过去 guòqù (in the) past
(in the) past; former; previous
How to remember 过去: 过 to cross + 去 go = (in the) past.
Characters
How it is used
- As a time word, 'the past / formerly' - 过去他很穷 (guòqù tā hěn qióng) in the past he was poor.
- It also works as a motion verb 'go over (away from speaker)' - 走过去 (zǒu guòqù) walk over there.
- Contrast the time senses: 过去 the past, 现在 (xiànzài) now, 将来/未来 the future.
Example sentences
- 多少年过去了。 Duōshǎo nián guòqù le.Years passed.
- 真想睡过去啊。 Zhēnxiǎng shuìguòqù a.I want to sleep.
- 幸福的日子过去了。 Xìngfú de rìzi guòqù le.The happy days are gone.