基于 / 本着: based on, in the spirit of
介词 / prepositions
Tone colorsā tone 1á tone 2ǎ tone 3à tone 4a neutral
基于 + reason/data，… | 本着 + 原则/精神/态度，…
Two formal prepositions giving the basis of an action:
• 基于 = "based on, on the grounds of": a factual or rational basis (基于以上理由、基于数据分析).
• 本着 = "in the spirit of, in line with": a moral basis, a principle or attitude (本着公平的原则、本着负责的态度).
Both go sentence-initially or before the verb.
Examples
基于以上理由，我们反对这项法案。
Jīyú yǐshàng lǐyóu, wǒmen fǎnduì zhè xiàng fǎàn.On the above grounds, we oppose this bill.
双方本着平等互利的原则，签订了合同。
Shuāngfāng běnzhe píngděng hùlì de yuánzé, qiāndìng le hétong.Both sides signed the contract on the principle of equality and mutual benefit.
这个判断是基于大量事实做出的。
Zhège pànduàn shì jīyú dàliàng shìshí zuò chū de.This judgement was made on the basis of extensive facts.
Common mistakes
✗ 本着数据 → for data use ✓ 基于数据; 本着 goes with a principle or spirit.
✗ Reading 基于 as *jìyú*: ✓ *jīyú*.