B1
通過, 根據 and 按照 — through, according to, in line with
Three Chinese prepositions English collapses into “by” and “according to” — how each one differs and where the phrase sits in the sentence.
All three open a phrase that sits before the main clause, in the position Chinese reserves for circumstances. What separates them is what kind of thing follows.
通過 — by way of, through
A method, a channel, an experience. The means by which something was achieved.
通過這次經歷，我學到了很多。
Tōngguò zhè cì jīnglì, wǒ xuédàole hěn duō.
I learned a lot through that experience.
我們通過郵件聯繫。
Wǒmen tōngguò yóujiàn liánxì.
We keep in touch by email.
通過 is also an ordinary verb meaning to pass — 通過考試, pass an exam; 火車通過了 隧道, the train went through the tunnel. Same character, and the preposition grew out of the verb.
根據 — on the basis of
A source of information: a report, a forecast, a study, what someone said.
根據天氣預報，明天會下雨。
Gēnjù tiānqì yùbào, míngtiān huì xià yǔ.
According to the forecast, it’ll rain tomorrow.
根據我的經驗，這樣不行。
Gēnjù wǒ de jīngyàn, zhèyàng bù xíng.
In my experience, that won’t work.
按照 — in accordance with
A rule, a plan, an instruction — something you follow. The difference from 根據 is obligation: 根據 informs, 按照 governs.
請按照說明書操作。
Qǐng ànzhào shuōmíngshū cāozuò.
Please follow the instructions.
我們按照原來的計劃做。
Wǒmen ànzhào yuánlái de jìhuà zuò.
We’ll go by the original plan.
按照天氣預報，明天會下雨。
根據天氣預報，明天會下雨。
按照 says you are complying with something. A forecast is not an instruction — you cannot obey the weather. It is a source of information, which is 根據.
The short version
- 通過 — this is how it happened
- 根據 — this is where the information comes from
- 按照 — this is what we are following
按 alone is a shorter, more colloquial 按照, and 依照 a stiffer one you will meet in official writing.