过马路 in 30 Seconds
- 过马路 means to cross the road.
- It's a common verb phrase for daily life.
- Safety is often emphasized when crossing.
- Use it when describing movement or giving directions.
- Literal Meaning
- 过 (guò) means to pass, to cross, or to go over. 马路 (mǎlù) means road or street. Together, 过马路 literally translates to 'cross the road'.
- Core Meaning
- The primary meaning of 过马路 is the action of moving from one side of a street or road to the other. This is a very common and essential action in daily life, especially in urban and suburban environments.
- Usage Contexts
- This phrase is used in a wide variety of situations. It can be a simple statement of fact, a warning, an instruction, or part of a larger narrative. For example, you might tell someone to be careful when crossing the road, or you might describe how you crossed the street to get to a shop. It's a fundamental verb phrase for navigating any area with roads.
- Safety Aspect
- Because crossing roads can be dangerous, the phrase is often used in contexts related to safety. Parents might tell their children, 'Don't run when you cross the road,' or traffic signs might remind people to 'look both ways before crossing the street.' The act of crossing the road is intrinsically linked with awareness and caution.
- Everyday Actions
- 过马路 is part of the basic vocabulary for describing movement and daily routines. If you are describing a walk, a commute, or even just running an errand, the act of crossing roads will very likely be involved. It's as fundamental as 'walking' or 'eating' in describing everyday activities.
Be careful when you cross the road.
Children should learn to cross the road safely.
- Traffic Lights
- When talking about traffic lights, you might hear sentences like 'When the light turns green, you can cross the road.' This is a direct application of the phrase in a common urban scenario.
- Pedestrian Crossings
- At designated pedestrian crossings, the instruction to 'cross the road' is implicit or explicit. You might see signs that encourage people to use the crossing to safely 过马路.
- Navigating Cities
- When giving directions, you might say, 'After you cross the road, turn left.' This shows how 过马路 is integrated into spatial navigation instructions.
- Describing Journeys
- When narrating a journey, one might say, 'I had to cross several roads to get to the park.' This highlights the frequency of the action in certain environments.
- Basic Sentence Structure
- The most straightforward way to use 过马路 is as a verb phrase following a subject. For example: 我过马路 (Wǒ guò mǎlù) - I cross the road. 他在过马路 (Tā zài guò mǎlù) - He is crossing the road. This structure is very common in everyday conversation and writing.
- Adding Adverbs and Time Phrases
- You can add adverbs to modify the manner of crossing, such as 小心地 (xiǎoxīn de - carefully) or 快速地 (kuàisù de - quickly). Time phrases can indicate when the action occurs: 早上 (zǎoshang - morning), 晚上 (wǎnshang - evening), 刚才 (gāngcái - just now). Example: 他小心地过马路 (Tā xiǎoxīn de guò mǎlù) - He carefully crosses the road. 我刚才过马路了 (Wǒ gāngcái guò mǎlù le) - I just crossed the road.
- Using Particles like '了' (le) and '着' (zhe)
- The particle 了 (le) is often used to indicate completed action. For instance, 我过马路了 (Wǒ guò mǎlù le) means 'I crossed the road' (completed). The particle 着 (zhe) can indicate an ongoing action, though '在' (zài) is more common for ongoing actions. However, when describing a state resulting from an action, 着 might be used in more complex sentence structures, but for the basic act of crossing, '在' is more frequent: 他在过马路 (Tā zài guò mǎlù) - He is crossing the road.
- Imperative Sentences (Commands/Requests)
- To give instructions or make requests, you can directly use the phrase, often with an implied subject 'you'. Example: 过马路时要小心 (Guò mǎlù shí yào xiǎoxīn) - Be careful when crossing the road. Or simply, 小心过马路 (Xiǎoxīn guò mǎlù) - Cross the road carefully.
- Connecting Clauses with Time
- 过马路 can be part of a longer sentence describing a sequence of actions. Phrases like '当...时' (dāng...shí - when), '然后' (ránhòu - then), '之后' (zhīhòu - after) are useful. Example: 当红灯亮时，请不要过马路 (Dāng hóngdēng liàng shí, qǐng bùyào guò mǎlù) - When the red light is on, please do not cross the road. 我先过马路，然后去商店 (Wǒ xiān guò mǎlù, ránhòu qù shāngdiàn) - I will cross the road first, then go to the store.
- Describing Location
- The phrase can be used to indicate a location or a point of reference. For example, 'The bank is across the road.' In Chinese, this might be expressed as 银行就在马路对面 (Yínháng jiù zài mǎlù duìmiàn), but if you are describing the action of getting there, you would say, '我需要过马路去银行' (Wǒ xūyào guò mǎlù qù yínháng) - I need to cross the road to go to the bank.
Please cross the road at the zebra crossing.
She is carefully crossing the road.
- Asking Questions
- To ask if someone crossed the road, you can use the question particle 吗 (ma) or the 'verb-not-verb' structure. Example: 你过马路了吗？(Nǐ guò mǎlù le ma?) - Did you cross the road? 你过不过马路？(Nǐ guò bù guò mǎlù?) - Will you cross the road or not?
- Using '让' (ràng) for Causative Sentences
- You can use '让' (ràng - to let, to allow) to indicate that someone caused another person to cross the road. Example: 妈妈让孩子过马路 (Māmā ràng háizi guò mǎlù) - Mom let the child cross the road.
- Describing Purpose
- You can use 过马路 to state the purpose of moving. Example: 我需要过马路去买东西 (Wǒ xūyào guò mǎlù qù mǎi dōngxi) - I need to cross the road to buy things.
- Daily Conversations
- This phrase is ubiquitous in everyday Chinese conversations. If you're talking to friends about your day, describing a walk, or giving directions, you'll very likely hear or use 过马路. For instance, someone might ask, '你今天怎么来公司的？' (Nǐ jīntiān zěnme lái gōngsī de? - How did you come to the company today?), and the answer could be, '我坐公交车，然后过马路就到了' (Wǒ zuò gōngjiāo chē, ránhòu guò mǎlù jiù dào le - I took the bus, then I crossed the road and arrived).
- Public Announcements and Signage
- In cities and towns, you'll see signs and hear public announcements related to traffic safety. These often use the phrase 过马路. For example, signs might say '请在人行横道过马路' (Qǐng zài rénxíng héngdào guò mǎlù - Please cross the road at the pedestrian crossing) or '注意过马路' (Zhùyì guò mǎlù - Pay attention when crossing the road).
- Children's Educational Material
- For young learners, safety is a crucial topic. Children's books, cartoons, and safety lessons frequently use 过马路 to teach kids about road safety. You'll hear phrases like '小朋友，过马路要看车' (Xiǎopéngyǒu, guò mǎlù yào kàn chē - Little friends, you must look at the cars when crossing the road).
- News Reports and Documentaries
- When reporting on traffic incidents, urban planning, or pedestrian safety issues, news anchors and reporters will use 过马路. Documentaries about city life or transportation will also feature this phrase naturally.
- Driving School and Traffic Regulations
- Driving school instructors and traffic police will use 过马路 when explaining rules and regulations related to pedestrians and vehicles. This includes discussing pedestrian rights, responsibilities, and the dangers of improper road crossing.
- Movies and TV Shows
- In dramas, comedies, or action scenes set in urban environments, characters might be shown crossing roads, and the dialogue will naturally include 过马路. It's a common action depicted in visual media.
- Travel Vlogs and Guides
- Travel bloggers and guides describing their experiences in Chinese-speaking cities will often mention how they navigated the streets, including the act of crossing roads. This helps viewers understand the practicalities of getting around.
A sign reads: 'Please cross the road at the pedestrian crossing.'
The teacher told the children, 'When you cross the road, hold your parents' hands.'
- Navigation Apps
- While navigation apps might use directional terms, the underlying instructions often imply the action of crossing roads. For example, an instruction might lead you to a point where you need to 过马路 to reach your destination.
- Urban Planning Discussions
- Discussions about city infrastructure, pedestrian safety improvements, or traffic flow will often involve the phrase 过马路, referring to the movement of people across streets.
- Confusing '过马路' with '过街' (guòjiē)
- While both mean 'to cross the street/road', 过街 is more commonly used in formal contexts or when referring to crossing a larger, more significant street, sometimes with an overpass or underpass implied. 过马路 is the more general and everyday term for crossing any road. Using 过马路 for a typical street crossing is perfectly fine and more common.
- Overusing '走' (zǒu - to walk)
- Learners might mistakenly say '走马路' (zǒu mǎlù) which literally means 'walk the road'. While walking is part of crossing, '走马路' doesn't accurately convey the action of crossing from one side to the other. The correct verb for crossing is '过' (guò).
- Incorrect Word Order
- The structure is typically Subject + 过马路. Learners might try to place adverbs or other elements incorrectly. For example, saying '马路过我' (mǎlù guò wǒ) would be grammatically incorrect and nonsensical. The verb '过' must precede '马路' in this context.
- Ignoring Particles like '了' (le)
- When describing a past action, forgetting to add '了' (le) can lead to a misunderstanding or an incomplete sentence. For example, simply saying '我过马路' might imply a habitual action or a present action, whereas '我过马路了' clearly indicates a completed action in the past.
- Using '过' with other nouns inappropriately
- '过' (guò) is a versatile character used in many phrases (e.g., 过期 - expire, 过生日 - celebrate birthday). Learners might try to combine '过' with unrelated nouns in a way that doesn't make sense in the context of crossing. The combination '过马路' is specific to crossing a road.
- Pronunciation Errors
- Mispronouncing the tones, especially for '过' (guò - 4th tone) and '马' (mǎ - 3rd tone), can lead to confusion. For example, saying 'gū mǎlù' instead of 'guò mǎlù' would change the meaning or make it unintelligible.
- Using '马路' incorrectly
- While '马路' means road, sometimes learners might use it when a more specific term like '街道' (jiēdào - street) or '公路' (gōnglù - highway) might be more appropriate, though '马路' is generally understood.
Incorrect: 我走马路. Correct: 我过马路.
Incorrect: 我过马路了昨天. Correct: 我昨天过马路了.
- 过街 (guòjiē)
- Meaning: To cross the street/road.
Comparison: 过街 is very similar to 过马路. However, 过街 can sometimes imply crossing a more significant street or avenue, or it might be used in more formal or written contexts. 过马路 is the more common, everyday term for crossing any road or street. Think of 过马路 as the general term and 过街 as a slightly more specific or formal variant. - 穿过 (chuānguò)
- Meaning: To pass through, to go through, to穿过 (chuānguò) means to pass through or go through something. It implies moving from one side to another, often through an area or obstacle. While you can 穿过马路, it emphasizes the act of passing through the space of the road, rather than just the act of crossing from one side to the other. It can be used for crossing a road, but also for passing through a park, a forest, or a crowd. 过马路 is specifically about crossing a road.
Example: 我们需要穿过公园才能到地铁站 (Wǒmen xūyào chuānguò gōngyuán cái néng dào dìtiě zhàn) - We need to go through the park to get to the subway station. - 横穿 (héngchuān)
- Meaning: To cross (usually implying a potentially dangerous or unauthorized crossing).
Comparison: 横穿 often carries a connotation of crossing horizontally, and it can imply an action that is done quickly, perhaps without using a designated crossing, or in a way that might be risky. It's often used in warnings about jaywalking. While it means to cross, it's not as neutral as 过马路. If you see a sign saying '禁止横穿' (jìnzhǐ héngchuān), it means 'No crossing here' or 'Do not jaywalk'. - 走 (zǒu)
- Meaning: To walk, to go.
Comparison: As mentioned in common mistakes, '走马路' is not the correct way to say 'cross the road'. '走' is the general verb for walking or moving. You would say '我走在马路上' (Wǒ zǒu zài mǎlù shàng - I am walking on the road), but to cross it, you need '过'. - 经过 (jīngguò)
- Meaning: To pass by, to go through (a place or time).
Comparison: 经过 means to pass by a place or to go through a period of time. You might say '我经过那家商店' (Wǒ jīngguò nà jiā shāngdiàn - I passed by that store). You can also use it for passing through a location, but it doesn't specifically mean crossing a road from one side to the other. It's more about movement past or through a point.
General term: Please cross the road at the crosswalk.
Formal/Specific: Cross the street here.
- Crossing a busy avenue
- When crossing a major avenue, both 过马路 and 过街 are appropriate, but 过街 might sound slightly more formal or emphasize the scale of the crossing.
- Passing through a place
- If you are describing movement through a space that happens to be a road, but the focus is on the journey through it, 穿过 might be used. For example, 'We walked through the road to get to the other side of the building' could use 穿过.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The term '马路' (mǎlù) is an interesting example of linguistic borrowing. It's believed to have entered the Chinese language from Manchu, a Tungistic language spoken by the Manchus who established the Qing Dynasty. This adoption reflects the historical interactions and influences between different ethnic groups in China. Before the adoption of '马路', Chinese had other words for roads and streets, such as '道' (dào) and '街' (jiē).
Pronunciation Guide
- Mispronouncing the tone of '过' (guò) as a rising or flat tone.
- Not clearly distinguishing the third tone of '马' (mǎ).
- Rounding the vowel in '路' (lù) incorrectly.
Difficulty Rating
The phrase itself is simple, but understanding its nuances in context, especially with particles and adverbs, requires practice. Reading sentences with '过马路' is generally straightforward for A2 learners.
Constructing sentences using '过马路' correctly, including appropriate particles and word order, is relatively easy for learners at the A2 level and above.
Pronouncing the tones correctly and using the phrase naturally in conversation is achievable for A2 learners. Fluency will improve with practice.
Recognizing '过马路' in spoken Chinese is generally easy due to its commonality. Understanding the context might require more advanced listening skills.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using '了' (le) for completed actions.
我昨天过马路了。(I crossed the road yesterday.)
Using '在' (zài) for ongoing actions.
他正在过马路。(He is crossing the road.)
Using '时' (shí) or '时候' (shíhou) to indicate time.
过马路时，请注意安全。(When crossing the road, please pay attention to safety.)
Using adverbs to modify verbs.
请小心地过马路。(Please cross the road carefully.)
Imperative sentences (commands/requests).
快点过马路！(Hurry up and cross the road!)
Examples by Level
小朋友，过马路要看车。
Little friend, when crossing the road, you must look at the cars.
Basic imperative sentence with a safety warning.
红灯停，绿灯行。
Stop at the red light, go at the green light.
Common saying related to traffic rules, implying crossing.
我们过马路去商店。
We cross the road to go to the store.
Simple sentence with a purpose.
小心！车来了！
Careful! A car is coming!
Exclamatory sentence, often said before or during crossing.
爸爸，我能过马路吗？
Dad, can I cross the road?
Simple question asking for permission.
这里不能过马路。
You cannot cross the road here.
Negative statement about a forbidden action.
我在等车。
I am waiting for the car.
Implies waiting to cross or before crossing.
妈妈，你拉着我。
Mom, you hold my hand.
Request related to safety while crossing.
过马路的时候，一定要看两边。
When crossing the road, you must look to both sides.
Using '的时候' (shíhou - when) to indicate a time frame for an action.
那个路口可以安全地过马路。
That intersection allows safe road crossing.
Using '安全地' (ānquán de - safely) as an adverb modifying the verb.
我昨天过马路去买东西。
I crossed the road yesterday to buy things.
Using '了' (le) to indicate a completed past action and '去' (qù) to indicate purpose.
请问，去火车站怎么过马路？
Excuse me, how do I cross the road to get to the train station?
Asking for directions, using '怎么' (zěnme - how) and '去' (qù - to go).
他正在过马路，请等一下。
He is crossing the road, please wait a moment.
Using '正在' (zhèngzài - in the process of) to indicate an ongoing action.
这条街很宽，过马路需要小心。
This street is very wide, crossing the road requires caution.
Using an adjective to describe the street and then a clause about the action.
我们走到斑马线那里才过马路。
We walked to the zebra crossing before crossing the road.
Using '才' (cái - only then) to indicate sequence.
你过马路时，有没有看手机？
When you were crossing the road, were you looking at your phone?
Using '有没有' (yǒu méiyǒu - have or have not) to form a yes/no question about a past action.
过马路时，务必遵守交通规则。
When crossing the road, it is imperative to obey traffic rules.
Using '务必' (wùbì - must, imperative) for strong emphasis on obeying rules.
我花了五分钟才过完这条繁忙的马路。
It took me five minutes to finish crossing this busy road.
Using '花了...才' (huā le...cái - took...to) to express time taken for an action.
自从有了人行天桥，过马路就方便多了。
Since the pedestrian overpass was built, crossing the road has become much more convenient.
Using '自从...就' (zìcóng...jiù - since...then) to show a change over time.
他习惯性地在没有红绿灯的地方过马路。
He habitually crosses the road in places without traffic lights.
Using '习惯性地' (xíguàn xìng de - habitually) as an adverb.
司机看到有人要过马路，就减速了。
The driver saw someone about to cross the road and slowed down.
Using '看到' (kàndào - saw) and '就' (jiù - then) to link two clauses.
为了安全起见，我们应该走斑马线过马路。
For safety's sake, we should use the zebra crossing to cross the road.
Using '为了...起见' (wèile...qǐjiàn - for the sake of) to state a reason.
过马路时，请不要低头看手机，以免发生危险。
When crossing the road, please do not look down at your phone, to avoid danger.
Using '以免' (yǐmiǎn - so as to avoid) to express a negative consequence.
她熟练地找到了人行道，然后安全地过了马路。
She skillfully found the sidewalk and then safely crossed the road.
Using '熟练地' (shúliàn de - skillfully) and '然后' (ránhòu - then) to describe a sequence of actions.
在车流不息的城市里，安全地过马路是一项基本技能。
In a city with non-stop traffic, crossing the road safely is a basic skill.
Using '车流不息' (chēliú bùxī - traffic flow is incessant) and '基本技能' (jīběn jìnéng - basic skill).
行人横穿马路的行为，不仅危险，也给交通带来了不便。
The act of pedestrians crossing the road haphazardly is not only dangerous but also brings inconvenience to traffic.
Using '横穿马路' (héngchuān mǎlù - jaywalking) and '不仅...也...' (bùjǐn...yě... - not only...but also...).
随着城市的发展，许多老旧的过马路设施得到了更新。
With the development of the city, many old road crossing facilities have been updated.
Using '随着...发展' (suízhe...fāzhǎn - with the development of...) and '设施' (shèshī - facilities).
交通部门呼吁市民，在过马路时要时刻保持警惕。
The transportation department calls on citizens to remain vigilant at all times when crossing the road.
Using '呼吁' (hūyù - call on, appeal) and '时刻保持警惕' (shíkè bǎochí jǐngtì - remain vigilant at all times).
在高峰时段过马路，需要极大的耐心和注意力。
Crossing the road during peak hours requires immense patience and attention.
Using '高峰时段' (gāofēng shíduàn - peak hours) and '极大的' (jídà de - immense).
工程师们正在研究如何设计更智能的过马路系统。
Engineers are researching how to design a more intelligent road crossing system.
