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

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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.

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.”

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.

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.

经过 is extremely common in daily life and formal situations. Its function changes based on its role in the sentence.

`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`.