透过

• Pinyin: tòu guò
• Hanzi breakdown: 透 = 辶 + 秀 — to penetrate; 过 = 辶 + 寸 — to pass

Meaning

Through; via; by way of; to see through.

Physical meaning is to pass through (light, vision). Figuratively means to perceive something deeper by looking past the surface. Also used as a preposition meaning 'through' or 'via'.

Examples

1. 透过窗户可以看到远处的山景。 Through the window, you can see the distant mountain scenery.
2. 透过这些数据，我们能发现一些有趣的趋势。 Through this data, we can discover some interesting trends.
3. 透过现象看本质是做研究的基本功。 Seeing the essence through the phenomenon is a fundamental skill in research.

Usage Guide

Context: observation, analysis, physical

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 透过窗户。(Through the window.)
• 透过现象看本质。(To see the essence through the phenomenon.)

Don't Say

• 把'通过'和'透过'完全混用 (透过 emphasizes penetration/insight — 通过 is more general for 'via')

Origin & History

透 means to penetrate/pass through, 过 means to pass — to pass through.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal