Learn Expressing experiences with 过 (guò) in Mandarin Chinese. Clear HSK 3 grammar explanation with examples in Chinese, pinyin, and English. Free on Dumplingo.
Expressing experiences with 过 (guò) The particle 过 is used to indicate that someone has had the experience of doing something at least once in the past. It does not usually specify when — the focus is on whether the experience has happened. Basic structure [Subject] + Verb + 过 + (Object) Examples 1. 我去过中国。 wǒ qù guo Zhōngguó. I have been to China (I’ve had the experience of going to China). 2. 你吃过上海菜吗？ nǐ chī guo Shànghǎi cài ma? Have you eaten Shanghai food before? 3. 他没去过北京。 Tā méi qù guo Běijīng. He has not been to Beijing. Comparing 过 with other past markers - 过 emphasises experience or whether something happened at least once. - To talk about completed actions with a clear time or result, use 了 or other structures. Examples to contrast - 我吃过北京烤鸭。 (I have eaten Peking duck before — experience.) - 我昨天吃了北京烤鸭。 (I ate Peking duck yesterday — completed action at a specific time.) Common usage notes - 过 is placed immediately after the verb. - When using negatives, use 没 (没 + Verb + 过) to say you have not experienced something. ✅ Key takeaway: Use 过 when you want to say you have the experience of doing something at least once, without specifying when. --- Next grammar point: [Basic usage of 把 (bǎ)](/grammar/hsk3/basic_usage_of_ba)