有据可查
yǒu jù kě chá
Have evidence to check
Literally: Have (有) evidence (据) can (可) check/verify (查)
In 15 Seconds
- Means there is a verifiable record or proof available.
- Used to confirm facts, history, or official data.
- Implies high confidence and total transparency in your statement.
Meaning
It describes something that isn't just a rumor or a guess. It means there is a clear paper trail or physical proof you can actually go and look up.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
我们的每一笔开支都是有据可查的。
Every single one of our expenses has a verifiable record.
Discussing family history
我们家族的历史可以追溯到清朝，而且有据可查。
Our family history goes back to the Qing Dynasty, and there are records to prove it.
Texting a friend about a rumor
这不是八卦，这件事在网上是有据可查的。
This isn't gossip; this matter is verifiable online.
Cultural Background
This expression stems from China's long tradition of historiography and bureaucratic record-keeping. In ancient times, proving one's lineage or a land claim required referencing official archives. Today, it reflects a modern emphasis on transparency and 'the receipts' in both professional and social life.
The 'Receipts' Rule
Think of this as the professional way to say 'I have the receipts.' It’s much more impressive in an office setting.
Don't Bluff
Only use this if a record actually exists. If you say it and can't produce the document, you'll lose face quickly!
In 15 Seconds
- Means there is a verifiable record or proof available.
- Used to confirm facts, history, or official data.
- Implies high confidence and total transparency in your statement.
What It Means
Think of 有据可查 as the ultimate 'receipts' phrase. It means whatever you are saying is backed by solid facts. You aren't just making things up. There is a record, a document, or a file somewhere. If someone doubts you, you can say 'Go look it up!' It turns a vague claim into an undeniable truth. It is the language of accountability and precision.
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase to describe facts or history. It often follows a noun or a statement. For example, 'This tradition is 有据可查.' You don't need fancy grammar here. Just drop it at the end of a sentence to add weight. It sounds confident and grounded. It tells people you’ve done your homework. Use it when you want to end an argument with facts.
When To Use It
Use it in a meeting when defending your project's budget. Use it when telling a friend about a weird historical fact. It’s great for writing reports or formal emails. If you are texting about a celebrity scandal and have the screenshots, use it! It works whenever you need to prove you aren't a liar. It’s the verbal version of a 'Verified' badge on social media.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for feelings or opinions. You can't say your love for pizza is 有据可查. That’s just a vibe, not a record. Avoid it in very casual, slangy conversations with teenagers. It might sound a bit too 'detective-like' or stiff. If you're just guessing something, stay away from this phrase. It implies 100% certainty. Don't use it if you can't actually produce the evidence!
Cultural Background
Chinese culture places a huge value on written history and genealogy. For thousands of years, officials kept meticulous records of everything. Being able to 'check the records' meant you had legitimacy. This phrase carries that weight of history. It reflects a society that respects the power of the written word. Even today, 'having a paper trail' is vital in Chinese business and law.
Common Variations
You might hear people say 查有实据. This means 'investigated and found real evidence.' It’s more of a legal result. Another one is 真凭实据. This emphasizes that the proof is 'real and solid.' While 有据可查 focuses on the *ability* to check, these focus on the *quality* of the proof. Stick with 有据可查 for general reliability.
Usage Notes
This is a formal expression but very common in professional and serious social discussions. It functions as an adjective-phrase usually placed after the subject + `是`.
The 'Receipts' Rule
Think of this as the professional way to say 'I have the receipts.' It’s much more impressive in an office setting.
Don't Bluff
Only use this if a record actually exists. If you say it and can't produce the document, you'll lose face quickly!
The Power of the 'Chá'
The word `查` (chá) implies an active search. Using this phrase invites the other person to verify, which shows total confidence.
Examples
6我们的每一笔开支都是有据可查的。
Every single one of our expenses has a verifiable record.
Used here to show financial transparency and honesty.
我们家族的历史可以追溯到清朝，而且有据可查。
Our family history goes back to the Qing Dynasty, and there are records to prove it.
Adds legitimacy to a long-standing claim.
这不是八卦，这件事在网上是有据可查的。
This isn't gossip; this matter is verifiable online.
Used to distinguish news from mere rumors.
监控录像里你偷吃蛋糕的行为是有据可查的！
Your cake-stealing behavior is documented on the security footage!
Using a formal phrase for a silly situation creates humor.
我所说的一切都有据可查，我不怕任何调查。
Everything I've said is verifiable; I'm not afraid of any investigation.
Shows strong conviction and integrity.
该报告引用的所有数据均有据可查。
All data cited in this report is verifiable.
Standard way to ensure academic or professional rigor.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence about a company's history.
这家公司的发展历程非常清晰，每一阶段都___。
Since the history is 'clear,' '有据可查' (verifiable) is the most logical fit.
Which phrase fits a situation where you are proving your words are true?
我没骗你，这些资料在图书馆里都是___的。
If the info is in a library, it is 'verifiable' (有据可查).
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Verifying Facts'
Using screenshots or 'receipts'
我有截图 (I have screenshots)
General statement of proof
有证据 (There is evidence)
Professional/Official verification
有据可查 (Verifiable by records)
Where to use '有据可查'
Corporate Audit
Financial records
Historical Research
Ancient scrolls
Legal Defense
Court evidence
Fact-Checking
Online archives
Practice Bank
2 exercises这家公司的发展历程非常清晰，每一阶段都___。
Since the history is 'clear,' '有据可查' (verifiable) is the most logical fit.
我没骗你，这些资料在图书馆里都是___的。
If the info is in a library, it is 'verifiable' (有据可查).
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually, yes. It implies documents, digital logs, or books. You wouldn't use it for a witness's memory alone.
Not really. Use it for facts. For a promise, you'd say something like 说到做到 (do what I say).
Yes, if you're trying to be serious or a bit dramatic about proving a point. Like 我有据可查，你别赖账 (I have proof, don't deny it).
有证据 is just 'having evidence.' 有据可查 specifically means that evidence is recorded and can be looked up by anyone.
Very often! Journalists use it to show that their sources are reliable and documented.
No, you use it to describe information, history, or claims. You can't say a person is 有据可查.
Not really. This four-character structure (Chengyu-style) is the standard way to express this specific idea.
It can sound a bit defensive or very firm. It’s like saying 'The facts speak for themselves.'
The opposite would be 无据可查 (no records to check) or 口说无凭 (words alone are no proof).
Only if you're joking! Like 'My love for you is recorded in our 5000 chat logs, 有据可查.'
Related Phrases
查有实据 (Investigated and found proof)
真凭实据 (Solid, undeniable evidence)
口说无凭 (Words alone are not proof)
铁证如山 (Ironclad evidence as heavy as a mountain)
