Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
过不去(過不去)guòbuqù(guo4bu5qu4)
The phrase 过不去 (guò bù qù) means to face difficulties or obstacles that prevent someone from progressing or succeeding. It can also imply creating an uncomfortable situation for someone, leading to embarrassment or hardship. This expression is often used in contexts where someone feels stuck or unable to overcome challenges.
Frequency#7448DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, facing obstacles or difficulties is often seen as a part of life, and the phrase 过不去 can reflect societal pressures to succeed despite challenges. This mindset is often emphasized in stories and teachings about perseverance.
Memory Tip
Imagine trying to 'pass through' a narrow door (过) but being blocked (不去). Visualize yourself pushing against the door but unable to get through, which reflects both the pronunciation (guò - pass) and the meaning of being unable to move forward.
Meanings of 过不去
guòbuqù(guo4bu5qu4)
1to make life difficult for
2to embarrass
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 过不去
过不去Simplified
過不去Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 过不去
Podcast: 过不去
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 过不去
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine trying to 'pass through' a narrow door (过) but being blocked (不去). Visualize yourself pushing against the door but unable to get through, which reflects both the pronunciation (guò - pass) and the meaning of being unable to move forward.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 过不去 with similar phrases like 过得去, which means 'to manage' or 'to get by'. This phrase is more informal and can be used in everyday conversations, but care should be taken to avoid sounding overly dramatic or negative in more formal settings.
HSK Study Tips
As a phrase that combines basic verbs and negatives, learners should focus on understanding the components of 过 (to pass) and 不去 (not to go) at HSK Level 2. This word can help in grasping the use of negation and contextually expressing difficulties.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, facing obstacles or difficulties is often seen as a part of life, and the phrase 过不去 can reflect societal pressures to succeed despite challenges. This mindset is often emphasized in stories and teachings about perseverance.
Common Mistakes
Learners might use 过不去 incorrectly by applying it in contexts where a more neutral expression is needed, such as saying '我觉得他过不去' instead of '我觉得他有困难' (I think he has difficulties). Correct usage emphasizes the inability to move forward rather than simply having a difficulty.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 过不去
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 过不去 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 过不去 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 过不去
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, facing obstacles or difficulties is often seen as a part of life, and the phrase 过不去 can reflect societal pressures to succeed despite challenges. This mindset is often emphasized in stories and teachings about perseverance.
Frequently Asked Questions about 过不去
It is primarily used in informal contexts, often in everyday conversations.
Yes, it can describe emotional difficulties, such as feeling embarrassed or stuck in a situation.
Yes, other phrases like 过不去的关 (guò bù qù de guān) can also express similar meanings of being unable to overcome a barrier.