Using '研究' (yánjiū - research) and '智能的' (zhìnéng de - intelligent).
即便是在熟知的路段，过马路时也应谨慎行事。
Even on familiar stretches of road, one should proceed with caution when crossing.
Using '即便' (jíbiàn - even if) and '谨慎行事' (jǐnshèn xíngshì - proceed with caution).
她回忆起童年时，第一次独立过马路的场景。
Recalling her childhood, she remembered the scene of crossing the road independently for the first time.
Using '回忆起' (huíyì qǐ - recall) and '独立' (dúlì - independently).
城市规划者们致力于优化行人过马路的体验，以提升城市宜居性。
Urban planners are dedicated to optimizing the pedestrian road crossing experience to enhance urban livability.
Using '致力于' (zhìlì yú - dedicate oneself to), '优化' (yōuhuà - optimize), and '宜居性' (yíjū xìng - livability).
在某些文化中，过马路的行为被赋予了更多的象征意义。
In some cultures, the act of crossing the road is imbued with more symbolic meaning.
Using '被赋予了' (bèi fùyǔ le - is endowed with) and '象征意义' (xiàngzhēng yìyì - symbolic meaning).
新技术的发展使得过马路的过程更加智能化和人性化。
The development of new technologies makes the process of crossing the road more intelligent and humanized.
Using '使得' (shǐde - make, cause) and '人性化' (rénxìng huà - humanized).
对行人而言，在拥挤的交通环境中安全地过马路，需要高度的感知能力。
For pedestrians, crossing the road safely in a crowded traffic environment requires a high degree of perceptual ability.
Using '对...而言' (duì...éryán - for...), '拥挤的' (yōngjǐ de - crowded), and '感知能力' (gǎnzhī nénglì - perceptual ability).
他的人生哲学，就像一次艰难的过马路，充满挑战与机遇。
His life philosophy is like a difficult road crossing, full of challenges and opportunities.
Using a metaphor to compare life to crossing a road.
该地区的交通管理部门正着力解决行人过马路难的问题。
The traffic management department in the region is making efforts to solve the problem of pedestrians finding it difficult to cross the road.
Using '正着力解决' (zhèng zhuólì jiějué - is making efforts to solve) and '行人过马路难' (xíngrén guò mǎlù nán - difficulty for pedestrians to cross the road).
过马路时，我们不仅要关注车辆，还要留意周围的环境。
When crossing the road, we must not only pay attention to vehicles but also be aware of the surrounding environment.
Using '不仅要...还要...' (bùjǐn yào...hái yào... - not only must...but also must...).
社会对行人安全过马路的意识，在近年来有了显著提升。
Public awareness regarding pedestrian safety when crossing the road has significantly increased in recent years.
Using '意识' (yìshí - awareness) and '显著提升' (xiǎnzhù tíshēng - significantly increased).
在瞬息万变的都市丛林中，每一次过马路都可能是一场小型冒险。
In the ever-changing urban jungle, every road crossing can be a small adventure.
Using '瞬息万变' (shùnxī wànbiàn - constantly changing) and '都市丛林' (dūshì cónglín - urban jungle).
他以一种近乎哲学的方式看待过马路，认为这是对当下时刻的全然投入。
He views crossing the road in an almost philosophical way, considering it a complete immersion in the present moment.
Using '近乎' (jìnhū - almost), '全然投入' (quánrán tóurù - completely immersed).
过马路不仅仅是物理上的位移，更是一种社会契约的体现。
Crossing the road is not merely a physical displacement, but rather an embodiment of a social contract.
Using '不仅仅是...更是一种...' (bùjǐn jǐnshì...gèng shì yī zhǒng... - not merely...but rather a type of...) and '社会契约' (shèhuì qìyuē - social contract).
技术进步是否能彻底消除行人过马路所面临的固有风险，仍有待观察。
Whether technological advancements can completely eliminate the inherent risks faced by pedestrians crossing the road remains to be seen.
Using '彻底消除' (chèdǐ xiāochú - completely eliminate), '固有风险' (gùyǒu fēngxiǎn - inherent risks), and '仍有待观察' (réng yǒu dài guānchá - still remains to be observed).
在某些极端天气条件下，过马路的行为变得尤为艰巨。
Under certain extreme weather conditions, the act of crossing the road becomes particularly arduous.
Using '极端天气条件' (jíduān tiānqì tiáojiàn - extreme weather conditions) and '尤为艰巨' (yóuwéi jiānjù - particularly arduous).
她的叙事手法巧妙地将日常的过马路场景，升华为对人生选择的隐喻。
Her narrative technique skillfully elevates the mundane act of crossing the road into a metaphor for life choices.
Using '叙事手法' (xùshì shǒufǎ - narrative technique), '巧妙地' (qiǎomiào de - skillfully), and '升华为' (shēnghuá wéi - elevate into).
