过不去 guòbuqù to make life difficult for
to make life difficult for; to embarrass; unable to make it through
How to remember 过不去: 过 to cross + 不 not + 去 go = to make life difficult for.
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How it is used
- Two senses: can't get through, and to give someone a hard time - 别跟自己过不去 (bié gēn zìjǐ guòbuqù) don't be so hard on yourself.
- With 跟…过不去 it means to deliberately make life difficult for someone (你是存心跟我过不去 you're picking on me on purpose).
- Literally "unable to pass," it also covers being emotionally unable to get over something (心里过不去 can't get past it in one's heart).