Meaning and Usage
"过不去" is a colloquial expression used to describe situations where someone or something causes difficulty or trouble, or when a person has a strained relationship with another. It can mean "to be hard on someone," "to have trouble with something," or "to have a conflict with someone."
Common Contexts
- Interpersonal conflict: When someone is deliberately making things difficult for another person.
- Difficulty overcoming a problem: When a task or question is hard to get past.
- Relationship tension: When two people do not get along well.
Collocations and Patterns
- 跟某人过不去: to have a conflict or be difficult with someone.
- 过不去一道题: to be stuck on a question or problem.
- 过不去的坎儿: a metaphorical hurdle or difficulty one cannot overcome.
Usage Notes
"过不去" often implies intentionality when referring to interpersonal conflict, suggesting someone is deliberately causing trouble. When used for problems or tasks, it expresses difficulty or inability to overcome. It is informal and common in spoken Chinese.
Avoid confusing "过不去" with "过得去" (to get by or pass), which has a positive or neutral meaning.