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A2 verb 10 min read

过海关

guò hǎiguān

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 过海关 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 过海关 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners encounter '过海关' as a survival phrase in the context of travel. The focus is on recognizing the phrase in an airport setting. Students learn that '海关' (hǎiguān) means 'customs' and '过' (guò) means 'to pass.' At this stage, learners should be able to understand simple instructions like '请过海关' (Please pass through customs) and state their current status using '正在' (zhèngzài), such as '我正在过海关' (I am passing through customs). The grammar is kept simple, usually following a basic Subject + Verb + Object structure. The goal is for the student to identify the physical location and the basic action associated with international travel.

At the A2 level, learners begin to expand the use of '过海关' by adding more detail and using basic aspect particles. They learn to use '了' (le) to indicate completion: '我过了海关' (I passed customs). They also start to combine the phrase with other travel-related vocabulary like '护照' (hùzhào - passport) and '行李' (xíngli - luggage). A2 students should be able to describe a sequence of events: '先过海关，再取行李' (First pass customs, then pick up luggage). They also learn to ask simple questions about the process, such as '过海关要多久？' (How long does it take to pass customs?). The focus is on practical communication for a traveler.

At the B1 level, learners can discuss their experiences and feelings regarding '过海关.' They use more complex sentence structures, such as '过海关的时候' (when passing customs) to set the scene for a story. They can describe problems, like '海关检查了我的行李' (customs inspected my luggage) or '我忘了报关' (I forgot to declare). B1 students are expected to use adverbs to modify the action, such as '顺利地过海关' (smoothly pass customs). They also begin to understand the difference between '过海关' and '报关' (to declare) or '安检' (security check), allowing for more precise descriptions of airport procedures.

At the B2 level, learners can handle more complex discussions about customs regulations and procedures. They can use '过海关' in formal contexts and understand news reports about border policies. They are comfortable with the resultative complement '过完' (finished passing) and can discuss hypothetical situations: '如果没带护照，就没法过海关' (If you didn't bring your passport, you can't pass customs). B2 students can also explain the reasons behind customs checks, using vocabulary like '违禁品' (prohibited items) and '关税' (tariffs). Their use of the phrase becomes more fluid and integrated into longer narratives about international travel or trade.

At the C1 level, learners use '过海关' with a high degree of precision and can understand its nuances in various contexts. They might discuss the political or economic implications of '过海关' policies, such as '简化过海关流程' (simplifying customs procedures) to boost tourism. They can use the phrase in professional settings, such as discussing logistics or international business. C1 students are also familiar with related formal terms like '清关' (clearance) and can explain the differences between them in detail. They can articulate complex experiences, such as the frustration of being delayed at customs due to regulatory changes, using sophisticated vocabulary and grammar.

At the C2 level, learners have a native-like command of '过海关' and can use it in any context, including highly technical or literary ones. They can discuss the history of '海关' in China, from the ancient maritime trade routes to modern electronic gates. They understand the cultural and social significance of the '海关' as a symbol of national sovereignty. C2 speakers can use the phrase metaphorically if the context allows, though they recognize its primarily literal usage. They can navigate any conversation involving border control, legal disputes over imported goods, or international travel policy with ease and nuance, reflecting a deep understanding of both the language and the underlying systems.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

过海关 in 30 Seconds

过海关 (guò hǎiguān) is a verb phrase meaning to pass through customs, essential for travel contexts involving international border crossings and airport inspections.
It combines '过' (to pass) and '海关' (customs), reflecting the historical 'sea gates' of China through which all foreign trade and travelers once passed.
The phrase is used to describe the entire process of document verification, luggage scanning, and goods declaration that occurs at national entry and exit points.
Commonly paired with '顺利' (smoothly) or '麻烦' (troublesome), it is a key survival term for anyone navigating international transit in Chinese-speaking regions.

