Chinese grammar: Comparing 通过tongguo and 经过jingguo
One of the trickier points of Chinese grammar is how to use 通过 (tōngguò) and 经过 (jīngguò) correctly. Though they have very similar meanings, they have somewhat different uses
通过 as a Verb
Structure 1
The first way that 通过 is used as a verb is that it means going through a certain object, as in penetrating into and coming out of something. In this case, it is similar to the word 穿过.
Examples
从 我 家 走 到 这里 需要 通过 两 座 桥。
Structure 2
The second way that 通过 is used as a verb is that it means that something goes through effort in order to reach acknowledgement or agreement. This is similar to how we say a bill "pass through" the legislature, or how you can "meet someone through a friend".
Examples
我 通过 了 这 次 考试。
通过 as a Preposition
As a preposition, 通过 expresses using a certain method to achieve a desired outcome. It emphasizes the manner or method of doing something, and it can be placed before and after the subject.
Structure
Examples
我们 通过 他 的 朋友 才 找 到 了 他。
经过 as Verb
Structure 1
The first way that 经过 is used as a verb is that it means "to pass by" or "to pass through". It is like saying "I went through downtown" or "I passed by the cemetery".
Examples
每天 我 都 经过 这 个 小 商店。
Structure 2
The second way that 经过 is used as a verb is that it means "to experience something" or "going through a time". It emphasizes the process of that experience. When expressing "to experience something", it often has a negative connotation, like 教训, 考验, 锻炼, 战争, 比赛. If it is talking about "going through a time", it is usually talking about the past.
Examples
经过 一 个 月 的 培训,我们 的 新 员工 已经 准备 好 了。
经过 as Noun
As a noun, 经过 refers to the process of something.
Structure
Examples
请 你 跟 我们 说 一下 当时 的 经过。