In 15 Seconds
- Used for clearing customs at airports or borders.
- The standard term for beating a video game.
- Implies overcoming a series of obstacles or checkpoints.
- Can be used metaphorically for finishing difficult life processes.
Meaning
It literally means passing through a border checkpoint or clearing customs, but it's also the universal term for beating a video game or completing a difficult challenge.
Key Examples
3 of 6At the airport with a friend
我们快点去通关吧，人很多。
Let's go clear customs quickly; there are a lot of people.
Discussing a new video game
你这个游戏通关了吗？
Have you beaten this game yet?
Formal business travel instruction
请准备好证件以方便通关。
Please have your documents ready for easy customs clearance.
Cultural Background
The phrase bridges the gap between ancient military history and modern digital life. In ancient times, 'passes' like Shanhai Pass were vital for national security; today, the term is the ultimate badge of honor for gamers. It became a massive internet slang term as gaming culture exploded in China during the 2000s.
The 'Game' Logic
If a task feels like it has 'levels' or 'stages,' you can use `通关` to sound more colorful and modern.
Not for Exams
Don't say `考试通关` in a serious academic setting. Use `通过考试` instead, or you'll sound like you didn't take the test seriously.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for clearing customs at airports or borders.
- The standard term for beating a video game.
- Implies overcoming a series of obstacles or checkpoints.
- Can be used metaphorically for finishing difficult life processes.
What It Means
通关 (tōngguān) is a versatile term you will hear constantly in travel and gaming. In a travel context, it refers to the process of clearing customs and immigration. It is that sigh of relief after your passport is stamped. In the world of gaming, it means you have finished the final level. You have beaten the boss and seen the credits roll. It carries a sense of achievement and moving past a barrier.
How To Use It
Using it is simple because it acts as a verb. If you are at the airport, you can say you are about to 通关. If you are talking about a game like Black Myth: Wukong, you ask friends if they have 通关 yet. You do not need complex grammar here. Just pair it with a subject and you are good to go. It is punchy and direct.
When To Use It
Use it whenever you are crossing an international border. It is the standard term for the legal process of entry. Also, use it every single time you finish a game or a major life hurdle. Did you finally finish that 50-step bureaucracy process for your visa? You can jokingly say you finally 通关ed. It makes the struggle feel like a game you just won.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use 通关 for simple daily tasks like finishing homework. That is just 做完. Do not use it for passing a test; use 通过 for that. Using 通关 for a math quiz sounds like you think your teacher is a final boss. While funny, it is technically incorrect in a formal academic setting. Keep it for borders, games, or truly epic multi-stage challenges.
Cultural Background
The term has deep roots in ancient China’s mountain passes and checkpoints. Historically, a 'pass' (关) was a heavily guarded gate in the Great Wall or mountains. To 通关 meant you had the right papers to move between regions. Today, this 'checkpoint' mentality has shifted perfectly into digital gaming culture. It reflects the Chinese love for metaphors involving overcoming obstacles.
Common Variations
You will often see 快速通关 (kuàisù tōngguān) which means 'fast track' or 'express clearance.' In gaming, people might say 完美通关 (wánměi tōngguān) for a 100% completion run. If you are stuck, you might look for a 通关攻略 (tōngguān gōnglüè). This is a 'walkthrough' or strategy guide to help you beat the game. It is the secret weapon for every frustrated gamer.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but leans informal when used for gaming. In travel, it is the standard technical term.
The 'Game' Logic
If a task feels like it has 'levels' or 'stages,' you can use `通关` to sound more colorful and modern.
Not for Exams
Don't say `考试通关` in a serious academic setting. Use `通过考试` instead, or you'll sound like you didn't take the test seriously.
The 'Strategy' Connection
When people ask for a `攻略` (gōnglüè), they are asking for the 'cheat sheet' or 'strategy' to `通关` something difficult.
Examples
6我们快点去通关吧，人很多。
Let's go clear customs quickly; there are a lot of people.
Standard travel usage referring to immigration.
你这个游戏通关了吗？
Have you beaten this game yet?
The most common way to ask if someone finished a game.
请准备好证件以方便通关。
Please have your documents ready for easy customs clearance.
Used in professional or official travel announcements.
我终于签证通关了！太不容易了！
I finally 'cleared' the visa process! That wasn't easy!
Metaphorical use comparing a hard task to a game level.
见过她父母，我算通关了一半。
I met her parents, so I guess I've cleared half the levels.
Treating life milestones like game stages.
这关太难了，我通不了关。
This level is too hard; I can't beat it.
Using the potential complement form to show inability.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to describe finishing a video game.
我昨天终于把那个游戏___了。
`通关` is specifically used for completing all levels of a game.
You are at the border. What are you doing?
我们在排队准备___。
`通关` is the formal and common term for clearing border checkpoints.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 通关
Gaming with friends or joking about life hurdles.
我通关了！
Standard airport or travel conversation.
正在通关。
Official customs documents or announcements.
通关手续。
Where to use 通关
Airport Customs
Passport control
Video Games
Beating the final boss
Bureaucracy
Completing a visa application
Board Games
Finishing a campaign
Practice Bank
2 exercises我昨天终于把那个游戏___了。
`通关` is specifically used for completing all levels of a game.
我们在排队准备___。
`通关` is the formal and common term for clearing border checkpoints.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's better to use 通过. However, if you want to be humorous and imply the driving test was like a hard video game, you can say 通关.
Mostly yes, as it implies a 'customs' check. For simply walking through a gate, use 过门 or 进入.
You say 我通关了 (Wǒ tōngguān le). It is the most natural way to express this.
It is a walkthrough or strategy guide. You'll see this term all over Chinese gaming forums like Bilibili.
Yes, if you are discussing logistics or shipping. 通关效率 (customs efficiency) is a common professional phrase.
No, that would be 看完. 通关 requires a sense of challenge or a physical barrier.
It usually refers to a 'Fast Pass' or 'Express Lane' to skip lines for rides.
通过 is general 'passing' (a test, a bridge). 通关 is specifically clearing a checkpoint or finishing a game.
You can say 面试通过了 (passed the interview). If there were 5 rounds of interviews, you might jokingly say you finally 通关ed.
Yes, it is universally understood across the Mandarin-speaking world for both customs and gaming.
Related Phrases
通过
To pass (a test, a motion, a place)
海关
Customs (the department)
攻略
Strategy guide / Walkthrough
关卡
Level / Stage (in a game)
