经过

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jīngguò: 经过 - To Pass Through, After, Process, Course

Quick Summary

  • Keywords: jingguo meaning, 经过, jīngguò, how to use jingguo, Chinese grammar, jingguo vs tongguo, to pass through in Chinese, to go through, after, as a result of, Chinese preposition, HSK 3 grammar.
  • Summary: An essential HSK 3 term, 经过 (jīngguò) is a versatile Chinese word that functions as a verb, preposition, and noun. It means “to pass by” a physical place, “to go through” an experience, or “after” a certain process. Understanding 经过 is key to explaining cause and effect, telling stories, and describing the journey—not just the destination—in Mandarin Chinese. This page will break down its various uses, from describing your daily commute to explaining the steps that led to a major success.

Core Meaning

  • Pinyin (with tone marks): jīngguò
  • Part of Speech: Verb, Preposition, Noun
  • HSK Level: HSK 3
  • Concise Definition: To pass through a place or time; to undergo a process; or as a preposition, “after” or “through the process of”.
  • In a Nutshell: Think of 经过 (jīngguò) as a word that's all about the “journey.” Whether it's a physical journey (passing by the post office), an emotional one (going through a tough time), or a procedural one (the process of discussion), 经过 focuses on the path taken and the sequence of events. It's the “how” that leads to the “what.”

Character Breakdown

  • 经 (jīng): The original meaning is related to the vertical threads (the warp) in a loom, which run through the entire cloth. This gives it the core idea of “to pass through,” “to undergo,” or “to manage.” It's the same character in `经济 (jīngjì)` (economy) and `已经 (yǐjīng)` (already).
  • 过 (guò): This character clearly means “to cross,” “to pass,” or “to exceed.” It depicts movement from one point to another. It's used in words like `过去 (guòqù)` (the past) and `过马路 (guò mǎlù)` (to cross the street).
  • Together, 经过 (jīngguò) combines the idea of a continuous path (经) with the action of crossing (过), creating a powerful word that signifies the entire process of passing through a space, time, or experience.

Cultural Context and Significance

  • While not a deep philosophical term, 经过 (jīngguò) subtly reflects a cultural emphasis on process and causality. In many contexts, Chinese culture places great value on understanding the full story—the sequence of efforts, struggles, and steps that lead to a result.
  • Compare this to a common Western mindset that can sometimes be hyper-focused on the final outcome or the “executive summary.” For instance, when reporting on a project's success, a Chinese manager might spend considerable time detailing the 经过—the negotiations, the teamwork, the challenges overcome. This isn't just about listing facts; it's about acknowledging the hard work and showing that the result wasn't random, but earned through a specific process. The 经过 provides context, legitimacy, and lessons for the future.

Practical Usage in Modern China

  • 经过 is extremely common in daily life and formal situations. Its function changes based on its role in the sentence.
  • 1. Verb: To Pass By / Pass Through (a physical place)
    • This is the most literal meaning. It's used to describe movement.
    • “我每天上班都会经过一个公园。” (Wǒ měitiān shàngbān dūhuì jīngguò yīgè gōngyuán.) - “I pass by a park every day on my way to work.”
  • 2. Verb: To Undergo / Go Through (an experience or period)
    • This usage is more abstract, referring to events, changes, or periods of time.
    • “我们公司去年经过了很大的变化。” (Wǒmen gōngsī qùnián jīngguò le hěn dà de biànhuà.) - “Our company went through big changes last year.”
  • 3. Preposition: After / Through the Process Of
    • This is a critical grammar structure: `经过 + [Process/Event], [Result]`. It's used to explain the cause or reason for a result.
    • “经过大家的努力，项目终于完成了。” (Jīngguò dàjiā de nǔlì, xiàngmù zhōngyú wánchéng le.) - “After everyone's hard work, the project was finally completed.”
  • 4. Noun: The Process / The Course (of events)
    • Used to refer to the whole story or the entire sequence of what happened.
    • “警察想知道事情的经过。” (Jǐngchá xiǎng zhīdào shìqíng de jīngguò.) - “The police want to know the whole story (the process of what happened).”

Example Sentences

  • Example 1: (Verb: Physical Place)
    • 我刚才经过你的办公室，你不在。
    • Pinyin: Wǒ gāngcái jīngguò nǐ de bàngōngshì, nǐ bùzài.
    • English: I just passed by your office, but you weren't in.
    • Analysis: Here, 经过 is a simple verb of motion, indicating that the speaker walked or moved past a location.
  • Example 2: (Noun: The Process)
    • 你能告诉我事情的经过吗？
    • Pinyin: Nǐ néng gàosù wǒ shìqíng de jīngguò ma?
    • English: Can you tell me the process of what happened (the whole story)?
    • Analysis: 经过 functions as a noun here, meaning “the course of events.” It's a common way to ask for a full account of something.
  • Example 3: (Preposition: Cause & Effect)
    • 经过几个月的练习，我的中文进步了很多。
    • Pinyin: Jīngguò jǐ gè yuè de liànxí, wǒ de Zhōngwén jìnbù le hěn duō.
    • English: After several months of practice, my Chinese has improved a lot.
    • Analysis: This showcases the classic prepositional use. The practice (`练习`) is the process, and the improvement (`进步`) is the result. This `经过 + Process, Result` structure is fundamental.
  • Example 4: (Verb: Abstract Experience)
    • 他经过了很多困难，才有了今天的成功。
    • Pinyin: Tā jīngguò le hěn duō kùnnán, cái yǒu le jīntiān de chénggōng.
    • English: He went through many difficulties to have the success he has today.
    • Analysis: 经过 is used as a verb to mean “undergo” or “experience.” It emphasizes the tough journey he endured.
  • Example 5: (Formal/Business Context)
    • 经过双方友好商谈，我们达成了一致。
    • Pinyin: Jīngguò shuāngfāng yǒuhǎo shāngtán, wǒmen dáchéng le yīzhì.
    • English: Through friendly negotiations between both parties, we have reached an agreement.
    • Analysis: A very common and slightly formal phrase in business or diplomatic contexts. 经过 introduces the process (negotiations) that led to the outcome (agreement).
  • Example 6: (Medical Context)
    • 经过治疗，他的病好多了。
    • Pinyin: Jīngguò zhìliáo, tā de bìng hǎo duō le.
    • English: After treatment, his illness is much better.
    • Analysis: This demonstrates the cause-and-effect relationship clearly. The treatment is the process that leads to the result of getting better.
  • Example 7: (Simple Daily Life)
    • 我们坐火车经过了很多美丽的城市。
    • Pinyin: Wǒmen zuò huǒchē jīngguò le hěn duō měilì de chéngshì.
    • English: We passed through many beautiful cities by train.
    • Analysis: A straightforward use of 经过 as a verb, describing the places seen along a journey.
  • Example 8: (Referring to a specific event)
    • 经过上次的失败，他变得更小心了。
    • Pinyin: Jīngguò shàng cì de shībài, tā biànde gèng xiǎoxīn le.
    • English: After last time's failure, he became more cautious.
    • Analysis: Here, the “process” is a single past event (the failure) that caused a change in behavior.
  • Example 9: (Referring to a discussion)
    • 经过热烈的讨论，大家决定采用新的方案。
    • Pinyin: Jīngguò rèliè de tǎolùn, dàjiā juédìng cǎiyòng xīn de fāng'àn.
    • English: After a heated discussion, everyone decided to adopt the new plan.
    • Analysis: Another classic example of the prepositional use. The discussion is the `经过`, and the decision is the result.
  • Example 10: (Noun phrase as the process)
    • 这座桥经过了时间的考验。
    • Pinyin: Zhè zuò qiáo jīngguò le shíjiān de kǎoyàn.
    • English: This bridge has stood the test of time. (Literally: “This bridge has passed through the test of time.”)
    • Analysis: A more figurative and literary use. “The test of time” (`时间的考验`) is treated as a process that the bridge has successfully undergone.

Nuances and Common Mistakes

  • The #1 Mistake: Confusing 经过 (jīngguò) and 通过 (tōngguò)
    • This is a major pitfall for learners. They both can mean “to pass,” but they are not interchangeable.
    • `经过 (jīngguò)` emphasizes the process of going through something. The result is secondary or not implied.
    • `通过 (tōngguò)` emphasizes successfully passing a barrier, test, law, or inspection. It implies a positive outcome.
  • Incorrect Usage:
    • 我经过了HSK4级考试。 (Wǒ jīngguò le HSK 4 jí kǎoshì.) ❌
    • Why it's wrong: This sounds like you physically walked past the exam room, or simply endured the process without saying if you passed.
    • Correct Usage:
    • 我通过了HSK4级考试。 (Wǒ tōngguò le HSK 4 jí kǎoshì.) ✔️ (I passed the HSK 4 exam.)
    • 经过三个小时的考试，我终于考完了。 (Jīngguò sān ge xiǎoshí de kǎoshì, wǒ zhōngyú kǎo wán le.) ✔️ (After a three-hour exam, I finally finished. - Focus is on the duration/process).

Related Terms and Concepts

  • `通过 (tōngguò)` - To pass (a test, a motion, an inspection). Implies successful passage, unlike `经过`.
  • `路过 (lùguò)` - To pass by (a place), often by chance or incidentally. It's more casual and less intentional than `经过`. “I was just passing by.”
  • `过程 (guòchéng)` - (Noun) The process, the procedure. More formal and abstract than asking for the `经过` of a story.
  • `经历 (jīnglì)` - (Verb/Noun) To experience; a life experience. Refers to significant events that have shaped a person. `经历` is about what you've lived; `经过` can be about a simple process you just completed.
  • `由于 (yóuyú)` - (Conjunction) Due to, because of. A more formal way to express cause and effect, similar to the prepositional use of `经过`.