The Chinese verb phrase 过海关 (guò hǎiguān) is a vital expression for anyone traveling internationally. At its most basic level, it translates to "to pass through customs" or "to clear customs inspection." However, its usage covers the entire bureaucratic process one undergoes when crossing a national border, specifically at an airport, seaport, or land crossing. The phrase is composed of two main parts: 过 (guò), meaning to pass, cross, or go through, and 海关 (hǎiguān), which literally means "sea gate" but serves as the standard word for "customs."

Literal Breakdown: 过 (guò) - To cross or pass; 海 (hǎi) - Sea; 关 (guān) - Gate or pass. Historically, China's major trade gates were maritime, leading to the term 'sea gate' for all customs offices.

People use this phrase in various stages of travel. You might use it when planning a trip ("I need to leave time to 过海关"), while currently in the process ("I am currently 过海关"), or after completing it ("I just 过了海关"). It is not just about the physical act of walking through a gate; it encompasses the inspection of luggage, the verification of travel documents, and the declaration of goods. In a broader sense, it can also refer to the psychological threshold of entering a new country, where the traveler transitions from international territory into the legal jurisdiction of a specific nation.

他在机场过海关的时候遇到了麻烦，因为他带了太多现金。 (He ran into trouble while passing through customs at the airport because he was carrying too much cash.)

In modern contexts, 过海关 is often associated with the anxiety of inspection. Travelers worry about whether their items are prohibited or if they will be questioned by officers. Therefore, the phrase is frequently paired with adverbs like 顺利 (shùnlì - smoothly) or 麻烦 (máfan - troublesome). Furthermore, with the rise of e-commerce, the term can sometimes be applied to goods themselves passing through clearance, though 清关 (qīngguān) is more technical for commercial freight. For a person, 过海关 remains the standard, everyday term.

Common Contexts: International airports (机场), border crossings (边境), international ferry terminals (码头), and when discussing international shipping (国际快递).

请问过海关需要多长时间？ (Excuse me, how long does it take to pass through customs?)

Ultimately, mastering this phrase is essential for any traveler to a Chinese-speaking region. It is the gatekeeper phrase for entry and exit, reflecting the legal and physical boundaries of the state. Whether you are a student, a tourist, or a business professional, you will inevitably find yourself in a situation where you must describe the act of 过海关.

Using 过海关 (guò hǎiguān) correctly requires an understanding of how the verb 过 interacts with the noun 海关. Because 过 is a versatile verb, it can take various aspect particles and modifiers to change the timing and nature of the action.

Aspect Particles: Use '了' (le) for completed actions: 我已经过了海关 (I have already passed customs). Use '正在' (zhèngzài) for ongoing actions: 我正在过海关 (I am currently passing customs).

When you want to describe the experience of the process, you often place an adjective before the phrase or use a complement of degree. For instance, if the process was very fast, you might say 过海关过得很林 (guò hǎiguān guò de hěn kuài). Note how the verb 过 is repeated in this structure, which is a common grammatical pattern in Mandarin for describing how an action is performed.

由于是旅游旺季，过海关的人特别多。 (Because it is the peak tourist season, there are a lot of people passing through customs.)

Another important usage involves the modal verbs 要 (yào - need/must) and 想 (xiǎng - want to). These are used when discussing plans or requirements. For example, 你过海关的时候要出示护照 (You need to show your passport when you pass through customs). Here, 过海关的时候 acts as a temporal clause meaning "at the time of passing through customs."

Negative Forms: To say you haven't passed yet, use '还没(有)': 我还没有过海关. To say you cannot pass (perhaps due to a visa issue), use '不能': 我不能过海关.

In more formal or written Chinese, you might see 办理过海关手续 (bànlǐ guò hǎiguān shǒuxù), which means "to handle customs clearance procedures." This is more precise and often used in official documents or news reports. However, in spoken conversation, the simple 过海关 is almost always sufficient.

如果你带了违禁品，你可能没法过海关。 (If you bring prohibited items, you might not be able to pass through customs.)

You can also use 过海关 as a noun-like subject in a sentence, though it remains technically a verb phrase. For example: 过海关通常需要排长队 (Passing through customs usually requires waiting in a long line). This flexibility allows learners to use the phrase in a wide variety of sentence structures, from simple subject-verb-object patterns to complex conditional sentences.

