经过 (through/after)
Meaning
The word 经过 (jīngguò) is used to express 'through,' 'after,' or 'as a result of' a process, event, or period of time. It introduces the means or process by which a result is achieved, often followed by a clause describing the outcome.
经过 can function as both a verb and a preposition. As a preposition, it introduces an event or process that leads to a result, similar to 'after going through' or 'by means of.' It differs from 通过 (tōngguò), which emphasizes the method or channel, while 经过 emphasizes the experience or passage through something. When used with time expressions, 经过 highlights the duration of a process before a result was achieved. The outcome clause often includes 终于 (finally) or 才 (only then) to emphasize that the result came after effort or time.
Examples
- 经过三个月的练习，她终于学会了游泳。 After three months of practice, she finally learned to swim.
- 经过大家的努力，项目按时完成了。 Through everyone's efforts, the project was completed on time.
- 经过长时间的讨论，我们做出了决定。 After a long discussion, we made a decision.
Usage Guide
Context: spoken, written, everyday
Tone: narrative
Do Say
- 经过一年的学习，他的中文进步了很多。
- 经过仔细的检查，医生说没有问题。
- 经过多次尝试，我们找到了解决办法。
- 这条路经过公园，风景很好。
Don't Say
- 经过了三天的等待，包裹到了。(经过 as a preposition introducing a time/process clause should not take 了 — remove 了 after 经过) → 经过三天的等待，包裹到了。
- 我经过学习很努力才通过了考试。(The event after 经过 should be a noun phrase or short clause, not a full sentence — restructure as 经过努力学习) → 经过努力学习，我才通过了考试。
- 经过他去了北京。(经过 meaning 'through a process' cannot be used for physical travel destinations — use 经过 as a verb for passing through a place, or 去了 for destination) → 他经过北京去了上海。
Origin & History
The word 经过 combines 经 (to pass through, experience) and 过 (to cross, to pass). It has been used since classical Chinese to indicate passage through a process or experience.
Cultural Context
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Related Phrases
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