Definition
过得去 is a resultative verb complement formed by 得 inserted between the verb 过 and the complement 去 to indicate possibility — literally 'can pass through'. It is most often used figuratively: (1) to describe something as acceptable or 'not too bad' in terms of quality, and (2) to describe one's conscience as at ease or comfortable after an action. The negative form is 过不去 (cannot pass / cannot accept / feel uneasy). For HSK 7 learners, note the potential-complement grammar pattern: verb + 得/不 + complement, where 得 marks possibility.
r.v.
(figurative) acceptablepassablenot too bad(figurative) feel at ease (about something)can look oneself in the mirror(literal) can pass throughcan get through (a physical space)
Examples
- ，过得去。Nǐ de chéngjì suīrán bù tūchū, dàn hái guò dé qù.Your grades aren't outstanding, but they're still passable.
- ，过得去？Nǐ zhèyàng zuò, xīn lǐ guò dé qù ma?Do you feel at ease doing this? (Can you look yourself in the mirror?)
- ，，过得去。Lù tài zhǎi, dà chē guò bú qù, dàn mótuō chē hái guò dé qù.The road is too narrow; large vehicles can't get through, but motorcycles can.
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