The most common place you will encounter 过海关 (guò hǎiguān) is, unsurprisingly, at international transit hubs. In major Chinese airports like Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), or Hong Kong International (HKG), you will hear announcements and see signs directing passengers. Airport staff will use this phrase when guiding you: 请往这边走过海关 (Please come this way to pass through customs).

Airport Announcements: '请准备好您的证件以便过海关' (Please have your documents ready for customs clearance). This is a standard phrase heard over PA systems.

Beyond the airport, you will hear this phrase in travel vlogs and social media. Chinese travelers often share their experiences of 过海关 in different countries, discussing how strict the officers were or what questions were asked. On platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), you will see titles like "My Experience 过海关 in the UK" or "Tips for 过海关 in the USA."

新闻报道：由于新政策的实施，现在过海关的流程更加简化了。 (News report: Due to the implementation of new policies, the process of passing through customs has now been simplified.)

In the news, 过海关 is used when discussing international trade, smuggling, or border security. If a celebrity is detained at the border, the headline will almost certainly include 过海关. It is also a common topic in TV dramas or movies involving international intrigue or immigration stories. Characters might be shown nervously sweating while they 过海关 with a secret item.

Daily Conversations: Friends might ask: '你过海关顺利吗？' (Did you pass through customs smoothly?) or '过海关排队排了很久吗？' (Did you queue for a long time at customs?)

他在过海关时，海关人员检查了他的行李。 (When he was passing through customs, the customs officer inspected his luggage.)

Finally, in the context of the Hong Kong-Mainland China border, the phrase is used daily by thousands of commuters. At places like the Luohu or Futian checkpoints, 过海关 is a routine part of daily life, as common as taking the subway. In this specific region, people might also use the shorter term 过关 (guòguān), which is more general but almost always refers to customs in that context.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 过海关 (guò hǎiguān) is confusing it with other airport procedures. Specifically, students often mix it up with 安检 (ānjiǎn - security check) or 登机 (dēngjī - boarding). While they all happen at the airport, 过海关 specifically refers to the border control and goods inspection part, usually occurring after you land in a foreign country or before you depart for one.

Mistake 1: Confusion with Security Check: Incorrect: '我要过海关，因为要检查我的口袋里的钥匙' (I need to pass customs because they need to check the keys in my pocket). Correct: '我要过安检...' Customs is for taxes/legal items; Security is for safety.

Another error involves the use of the word 海关 as a location versus an action. Some students say 我去海关 (I go to customs) when they actually mean they are performing the process of clearing it. While 海关 is a place, the full phrase 过海关 is the standard way to express the action of processing through that place. Simply saying "I am at customs" is 我在海关, but "I am clearing customs" is 我在过海关.

错误用法：我过海关了飞机。 (I 'passed customs' the plane.) Correct: 我过完海关上飞机了。 (I finished customs and got on the plane.)

Learners also struggle with the resultative aspect. Since 过 itself means to pass, some think 过海关 already implies completion. However, in Mandarin, you often need 了 or 完 to show it's finished. Saying 我过海关 could mean "I pass customs" (as a general habit) or "I am passing customs." To be clear about completion, say 过了海关 or 过完海关.

Mistake 2: Missing the Object: Sometimes learners just say '过' (pass), but in the context of an airport, you must specify '过海关' or '过安检' to be understood clearly.

Finally, there's the issue of "checking luggage." Learners might say 海关过我的行李 (Customs passed my luggage). This is grammatically incorrect. The person passes through customs, and the customs officers 检查 (jiǎnchá - inspect) the luggage. The correct way to say this is 我过海关的时候，他们检查了我的行李 (When I passed through customs, they inspected my luggage).

While 过海关 (guò hǎiguān) is the most common term, several related words describe specific parts of the process or are used in different registers. Understanding these nuances will make your Chinese sound more natural and precise.

