change.
In advanced academic writing, this phrase is used to synthesize information. You might use it to compare different theories, stating that one conclusion is drawn based on specific empirical evidence.
At the mastery level, you understand the nuance of 'evidence-based' vs 'arbitrary'. You use it to construct complex logical chains, often appearing in legal or philosophical discourse to establish the validity of a premise.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means 'based on' or 'on the basis of'.
- Used to provide evidence or reasoning.
- Common in formal and professional contexts.
- Connects nouns to verbs via the object marker.
When you use ~을/를 근거로, you are pointing to the foundation of your thoughts. Think of it as the 'anchor' for your argument.
In English, this translates perfectly to 'based on' or 'on the basis of'. It is a very common way to sound professional and clear when explaining your logic.
The word 근거 (geun-geo) is a Sino-Korean term. 根 (geun) means root, and 據 (geo) means to occupy or rely upon.
Historically, this implies that your statement has 'roots' in reality. It evolved from classical writing styles where scholars needed to cite their sources clearly to be taken seriously.
You will see this mostly in formal writing, news reports, or academic papers. It is perfect for debates or business meetings.
Commonly, it connects with verbs like 말하다 (to speak) or 판단하다 (to judge). For example: 'Facts based on evidence' is a classic collocation.
While not an idiom itself, it is often paired with expressions like 근거를 대다 (to provide evidence) or 근거가 없다 (to be groundless).
These phrases help you challenge or support claims in a sophisticated way.
Grammatically, it follows the object marker ~을/를. It is a fixed structure, so it doesn't change form.
Pronunciation tip: Ensure you link the 'r' sound from -ro smoothly to sound natural. It rhymes with 'geun-geo-do'.
Fun Fact
It literally means 'the root you stand on'.
Pronunciation Guide
Korean pronunciation rules apply.
Korean pronunciation rules apply.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing 'geo' as 'go'
- Stressing the wrong syllable
- Not linking 'ro'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Requires formal tone
Requires clear logic
Common in news
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Particle usage
을/를
Formal endings
합니다/입니다
Noun modification
한/하는
Examples by Level
사실을 근거로 말하세요.
Speak based on facts.
Imperative form.
이것을 근거로 생각해요.
I think based on this.
Simple present.
기록을 근거로 했어요.
It was based on records.
Past tense.
법을 근거로 결정해요.
Decide based on the law.
Noun + particle.
자료를 근거로 작성해요.
Write based on data.
Formal ending.
경험을 근거로 말해요.
Speak based on experience.
Noun usage.
뉴스를 근거로 믿어요.
Believe based on the news.
Simple sentence.
원칙을 근거로 행동해요.
Act based on principles.
Verb phrase.
데이터를 근거로 분석합니다.
증거를 근거로 주장합니다.
연구를 근거로 발표합니다.
법률을 근거로 판단합니다.
통계를 근거로 예측합니다.
경험을 근거로 조언합니다.
기사를 근거로 작성합니다.
사실을 근거로 설명합니다.
보고서를 근거로 결론을 내렸습니다.
목격자의 진술을 근거로 수사합니다.
역사적 기록을 근거로 연구합니다.
과학적 데이터를 근거로 증명합니다.
회사의 규정을 근거로 처리합니다.
이전의 사례를 근거로 비교합니다.
설문 조사 결과를 근거로 판단합니다.
전문가의 의견을 근거로 결정합니다.
헌법을 근거로 판결을 내렸습니다.
경제 지표를 근거로 전망합니다.
전례를 근거로 방침을 세웁니다.
논리적 근거를 근거로 설득합니다.
기존의 이론을 근거로 비판합니다.
실제 사례를 근거로 분석합니다.
객관적 지표를 근거로 평가합니다.
상황적 근거를 근거로 추론합니다.
다양한 문헌을 근거로 논문을 작성합니다.
정량적 수치를 근거로 전략을 수립합니다.
법적 해석을 근거로 소송을 제기합니다.
사회적 현상을 근거로 가설을 세웁니다.
문화적 맥락을 근거로 해석합니다.
윤리적 기준을 근거로 행동합니다.
지속 가능한 데이터를 근거로 투자합니다.
글로벌 트렌드를 근거로 예측합니다.
형이상학적 논의를 근거로 철학적 담론을 형성합니다.
고고학적 발굴을 근거로 역사를 재구성합니다.
통계적 유의성을 근거로 가설을 검증합니다.
국제법적 관례를 근거로 외교적 입장을 표명합니다.
심리적 기제를 근거로 행동 양식을 분석합니다.
생물학적 증거를 근거로 진화론을 설명합니다.
재무제표를 근거로 기업 가치를 산정합니다.
언어적 변천사를 근거로 어원을 추적합니다.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"근거를 대다"
To provide evidence or a reason.
왜 그런지 근거를 대보세요.
neutral"근거가 없다"
To have no basis/be groundless.
그 말은 근거가 없습니다.
neutral"근거를 마련하다"
To prepare a basis/foundation.
