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过关 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
过关guòguānto cross a barrierHSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #14778, Very Hard
过关guòguānto get through (an ordeal)HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #14778, Very Hard
过关guòguānto pass (a test)HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #14778, Very Hard
过关guòguānto reach (a standard)HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #14778, Very Hard
guòguān(guo4guan1)guo guan T4
  1. 1to cross a barrier
  2. 2to get through (an ordeal)
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March 24, 2026

过关(過關)guòguān(guo4guan1)

The term 过关 (guò guān) means to cross a barrier or to successfully pass through an obstacle, often used in the context of passing tests or meeting certain standards. It can refer to both literal and metaphorical challenges, such as examinations, evaluations, or life’s difficulties.

Strokes12Frequency#14778DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of passing tests, especially educational ones, is deeply ingrained, often determining future opportunities. The importance of 过关 reflects the value placed on achievement and perseverance in society.

Memory tip

Imagine a person crossing a gate (关) that has a 'pass' sign on it. The character 过 means 'to pass' or 'to cross,' and when combined with 关, it creates an image of successfully passing through a gate. Visualize someone joyfully running through the gate after overcoming a challenge.

Meanings of 过关

guòguān(guo4guan1)
1to cross a barrier
2to get through (an ordeal)
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About 过关

过关Simplified
過關Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI study notes for 过关

Quick Contrast

通过 (tōngguò) vs 过关 (guòguān): Use 通过 when emphasizing the process of passing through or completing something, while 过关 focuses on successfully meeting a specific standard or overcoming a hurdle.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 过关 with simply 'passing' something; it implies overcoming a challenge rather than just achieving a score. It is generally used in both formal settings, like academic contexts, and informal ones, such as personal achievements. Remember that the tone of 过 (guò) is falling, while 关 (guān) is high and level.

HSK Study Tips

Although not explicitly listed in HSK levels, understanding 过 and 关 separately can aid comprehension. Focus on the individual meanings of each character to better grasp the compound. This connects with HSK vocabulary related to tests and challenges.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 过关 in contexts where a simple 'pass' would suffice, such as saying 'I passed the exam' instead of 'I crossed the barrier of the exam.' Instead, use 通过考试 (tōng guò kǎo shì) to indicate simply passing an exam without the connotation of overcoming challenges.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 过关

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Component characters

过guò(experienced action marker)
HSK 26 strokes辶
View full entry
关guānto close
HSK 36 strokes丷
View full entry

How to say to cross a barrier in Chinese

“to cross a barrier” in Chinese is过关guòguān

The term 过关 (guò guān) means to cross a barrier or to successfully pass through an obstacle, often used in the context of passing tests or meeting certain standards. It can refer to both literal and metaphorical challenges, such as examinations, evaluations, or life’s difficulties.

When to use 过关

Be cautious not to confuse 过关 with simply 'passing' something; it implies overcoming a challenge rather than just achieving a score. It is generally used in both formal settings, like academic contexts, and informal ones, such as personal achievements. Remember that the tone of 过 (guò) is falling, while 关 (guān) is high and level.

过关 or something close to it

通过 (tōngguò) vs 过关 (guòguān): Use 通过 when emphasizing the process of passing through or completing something, while 过关 focuses on successfully meeting a specific standard or overcoming a hurdle.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly use 过关 in contexts where a simple 'pass' would suffice, such as saying 'I passed the exam' instead of 'I crossed the barrier of the exam.' Instead, use 通过考试 (tōng guò kǎo shì) to indicate simply passing an exam without the connotation of overcoming challenges.

Write 过关

过
关

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Frequently asked questions about 过关

No, 过关 can be used in various contexts including personal challenges, work evaluations, or any situation requiring overcoming an obstacle.

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