zhèngjù: 证据 - Evidence, Proof

• Keywords: evidence in Chinese, proof in Chinese, 证据, zhengju, zheng ju, legal Chinese terms, Chinese vocabulary, HSK 5, how to say evidence in Mandarin, what is zhengju.
• Summary: Learn how to say “evidence” or “proof” in Chinese with the word 证据 (zhèngjù). This comprehensive guide explains the meaning of 证据 (zhengju), breaking down its characters, exploring its cultural significance in legal and everyday contexts, and providing numerous practical examples. Discover the crucial difference between 证据 (evidence) and 证明 (to prove) to avoid common mistakes and master this essential HSK 5 vocabulary word.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): zhèng jù
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: Evidence; proof; testimony.
• In a Nutshell: 证据 (zhèngjù) refers to the concrete information, objects, or testimony used to validate a claim or establish a fact. It's a formal and serious term, most commonly associated with legal proceedings, scientific research, or serious arguments. Think of it as the “hard data” you present to make your case undeniable.

• 证 (zhèng): This character means “to prove” or “a certificate.” It's composed of the “speech” radical 讠(yán) on the left and a phonetic component on the right. The “speech” radical strongly suggests that proof often involves testimony, declaration, or spoken verification.
• 据 (jù): This character means “to rely on,” “to be based on,” or “to occupy.” It features the “hand” radical 扌(shǒu) on the left. This evokes the image of physically holding onto something as a basis for support.
• When combined, 证据 (zhèngjù) literally translates to “proof to rely on” or “that which is held as proof.” It creates a powerful image of tangible, reliable information that can be presented and examined.

In Chinese culture, 证据 (zhèngjù) carries a heavy, formal weight, deeply rooted in the legal and bureaucratic systems. While modern China's legal framework increasingly aligns with international standards emphasizing evidence, there's a cultural undertone that distinguishes it from the Western concept of “proof.” In the West, “proof” can be used very casually (e.g., “Here's proof I was at the party!”). In Chinese, using 证据 for such a trivial matter would sound overly dramatic. 证据 is reserved for situations where facts are seriously contested—in a courtroom, a scientific debate, or a major accusation. This ties into the concept of “face” or 面子 (miànzi). Making an accusation requires presenting solid 证据, because a baseless claim can cause both the accuser and the accused to lose face. Therefore, the demand for “证据” is also a demand for seriousness and accountability. It's the opposite of hearsay or gossip. In a society that values social harmony, 证据 is the formal mechanism for resolving disputes when harmony has already broken down.

The use of 证据 is primarily in formal contexts.

• Legal Settings: This is its most common habitat. Lawyers, judges, and police constantly use this term.
  • e.g., “警方正在搜集证据。” (The police are collecting evidence.)
• Academic and Formal Debates: When making a scholarly claim or a formal argument, one must provide 证据.
  • e.g., “你的论文需要更多数据证据。” (Your thesis needs more data-based evidence.)
• Serious Personal Arguments: In a high-stakes personal dispute, one might dramatically demand 证据.
  • e.g., “你说我骗了你，证据呢？” (You say I lied to you, where's the proof?)
• Figurative Usage: It can be used figuratively to describe something that “proves” an emotional point, but this usage is less common and often carries a dramatic or literary tone.
  • e.g., “这封信就是他爱你的证据。” (This letter is the proof of his love for you.)

The connotation is neutral; evidence is simply a factual tool. The context determines whether it is good or bad for the people involved.