城市的设计理念，应将行人过马路的便利性置于优先地位。
The design philosophy of a city should place the convenience of pedestrian road crossing in a priority position.
Using '设计理念' (shèjì lǐniàn - design philosophy) and '置于优先地位' (zhì yú yōuxiān dìwèi - place in a priority position).
每一次过马路，都是一次对规则的遵循与对潜在危险的评估。
Every road crossing is an act of adhering to rules and an assessment of potential dangers.
Using '遵循' (zūnxún - adhere to) and '评估' (pínggū - assessment).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To cross the road.
小心过马路！ (Be careful crossing the road!)
— When crossing the road.
过马路时，请注意车辆。 (When crossing the road, please pay attention to vehicles.)
— To cross the road safely.
学校教导学生如何安全过马路。 (The school teaches students how to cross the road safely.)
— Cross the road carefully.
过马路时一定要小心。 (You must be careful when crossing the road.)
— To cross the road using the zebra crossing.
请走斑马线过马路。 (Please use the zebra crossing to cross the road.)
— To wait for the red light before crossing the road.
我们应该等红灯过马路。 (We should wait for the red light before crossing the road.)
— Cannot cross the road.
这里不能过马路。 (You cannot cross the road here.)
— To cross the road to go to...
我需要过马路去买点东西。 (I need to cross the road to buy something.)
— Crossed the road (completed action).
我刚才过马路了。 (I just crossed the road.)
— Is currently crossing the road.
他正在过马路，请稍等。 (He is crossing the road, please wait a moment.)
Often Confused With
This phrase means 'to walk along the road' or 'to travel by road', not 'to cross the road'. The verb for crossing is '过' (guò).
While very similar, '过街' can sometimes imply crossing a larger street or be used in more formal contexts. '过马路' is the more common, everyday term.
'穿过' means 'to pass through' and is more general. You can '穿过马路', but it emphasizes passing through the space, whereas '过马路' specifically means crossing from one side to the other.
Idioms & Expressions
— Literally 'road angel', referring to traffic police or volunteers who help pedestrians cross the road safely, especially children.
那位交通协管员就像一个马路天使，总是帮助老人过马路。
Informal, endearing— Literally 'road hero', referring to someone who performs a heroic act related to a road, such as saving someone from an accident while crossing or driving.
他在车祸中救出了被困的司机，真是个马路英雄。
Informal, colloquial— Literally 'walk the road'. While not a true idiom in the sense of having a figurative meaning, it's important to note that this phrase does NOT mean 'cross the road'. It simply means to walk along the road or travel by road.
我们沿着这条马路走，就能找到公园。
Literal, descriptive— Literally 'road news', referring to rumors or gossip spread informally, often on the streets or among the general public.
这只是马路消息，不一定属实。
Informal, colloquial— Pedestrians on the road.
马路上的行人很多，走路要小心。
Descriptive, neutral— Road design.
这个城市对马路设计非常重视。
Technical, neutral— Road widening.
为了缓解交通压力，他们决定将马路拓宽。
Technical, neutral— Road construction.
由于马路施工，交通非常拥堵。
Technical, neutral— Opposite side of the road.
我的家就在马路对面。
Descriptive, neutral— To jaywalk, to cross the road illegally or unsafely.
禁止横穿马路，请走人行道。
Warning, negative connotationEasily Confused
Both '走' and '过' are verbs related to movement.
'走' means to walk or move along. '过' means to cross, to pass, or to go over. You '走' on the road, but you '过' the road.
我<mark>走</mark>在马路上，然后<mark>过</mark>马路去商店。
Both phrases involve crossing a road/street.
'过马路' is the most common and general term for crossing any road. '过街' can be more formal or refer to crossing a larger street or avenue. In most everyday situations, '过马路' is preferred.
我们<mark>过马路</mark>吧。 （Let's cross the road.）/ 请在人行横道<mark>过街</mark>。（Please cross the street at the pedestrian crossing.）
Both describe movement from one side to another.
'穿过' means to pass through something, implying movement within or through an area. '过马路' specifically refers to the act of crossing a road from one side to the opposite side.
我们<mark>穿过</mark>了公园。 （We passed through the park.）/ 我们<mark>过马路</mark>去公园。 （We crossed the road to go to the park.）
Both describe crossing.
'横穿' often implies a quick, potentially risky, or unauthorized crossing (jaywalking). '过马路' is a neutral term for crossing safely and properly.
禁止<mark>横穿</mark>马路！ （No jaywalking!）/ 请<mark>过马路</mark>。 （Please cross the road.）
Both involve movement related to a location.
'经过' means to pass by or go through a place. It doesn't specifically mean crossing from one side of a road to the other. You might '经过' a street without crossing it.