우리는 새로운 근거를 마련했습니다.
formal"근거를 찾다"
To find evidence.
그는 주장의 근거를 찾고 있습니다.
neutral"근거를 제시하다"
To present evidence.
확실한 근거를 제시해주세요.
formal"근거를 잃다"
To lose one's basis.
그 논리는 근거를 잃었습니다.
formalEasily Confused
Both mean based on.
기반 is more like foundation.
이론을 기반으로 vs 사실을 근거로.
Both mean based on.
토대 is more physical/structural.
자료를 토대로.
Both mean based on.
바탕 is more abstract/background.
경험을 바탕으로.
Very formal.
Legalistic.
법에 의거하여.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + [Noun] + 을/를 + 근거로 + Verb
나는 사실을 근거로 말한다.
Noun + 을/를 + 근거로 + 한 + Noun
데이터를 근거로 한 보고서.
근거로 + 하여 + Verb
사실을 근거로 하여 결정했다.
Noun + 을/를 + 근거로 + 보아
상황을 근거로 보아 위험하다.
Noun + 을/를 + 근거로 + 판단하건대
자료를 근거로 판단하건대 옳다.
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
9
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Sometimes learners forget the particle.
Using the wrong particle.
Redundant phrasing.
Incorrect verb conjugation.
Using the word itself as the object.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize a judge's desk with a stack of papers labeled 'Evidence'.
When Native Speakers Use It
In meetings when justifying a budget.
Cultural Insight
Koreans value logic in formal settings.
Grammar Shortcut
Always keep the noun before it.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'ro' sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't use it for random guesses.
Did You Know?
It's a Sino-Korean word.
Study Smart
Pair it with '데이터' (data).
Writing Tip
Use it to start your conclusion.
Speaking Tip
Slow down before you say the phrase.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a tree root (근) that holds the ground (거).
Visual Association
A tree standing firm on the ground.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to explain your favorite movie using 'based on' for every sentence.
Word Origin
Sino-Korean
Original meaning: Root (根) + Occupy/Rely (據)
Cultural Context
None, very neutral.
Directly maps to 'based on'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at work
- 데이터를 근거로
- 보고서를 근거로
- 사례를 근거로
at school
- 이론을 근거로
- 연구를 근거로
- 책을 근거로
legal
- 법을 근거로
- 증거를 근거로
- 진술을 근거로
daily life
- 사실을 근거로
- 경험을 근거로
- 뉴스를 근거로
Conversation Starters
"어떤 사실을 근거로 그렇게 생각하세요?"
"이 보고서는 무엇을 근거로 작성되었나요?"
"당신의 주장에 대한 근거를 대주세요."
"경험을 근거로 조언을 하나 해주실 수 있나요?"
"그 결정은 어떤 데이터를 근거로 한 것인가요?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a decision you made based on facts.
What is a belief you hold based on your experience?
Explain a recent news event based on the information you have.
Describe why you chose your career based on your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsMostly, yes.
Yes, if you are explaining a decision.
They are very similar.
It is a phrase acting as an adverbial.
Only if it is a serious topic.
No.
No, just link the sounds.
Sometimes, but 'reason' is better.
Test Yourself
사실을 ___ 말하세요.
Correct particle usage.
Which means 'based on'?
Standard phrase.
Is '근거로' used for casual talk?
It is usually formal.
Word
Meaning
Meaning mapping.
Subject-Object-Verb order.
___를 근거로 결론을 내렸습니다.
Noun before the phrase.
What is the best synonym for '근거로'?
Formal synonym.
Can '근거로' be used at the start of a sentence?
Yes, as an introductory phrase.
Word
Meaning
Formal nuance.
Complex sentence structure.
Score: /10
Summary
Using '근거로' makes your arguments sound professional and grounded in facts.
- Means 'based on' or 'on the basis of'.
- Used to provide evidence or reasoning.
- Common in formal and professional contexts.
- Connects nouns to verbs via the object marker.
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize a judge's desk with a stack of papers labeled 'Evidence'.
When Native Speakers Use It
In meetings when justifying a budget.
Cultural Insight
Koreans value logic in formal settings.
Grammar Shortcut
Always keep the noun before it.
Example
이 자료를 근거로 보고서를 작성했습니다.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More academic words
입체적
B2Having a three-dimensional effect or examining something from multiple perspectives rather than a single flat view. It implies a comprehensive and detailed analysis.
~에 관해
B1About, concerning.
~에 대하여
A2Concerning or regarding a particular subject; about.
~대해
A2About; concerning; regarding.
~에 관하여
A2Regarding, concerning, about (a topic).
~에 대해(서)
A1Indicates the topic or subject of discussion, meaning 'about' or 'regarding'.
무엇보다
A2More than anything else; above all.
결석생
A2A student who is absent from class.
추상화하다
B2To consider something theoretically or separately from its physical reality. It involves extracting general principles from specific examples.
추상
A2Abstraction; the quality of dealing with ideas rather than events.