• Example 1:
  • 警方找到了关键证据。
  • Pinyin: Jǐngfāng zhǎodào le guānjiàn zhèngjù.
  • English: The police found the key evidence.
  • Analysis: A classic, straightforward use of 证据 in a legal context. “关键” (guānjiàn) means “key” or “crucial.”
• Example 2:
  • 在法庭上，你必须用证据说话。
  • Pinyin: Zài fǎtíng shàng, nǐ bìxū yòng zhèngjù shuōhuà.
  • English: In court, you must speak with evidence.
  • Analysis: “用…说话” (yòng…shuōhuà) is a common structure meaning “to let…do the talking.” This sentence emphasizes the absolute importance of evidence in a legal setting.
• Example 3:
  • 如果没有证据，就不能随便指控别人。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ méiyǒu zhèngjù, jiù bùnéng suíbiàn zhǐkòng biérén.
  • English: If you don't have evidence, you can't casually accuse others.
  • Analysis: This sentence reflects the cultural importance of not making baseless accusations, connecting to the concept of face and social responsibility.
• Example 4:
  • 他的理论缺乏科学证据的支持。
  • Pinyin: Tā de lǐlùn quēfá kēxué zhèngjù de zhīchí.
  • English: His theory lacks the support of scientific evidence.
  • Analysis: Shows the use of 证据 in an academic or scientific context. “缺乏” (quēfá) means “to lack.”
• Example 5:
  • 这张照片是他们去年去过巴黎的证据。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zhāng zhàopiàn shì tāmen qùnián qùguo Bālí de zhèngjù.
  • English: This photo is the proof that they went to Paris last year.
  • Analysis: A more casual, but still valid, use of 证据. It's used to settle a factual question definitively.
• Example 6:
  • 律师向法官提交了新的证据。
  • Pinyin: Lǜshī xiàng fǎguān tíjiāo le xīn de zhèngjù.
  • English: The lawyer submitted new evidence to the judge.
  • Analysis: “提交” (tíjiāo) is a formal verb for “to submit” or “to file,” often used with documents or evidence.
• Example 7:
  • 你说的这些都只是猜测，并不是证据。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ shuō de zhèxiē dōu zhǐshì cāicè, bìng bùshì zhèngjù.
  • English: What you've said is all just speculation, it's not evidence.
  • Analysis: This sentence clearly distinguishes between mere opinion or guesswork (“猜测” cāicè) and hard evidence.
• Example 8:
  • 由于证据不足，被告被无罪释放了。
  • Pinyin: Yóuyú zhèngjù bùzú, bèigào bèi wúzuì shìfàng le.
  • English: Due to insufficient evidence, the defendant was acquitted and released.
  • Analysis: “证据不足” (zhèngjù bùzú) is a standard legal phrase for “insufficient evidence.” “被告” (bèigào) means defendant.
• Example 9:
  • 历史学家依靠古代文献作为证据来研究过去。
  • Pinyin: Lìshǐ xuéjiā yīkào gǔdài wénxiàn zuòwéi zhèngjù lái yánjiū guòqù.
  • English: Historians rely on ancient documents as evidence to study the past.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates the use of 证据 in the field of historical research. “作为” (zuòwéi) means “as” or “in the capacity of.”
• Example 10:
  • 监控录像成为了最有力的证据。
  • Pinyin: Jiānkòng lùxiàng chéngwéi le zuì yǒulì de zhèngjù.
  • English: The surveillance footage became the most powerful piece of evidence.
  • Analysis: Highlights a specific type of modern evidence. “有力” (yǒulì) means “powerful” or “compelling.”

The most common mistake for English speakers is confusing 证据 (zhèngjù) with 证明 (zhèngmíng).

• 证据 (zhèngjù) is a noun. It is the thing itself—the document, the photo, the testimony. It's the “what.”
• 证明 (zhèngmíng) is primarily a verb meaning “to prove.” It can also be a noun, but it refers to the act or result of proving, like a certificate (which is also called a 证明). It's the “how” or the “action.”

Rule of Thumb: If you can replace the word with “a piece of evidence” in English, you should use 证据. If you can replace it with “the act of proving,” you should use 证明.

• Incorrect: 我会用这个文件来证据我的观点。(I will use this document to evidence my point.)
• Correct: 我会用这个文件来证明我的观点。(I will use this document to prove my point.)
• Correct: 这个文件是我的证据。(This document is my evidence.)
• Incorrect: 请给我看你的证明。(Please show me your “to prove”.)
• Correct: 请给我看你的证据。(Please show me your evidence.)
  • (Note: If you're asking for a certificate, like a diploma, “请给我看你的证明” can be correct, which highlights the nuance.)

• 证明 (zhèngmíng) - The verb “to prove.” The most important term to distinguish from 证据.
• 线索 (xiànsuǒ) - A clue or a lead. A clue is not yet evidence, but it may lead you to it.
• 事实 (shìshí) - A fact. Evidence is used to establish facts.
• 凭证 (píngzhèng) - A voucher, receipt, or certificate. A specific type of physical evidence, usually for a transaction.
• 物证 (wùzhèng) - Material or physical evidence (e.g., a weapon, fingerprints). A sub-category of 证据.
• 人证 (rénzhèng) - Witness testimony. Another sub-category of 证据.
• 指控 (zhǐkòng) - To accuse; an accusation. An accusation should be backed by 证据.
• 法律 (fǎlǜ) - Law. The system and context where 证据 holds the most official power.
• 法庭 (fǎtíng) - Courtroom; court. The place where 证据 is presented and evaluated.