本着…的原则
in keeping with the principle of; in a spirit of
Structure
本着 修饰语 ＋ 的原则／的精神／的态度 ， 行动
What it means
Says which principle, spirit or attitude guides an action: “in keeping with the principle of; in a spirit of”.
How it is built
本着 + modifier + 的原则/的精神/的态度/的宗旨, + action: 双方本着平等协商的原则，签订了协议 (On the principle of negotiating as equals, the two sides signed an agreement).
When to use it
Official notices, contracts and diplomatic statements, usually at the head of the sentence with a comma before the action. Met as a word in 5-18.
Watch out
The object is always abstract. For rules or instructions followed to the letter use 按照 or 根据: ✗本着规定 ✓按照规定 / 根据医嘱。
Examples
本着自愿、保密的原则，各地疾控中心提供免费检测，许多地方还可以匿名。
On the principle that testing is voluntary and confidential, CDCs everywhere offer it free, and in many places it can be anonymous.
本着对病人负责的态度，医生把每一种治疗方案的风险都讲得清清楚楚。
Out of a sense of responsibility to the patient, the doctor explained the risks of every treatment option very clearly.
双方本着平等协商的原则，签订了合作协议。
On the principle of negotiating as equals, the two sides signed a cooperation agreement.
Learn this in Lesson 160 · HSK 7–9: 艾滋病：检测与偏见 (HIV: testing and prejudice)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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