过日子

• Pinyin: guò rì zi
• Hanzi breakdown: 过 = to live through; 日 = sun/day; 子 = nominal suffix — the passing of one's days

Meaning

To get by day to day; to live one's life; to manage household life.

A colloquial phrase emphasizing the practical, everyday dimension of living — managing a household, sustaining a family, or simply enduring daily life. Conveys a sense of perseverance and practicality. Often implies modest circumstances or the grind of ordinary living rather than ambition.

Examples

1. 她一个人带着孩子过日子，虽然辛苦，却也充实。 She’s raising her child on her own; it’s hard, but her life feels full.
2. 退休后他不再追求名利，只想平平静静过日子。 After retiring, he stopped chasing fame and fortune and just wants to live quietly.
3. 两个人过日子，最重要的是互相体谅，而不是谁赢了争论。 When two people build a life together, what matters most is understanding each other, not who wins an argument.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, family, relationships

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 现在收入虽然不高，但我们节省一点也能好好过日子。(Our income isn't high right now, but with a bit of frugality we can still live well.)
• 两个人踏踏实实过日子，比什么都重要。(Living a steady, down-to-earth life together is more important than anything.)

Don't Say

• 公司在过日子 — 过日子 is for individuals or families; for organizations struggling say 艰难维持 or 勉强经营

Origin & History

过 (to pass, to get through) + 日子 (days; colloquial term for one's daily life or livelihood)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal