通过 (expressing 'through')

• 拼音: tōngguò
• 结构: 通过 + Agent / Method ，Subject + Verb Phrase
• 汉字拆解: 通 = 辶 (movement) + 甬 (path); 过 = 辶 (movement) + 寸 (inch)

含义

The word 通过 (tōngguò) means 'through' or 'by means of' and is used to express the method, channel, or intermediary through which something is accomplished. It introduces the agent or means before the main clause.

As a preposition, 通过 introduces the means or method, often followed by a comma and then the main clause describing the result. As a verb, 通过 can also mean 'to pass' (e.g., pass an exam or approve a proposal), but the prepositional usage is far more common in everyday speech. When used prepositionally, 通过 is similar to 用 but carries a stronger sense of 'going through a process' or 'via a channel.' It is especially common in formal writing, news reports, and official statements. Learners sometimes confuse 通过 with 经过, but 经过 emphasizes passing through a place or time period, while 通过 emphasizes the means or channel.

例句

1. 我们通过网络了解了很多新闻。
2. 她通过朋友的介绍认识了她的男朋友。
3. 他通过不断练习终于学会了游泳。

用法指南

语境: spoken, written, formal

语气: explanatory

正确说法

• 我们通过投票选出了班长。
• 她通过自学考上了名牌大学。
• 公司通过培训提高了员工的能力。
• 他通过这次旅行交到了很多新朋友。

错误说法

• 我经过考试了。(经过 means 'pass by' physically or temporally — for passing an exam or using a method, use 通过) → 我通过考试了。
• 我通过了公园走回家。(通过 here is used as a preposition for means, not for physical passage — for walking through a place, use 经过 or 穿过) → 我经过公园走回家。

起源与历史

通过 literally means 'pass through' (通 = pass/go through, 过 = cross/pass). Its extension from physical passage to abstract means or method is a natural semantic development seen in many languages.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal