证据
zhèngjù · HSK 3
evidence
🔍 证 (proof) + 据 (basis) = evidence; the basis that proves a claim
证 carries the speech radical 讠 plus 正 (correct) — a statement verified as true. 据 means grounds or basis. Together: the verified grounds backing a claim, i.e. evidence or proof.
证 — speech radical 讠 + 正 (correct/upright)
证 is a semantic-phonetic compound. The speech radical 讠 (言) signals it relates to words or testimony, while 正 (zhèng, 'upright/correct') gives the sound and hints at 'verifying truth.' Originally written 證, it meant to testify or prove; today it means evidence, certificate, or to prove.
据 — hand radical 扌 + 豦
据 combines the hand radical 扌 with the phonetic component 豦. Originally meaning to seize or grasp with the hand, it later extended to 'rely on' or 'according to.' In modern simplified Chinese, 据 also serves as the simplified form of 據, merging the two characters' meanings.