过

• Pinyin: guò
• Hanzi breakdown: 过 = 辶 (movement radical) + simplified right component — passing through, moving across

Meaning

To pass; to cross; to spend time. Also used as an experiential particle meaning 'have ever done'.

As a verb, it means to cross or pass (过马路 = cross the road). As a particle after a verb, it indicates past experience (去过 = have been to). Also used in 过年 (celebrate New Year) and 过生日 (celebrate a birthday).

Examples

1. 你去过中国吗？ Have you ever been to China?
2. 我们过马路吧。 Let's cross the road.
3. 时间过得很快。 Time passes very quickly.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, travel

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我吃过北京烤鸭。(I've eaten Peking duck before.)
• 小心过马路。(Be careful crossing the road.)

Don't Say

• 我过去了中国。(Incorrect structure — for experience, say 我去过中国; 过去 means 'the past' or 'to go over')

Origin & History

The traditional form 過 contains 辶 (movement) and 咼 (phonetic). The simplified form keeps 辶 with a simplified right component, maintaining the sense of passing or moving through.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal