The kanji 拠 primarily conveys the idea of a "base," "support," "foundation," or "to rely on." It suggests a point from which something originates, is sustained, or finds its stability. It can also imply a location or position where something is centered or established.

・On-yomi (音読み): キョ (kyo) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): よ（る） (yo(ru))

⚫︎ 根拠 (konkyo) Translation: basis; grounds; foundation ⚫︎ 拠点 (kyoten) Translation: base; position; foothold ⚫︎ 証拠 (shouko) Translation: evidence; proof

The kanji 拠 is a 形声文字 (keisei moji), a phonetic-semantic compound. It combines the radical 足 (ashi), meaning "foot" or "leg," with the phonetic component 虡 (kyo). The radical 足 suggests the idea of a point of support or a foundation, relating to the meaning of "to stand" or "to establish." 虡 provides the phonetic element, indicating the sound of the kanji. The combination suggests the act of establishing or basing something on a firm foundation or a specific location. Historically, this kanji has been used to denote places of residence, establishments, and the basis upon which something rests.