據

據 is a phono-semantic compound composed of:

手 (손 수) — the semantic component, meaning “hand” or “to grasp.”

豦 (큰돼지 거) — the phonetic component, providing the sound jù / geo.

Together, they depict a hand gripping or holding something firmly — symbolizing control or possession.

From this concrete sense developed abstract meanings such as “to occupy,” “to possess authority,” and “to rely upon as a foundation.”

根據 (근거) — basis, ground

依據 (의거) — to rely upon; according to

據點 (거점) — stronghold, base

據說 (거설) — it is said; according to reports

掌據 (장거) — to grasp, to hold in the hand

In classical Chinese writings, 據 is often used metaphorically for reliance on reason or evidence.

It marks the foundation of logic and moral justification.

For example, in Confucian discourse, “根據理 (to base upon reason)” or “據義行事 (to act according to righteousness)” describes behavior grounded in ethical or rational principles.

In warfare and politics, 據 also connotes holding strategic ground (據地) — symbolizing security, stability, and advantage.

Thus, 據 encompasses both physical possession and intellectual reliance, reflecting the dual nature of “holding fast” — by the hand or by conviction.