noun / time word / verb HSK 2
Traditional 過去
past · former times · to pass by · to go over
Meaning
过去 primarily means 'the past' or 'past times' when used as a noun or time word. It can also function as a verb meaning 'to go over' or 'to pass by' (moving from here to there). As a time word, it often appears in phrases like '在过去' (in the past) to set temporal context.
Usage
When used as a time word, 过去 typically appears at the beginning of sentences or before verbs to indicate past time. As a directional verb, it describes movement away from the speaker toward another location. Native speakers commonly contrast it with 未来 (future) or 现在 (present) when discussing time periods.
Examples
- 01在过去，人们的生活很简单。, .In the past, people's lives were very simple.
- 02你走过去问问他吧。.Walk over there and ask him.
Characters
Common collocations
- 在过去in the past
- 过去的事things of the past
- 走过去to walk over
- 让过去let the past be past
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 过 (to pass/cross) with 去 (to go), literally meaning 'pass and go' or 'what has gone by,' naturally extending to mean 'the past.'