Definition
过 (guò) is a very common verb with several everyday uses: to cross (a street), to pass or spend (time), and to celebrate (a holiday). For 'cross' or 'go over', 过 is the simple verb; 过去 (guò qù) adds direction ('go over to a place') and is often used with 来/去. For 'celebrate', 过 is used for birthdays and holidays; 庆祝 (qìng zhù) is more formal, and 庆贺 (qìng hè) is very formal (congratulations on achievements).
verb
to crossto go overto spend (time)to pass (time)to celebrate (a holiday)
Easily confused
- 过guolook-alike(aspect particle) indicates that an action has been experienced or happened at least once in the past
- 国guósound-alikecountry, nation, state
- 追zhuīlook-aliketo chase; to pursue (physically or metaphorically)
- 锅guōsound-alikepot; pan; wok; cauldron
- 裹guǒsound-aliketo wrap (up); to bundle
Examples
- 过。Wǒ měitiān guò mǎlù qù xuéxiào.I cross the road every day to go to school.
- 过。Wǒmen zuótiān guò le shēngrì.We celebrated a birthday yesterday.
- 过。Tā zuótiān guò de hěn lèi.He had a tiring day yesterday.
Grammar
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