How to Write 过 (guò) — Meaning “to pass; to cross; (particle for past experience)”

Imagine a person taking a tiny step (寸) while walking (辶) across a street, which helps you recall 'to pass' or 'to cross.' Another way is to picture the radical as a winding path and the inside as a small mark, reminding you of passing by a point.

Write the inside part 寸 first (horizontal, vertical hook, dot), then add the radical 辶 (dot, horizontal zigzag, and a long wavy stroke). A common mistake is making the 寸 too large or placing the final 捺 (sweep) too straight—remember that the 辶's ending stroke should curve like a wave.

The main difference is the inside component: 过 has 寸 (inch), 巡 has 巛 (three short strokes), and 边 has 力 (power). For meaning, 过 means 'to pass,' 巡 means 'to patrol or go around,' and 边 means 'side' or 'edge.' Visually, 巡 looks busier inside, while 边 uses a simple 力.

过 is very common as a verb meaning 'to pass' (e.g., 过马路 - to cross the street) or 'to spend time' (e.g., 过年 - to celebrate New Year). It also serves as a grammatical particle for past experience (e.g., 我去过北京 - I have been to Beijing). This dual use makes it essential for learners.

Common words containing 过 include: 过去 (guò qù) — past; to go over; 难过 (nán guò) — sad; to feel bad; 经过 (jīng guò) — To pass through; the process..