我<mark>经过</mark>了那条街，但没<mark>过马路</mark>。 （I passed by that street but didn't cross it.）
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 过马路。
我<mark>过马路</mark>。
请 + 过马路。
请<mark>过马路</mark>。
Subject + 在 + 过马路。
他<mark>在过马路</mark>。
Subject + 过马路 + 时/时候 + Clause。
我<mark>过马路时</mark>，会看车。
Subject + 过马路 + 了。
她<mark>过马路了</mark>。
Subject + Adverb + 过马路。
他小心地<mark>过马路</mark>。
过马路 + 时/时候 + 请 + Verb Phrase。
<mark>过马路时</mark>，请看红绿灯。
Subject + [Time Phrase] + 过马路 + 去 + Destination。
我下午<mark>过马路去</mark>商店。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very High
-
Using '走马路' (zǒu mǎlù) to mean 'cross the road'.
→
过马路 (guò mǎlù)
'走' means to walk or go, while '过' means to cross. '走马路' means to walk along the road, not to cross it. The correct verb for crossing is '过'.
-
Forgetting the particle '了' (le) for completed past actions.
→
我<mark>过马路了</mark>。(Wǒ guò mǎlù le.)
Simply saying '我过马路' might imply a habitual or present action. Adding '了' clearly indicates that the action of crossing the road has been completed.
-
Incorrect word order, e.g., '马路过我' (mǎlù guò wǒ).
→
我<mark>过马路</mark>。(Wǒ guò mǎlù.)
The standard structure is Subject + Verb Phrase. '过' is the verb and '马路' is the object/noun phrase. The order 'Subject + 过马路' is essential.
-
Using '过街' (guòjiē) in all situations.
→
过马路 (guò mǎlù) for general use.
'过马路' is the most common and neutral term. '过街' can be more formal or refer to larger streets. Using '过马路' is safe for most everyday contexts.
-
Mispronouncing the tones, especially '过' (guò) and '马' (mǎ).
→
guò (4th tone), mǎ (3rd tone), lù (4th tone).
Incorrect tones can lead to misunderstanding. Practice the specific tones for each character in the phrase to ensure clear communication.
Tips
Master the Tones
The tones for '过马路' are crucial: 'guò' (4th tone), 'mǎ' (3rd tone), 'lù' (4th tone). Practice saying them clearly and distinctly. Mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning or make it hard to understand.
Use '了' for Past Actions
To indicate that you have completed the action of crossing the road, add the particle '了' (le) at the end of the phrase. For example, '我过马路了' means 'I crossed the road'.
Safety First
In Chinese culture, like many others, road safety is paramount. Many sentences involving '过马路' will include warnings like '小心' (careful) or '注意' (pay attention), reflecting this emphasis.
Integrate into Daily Sentences
Try to describe your daily movements using '过马路'. For example, '我需要过马路去买菜' (I need to cross the road to buy groceries). This helps solidify its usage.
Listen for Context
When you hear '过马路', listen to the surrounding words to understand if it's a simple statement, a command, a warning, or part of a longer narrative. This will help you grasp its function in different sentences.
Practice Commands
Often, '过马路' is used in commands or requests, like '请过马路' (Please cross the road) or '小心过马路' (Cross the road carefully). Practice using these imperative forms.
Adverbs Modify the Action
You can add adverbs before '过马路' to describe how the action is performed, such as '小心地过马路' (carefully cross the road) or '快速地过马路' (quickly cross the road).
Connect to Directions
'过马路' is frequently used when giving or asking for directions. For instance, '过马路后左转' (Turn left after crossing the road).
Visual Mnemonic
Imagine a horse (马) crossing (过) a road (路). This visual can help you remember the characters and their meanings together.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a horse ('马' - mǎ) trying to cross a very long road ('路' - lù). The horse has to '过' (guò) the entire road. So, '马' (horse) + '路' (road) + '过' (cross) = 过马路.
Visual Association
Picture a horse standing on one side of a wide road, looking across to the other side, and then taking a step to '过' (cross) it. The image of the horse (马) on the road (路) visually reinforces the meaning.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe your daily commute to school or work, focusing on all the times you need to 过马路. For example, 'First, I need to 过马路 from my house to the bus stop. Then, after I get off the bus, I have to 过马路 again to get to my classroom.'
Word Origin
The phrase 过马路 is a direct combination of the verb '过' (guò), meaning 'to cross' or 'to pass', and the noun '马路' (mǎlù), meaning 'road' or 'street'. '马路' itself is believed to have originated from the Manchu word 'marlu', meaning 'road' or 'street', which was adopted into Chinese during the Qing Dynasty when the Manchus ruled China.
Original meaning: The original meaning of '马路' was a road or street, particularly one that was paved or well-maintained. The verb '过' has been used for 'crossing' or 'passing' for centuries in Chinese.
Sino-Tibetan language family (Chinese). The term '马路' has a Turkic/Manchu origin.Cultural Context
The phrase itself is neutral. However, discussions around '过马路' can become sensitive when they involve accidents, injuries, or fatalities, highlighting the inherent dangers of traffic and the importance of safety measures.