过关 (guòguān): This is a shortened version. It is very common in spoken Chinese, especially at land borders like Hong Kong/Shenzhen. It can also metaphorically mean 'to pass a test' or 'to get through a difficult stage'.

For more formal or technical situations, you will encounter 入境 (rùjìng - enter a country) and 出境 (chūjìng - leave a country). These focus on the legal status of the person rather than the physical act of passing the customs desk. When filling out forms, you will see 入境检查 (rùjìng jiǎnchá - entry inspection).

虽然我已经过关了，但我还在等我的行李。 (Even though I've already passed the checkpoint, I'm still waiting for my luggage.)

清关 (qīngguān): This means 'to clear customs' in a commercial sense. It refers to the paperwork and tax payments required for goods to be released. You hear this from shipping companies, not travelers.
报关 (bàoguān): This means 'to declare to customs'. If you have something to declare (like luxury goods or large amounts of cash), you are '报关'.

Another alternative is 检查 (jiǎnchá - to inspect). While not a synonym for 'passing', it is the action that the officers perform. You might say 海关正在检查我的行李 (Customs is inspecting my luggage). This is a more specific description of what happens while you are 过海关. Finally, in a metaphorical sense, 过关 can be used in gaming (passing a level) or in life (passing an interview). However, 过海关 is almost never used metaphorically; it remains strictly tied to the physical and legal act of crossing a border. If you tell a friend "I passed the test" using 过海关, they will be very confused!

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Before '海关' became the standard term, border gates were often called '关隘' (guānyài). The specific use of '海' (sea) in '海关' reflects China's historical focus on its coastal ports as the primary points of international contact.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ɡwɔː haɪ ɡwæn

US ɡwɔ haɪ ɡwæn

Primary stress on 'hǎi', secondary on 'guò'.

Rhymes With

过 (guò) rhymes with: 坐 (zuò), 错 (cuò), 货 (huò) 海 (hǎi) rhymes with: 买 (mǎi), 改 (gǎi), 矮 (ǎi) 关 (guān) rhymes with: 山 (shān), 天 (tiān - partial), 难 (nán)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'guò' as 'go'. It must have the 'u' glide.
Flat tones on all syllables. Mandarin tones are crucial for 'guò' (4th) and 'hǎi' (3rd).
Mixing up 'guān' with 'guǎn' (to manage).
Omitting the 'u' in 'guan'.
Pronouncing 'hai' like 'hay'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are relatively common. '海' and '关' are learned early.

Writing 3/5

The character '海' has many strokes, and '过' requires correct radical placement.

Speaking 2/5

The tones are the only challenge for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct sounds, easy to pick out in airport announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

去 (to go) 机场 (airport) 护照 (passport) 检查 (to check) 看 (to look/see)

Learn Next

申报 (to declare) 签证 (visa) 行李 (luggage) 免税店 (duty-free shop) 登机口 (boarding gate)

Advanced

关税 (tariffs) 违禁品 (contraband) 检疫 (quarantine) 居留许可 (residence permit) 落地签 (visa on arrival)

Grammar to Know

Using '正在' for continuous actions.

他正在过海关。

Using '了' for completed actions.

我们已经过了海关。

The '...的时候' construction for 'when/while'.

过海关的时候要保持安静。

Verb-Object separation for duration.

过了一个小时的海关。

Using '被' for passive voice.

他被海关拦下了。

Examples by Level

我过海关。

I pass customs.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object.

他在过海关。

He is passing customs.

Using '在' for ongoing action.

请过海关。

Please pass customs.

Polite imperative.

海关在那儿。

Customs is over there.

Indicating location.

我要过海关。

I need to pass customs.

Using '要' for intention/necessity.

我不喜欢过海关。

I don't like passing customs.

Expressing a preference.

你过海关了吗？

Did you pass customs?

Question with '了' and '吗'.

这里过海关。

Pass customs here.

Locative phrase.

我已经过了海关。

I have already passed customs.

Using '已经...了' for completion.

过海关的人很多。

There are many people passing customs.

Attributive phrase '过海关的人'.

