通过
How to Understand
通过 means 'to pass through' or 'to go through,' often used to describe the process of moving from one point to another, either physically or metaphorically. It can also mean 'to approve' or 'to be accepted,' depending on the context.
The character 通 (tōng) originally meant 'to communicate' or 'to be open,' and later came to mean 'to pass through' or 'to go through.' The character 过 (guò) means 'to pass' or 'to go past.' Together, they form a phrase that literally means 'to go through' or 'to pass through.'
通过 is commonly used in both physical and abstract contexts. For example, it can refer to passing through a door, going through a process, or approving a proposal. In formal settings, it might be used in phrases like 通过考试 (to pass an exam) or 通过审核 (to pass an inspection). It is also used in everyday conversation to describe movement or progression.