In English-speaking countries, the concept of 'crossing the road' is equally fundamental and carries similar safety implications. Phrases like 'look both ways,' 'use the crosswalk,' and 'wait for the green light' are common advice given to children and adults alike.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Giving directions
- 过马路后左转。
- 在下一个路口过马路。
- 一直走，然后过马路。
Talking about daily routines
- 我每天早上都要过马路去上班。
- 过马路时我总是很小心。
- 今天我第一次自己过马路。
Discussing traffic safety
- 过马路一定要看车。
- 不能闯红灯过马路。
- 走斑马线过马路才安全。
Describing a journey
- 我们过马路去公园玩。
- 走了很远才找到可以过马路的地方。
- 过马路后，我们就能看到目的地了。
Asking for help or information
- 请问，这里可以过马路吗？
- 怎么过马路去火车站？
- 过马路时，你能帮我一下吗？
Conversation Starters
"你今天过马路的时候，有没有遇到什么有趣的事情？"
"你觉得在中国过马路和在你国家过马路有什么不同吗？"
"你有没有在过马路时差点出过事故的经历？"
"你认为什么样的人行横道设计最方便行人过马路？"
"你小时候，父母是怎么教你过马路的？"
Journal Prompts
描述你今天过马路的经历，包括你看到和听到的。
写一封信给你的朋友，告诉他/她在中国过马路时需要注意什么。
想象一下，如果有一天马路消失了，我们的生活会变成什么样？
你最喜欢在哪种情况下过马路？（例如：阳光明媚的早晨，下雨天，夜晚）为什么？
你认为科技（如智能交通系统）能如何让行人过马路变得更安全、更便捷？
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe most common and versatile way to say 'cross the road' in Chinese is '过马路' (guò mǎlù). It is used in everyday conversations, instructions, and descriptions of movement. While other terms exist, '过马路' is the standard and most widely understood phrase for this action.
Yes, while '过马路' is generally neutral and widely applicable, '过街' (guòjiē) can be considered slightly more formal or used when referring to crossing a larger or more significant street. For informal or potentially risky crossings, '横穿' (héngchuān) might be used, often in warnings against jaywalking.
'走' (zǒu) means 'to walk' or 'to go'. You '走' on the road (e.g., '我走在马路上' - I am walking on the road). '过马路' specifically means to cross the road from one side to the other. You cannot say '走马路' to mean 'cross the road'.
Common safety advice includes '小心过马路' (cross the road carefully), '看车' (look at the cars), '走斑马线' (use the zebra crossing), and '等红灯' (wait for the red light). These phrases emphasize the importance of paying attention to traffic and using designated crossing areas.
While '过马路' is primarily literal, it can sometimes be used metaphorically, for example, to represent overcoming a challenge or making a significant transition in life, much like 'crossing a bridge' in English. However, these figurative uses are less common than the literal meaning.
To indicate a completed action, you typically add the particle '了' (le) after the verb phrase. For example, '我过马路了' means 'I crossed the road'.
You can ask '你过马路了吗？' (Nǐ guò mǎlù le ma? - Did you cross the road?) using the question particle '吗' (ma), or use the verb-not-verb structure: '你过不过马路？' (Nǐ guò bù guò mǎlù? - Will you cross the road or not?).
'过马路' specifically means to cross from one side of the road to the other. '穿过马路' means to pass through the road, emphasizing movement within the space of the road, and can sometimes be used more generally for moving through an area.
'过马路' is generally neutral and can be used in many contexts. However, in very formal written documents or official announcements, '过街' might be preferred, especially when referring to major road crossings or pedestrian infrastructure.
The tones are: 过 (guò) - 4th tone (falling), 马 (mǎ) - 3rd tone (falling-rising), 路 (lù) - 4th tone (falling).
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Summary
过马路 (guò mǎlù) is the fundamental Chinese phrase for 'to cross the road.' It's essential for daily navigation and often associated with safety precautions. Understanding its usage is key to describing movement in urban environments.
- 过马路 means to cross the road.
- It's a common verb phrase for daily life.
- Safety is often emphasized when crossing.
- Use it when describing movement or giving directions.
Master the Tones
The tones for '过马路' are crucial: 'guò' (4th tone), 'mǎ' (3rd tone), 'lù' (4th tone). Practice saying them clearly and distinctly. Mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning or make it hard to understand.
Use '了' for Past Actions
To indicate that you have completed the action of crossing the road, add the particle '了' (le) at the end of the phrase. For example, '我过马路了' means 'I crossed the road'.
Context is Key
While '过马路' is the standard term, pay attention to related words like '过街' (more formal) and '横穿' (jaywalking) to understand the nuances in different situations.
Safety First
In Chinese culture, like many others, road safety is paramount. Many sentences involving '过马路' will include warnings like '小心' (careful) or '注意' (pay attention), reflecting this emphasis.
