通过
tōngguò
To pass in Chinese is 通过 (tōngguò).
The term 通过 means to move or be moved from one place to another. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses, focusing more on the act of passing rather than the physical location.
Meaning: to move or be moved from one place to another (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 通过 emphasizes the act of successfully traversing or passing a certain point/standard, 经过 emphasizes the physical movement of passing by a location or the process of a certain period of time passing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 通过 can function as both a verb meaning 'to pass through' and a preposition meaning 'via' or 'through'.
How do you pronounce it?
tōngguò
Did you know?
- While 通过 describes passing a test, the word for passing a ball in sports is usually 传 which means 'to transmit' or 'to hand over'.
- To say 'pass' in the sense of declining an offer, Chinese speakers often use 不要 meaning 'do not want' rather than a verb meaning 'to pass'.
- The character 通 in 通过 carries the ancient connotation of 'to communicate' or 'to be unobstructed', implying that 'passing' is a form of making a connection or clearing a way.
Examples in context
- 我必须通过这场考试。I have to pass this exam.This sentence shows how to use 通过 regarding an exam.Tatoeba #11706395 by Jokubas, translation #1744984 by Amastan
- 这艘船太大，没法通过运河。This ship is too big to pass through the canal.This sentence demonstrates the use of 通过 when discussing a ship and a canal.Tatoeba #9958606 by GlossaMatik, translation #58091 by CM
- 我理所当然地觉得，他会通过考试。I took it for granted that he would pass the exam.This sentence provides an example of using 通过 in the context of an exam.Tatoeba #7774730 by jiangche, translation #259967 by CK
- 我经过了大门 (Wǒ jīngguòle dàmén)I passed through the gate.
- 我通过了考试 (Wǒ tōngguòle kǎoshì)I passed the exam.
- 他的面试顺利通过了 (Tā de miànshì shùnlì tōngguòle)He passed the interview successfully.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pass” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
