Have done: 过
过 after a verb for things you have done before.
过 guo after a verb says something has happened at least once: an experience. Its negative is 没 and the verb with 过. To ask, add 吗 or 没有.
- Wǒ qùguo Běijīng.I've been to Beijing.
- Wǒ méi chīguo Běijīng kǎoyā.I've never had Peking duck.
- Nǐ kànguo zhège diànyǐng ma?Have you seen this film?
- Wǒ qùguo liǎng cì.I've been twice.
过 or 了
我去了北京 says the trip happened, and I may still be there. 我去过北京 says I have been, and that I know the place.
过 as a verb
On its own 过 is the verb guò, "to pass, cross, spend": 过马路 "cross the road", 过生日 "celebrate a birthday".
- Guò mǎlù yào xiǎoxīn.Take care crossing the road.
When, where and how: 是……的
To ask or say when, where or how something already done happened, put 是 before that detail and 的 at the end.
- Nǐ shì shénme shíhou lái de?When did you get here?
- Wǒ shì zuò fēijī lái de.I came by plane.
Cards from this guide
9 cardsEach card asks about one thing this guide teaches, and its back gives the answer with why and an example. They're reviewed with the rest of the Verbs cards.
How do you say "I've been to Beijing"?
我去过北京。
How do you say "I've never had Peking duck"?
我没吃过北京烤鸭。
How do you ask "Have you seen this film?"
你看过这个电影吗？
What is the difference between 我去了北京 and 我去过北京?
去了: the trip happened, and I may still be there. 去过: I have been there before.
How is 过 said after a verb, and on its own as a verb?
guo after a verb; guò as the verb "to pass, cross".
How do you say "I've seen this film three times"?
这个电影我看过三次。
How else can you ask "Have you ever eaten dumplings?", without 吗?
你吃过饺子没有？
What does 过生日 mean?
"Celebrate a birthday".
How do you ask "When did you get here?" about an arrival that has happened?
你是什么时候来的？