你需要护照过海关。

You need a passport to pass customs.

Requirement structure.

过海关很快。

Passing customs is very fast.

Adjective as predicate.

他在机场过海关。

He is passing customs at the airport.

Prepositional phrase '在机场'.

我想快点过海关。

I want to pass customs quickly.

Using '快点' as an adverbial.

过海关的时候不要拍照。

Don't take photos when passing customs.

Temporal clause '...的时候'.

你应该先过海关。

You should pass customs first.

Using '应该' and '先'.

我过海关的时候很紧张。

I was very nervous when I passed customs.

Describing a state during an action.

过海关通常需要半个小时。

Passing customs usually takes half an hour.

Stating a general fact.

由于没申报，他过海关被罚款了。

Because he didn't declare, he was fined while passing customs.

Cause and effect with '由于'.

如果你有违禁品，你不能过海关。

If you have prohibited items, you cannot pass customs.

Conditional sentence '如果...就...'.

我们顺利地过了海关。

We passed through customs smoothly.

Using '地' to form an adverb.

过海关后，我们在出口等他。

After passing customs, we will wait for him at the exit.

Temporal phrase '...后'.

请问过海关需要填这张表吗？

Excuse me, do I need to fill out this form to pass customs?

Polite inquiry.

他正在帮我办理过海关的手续。

He is helping me handle the customs clearance procedures.

Formal phrase '办理...手续'.

过海关时，所有行李都必须接受检查。

When passing customs, all luggage must undergo inspection.

Passive-like structure with '接受检查'.

他因为带了太多现金而在过海关时被拦下了。

He was stopped at customs because he brought too much cash.

Passive voice with '被'.

为了提高效率，海关简化了过海关的程序。

To improve efficiency, customs simplified the procedure for passing customs.

Purpose clause '为了'.

过海关不仅要检查证件，还要检查行李。

Passing customs involves not only checking documents but also checking luggage.

Correlative conjunction '不仅...还...'.

如果你在过海关时遇到问题，可以寻求帮助。

If you encounter problems while passing customs, you can seek help.

Conditional with possibility.

他已经习惯了频繁地过海关。

He is already used to passing customs frequently.

Using '习惯了' for being accustomed to.

过海关的排队时间比预期的要长。

The queue time for customs was longer than expected.

Comparison structure '比...要长'.

海关官员询问了他过海关的目的。

The customs officer asked him about the purpose of his entry.

Formal reporting verb '询问'.

在过海关的过程中，任何疏忽都可能导致延误。

During the process of passing customs, any oversight can lead to delays.

Complex noun phrase '在...的过程中'.

由于签证类型不符，他被拒绝过海关并要求遣返。

Due to an incorrect visa type, he was refused entry at customs and ordered to be deported.

Formal legal vocabulary.

过海关的严厉程度往往反映了一个国家的安全政策。

The strictness of customs clearance often reflects a country's security policy.

Abstract subject '严厉程度'.

随着电子签证的普及，过海关变得越来越便捷。

With the popularization of e-visas, passing customs has become increasingly convenient.

Using '随着' to indicate a trend.

过海关不仅仅是法律程序，更是一种主权的象征。

Passing customs is not just a legal procedure, but also a symbol of sovereignty.

Sophisticated philosophical argument.

他详细描述了在那次跨国旅行中过海关的种种波折。

He described in detail the various ups and downs of passing customs during that international trip.

Using '种种' for variety.

海关法规定，旅客在过海关时必须如实申报物品。

Customs law stipulates that travelers must truthfully declare items when passing customs.

Formal legal requirement.

为了避免过海关时的麻烦，建议提前了解目的地法规。

To avoid trouble at customs, it is recommended to understand the destination's regulations in advance.

Formal recommendation.

过海关这一环节，实质上是国家意志在边境线上的具体体现。

The stage of passing customs is, in essence, a concrete manifestation of national will on the borderline.

Highly academic and abstract language.

在全球化高度发达的今天，过海关的流程正经历着前所未有的数字化变革。

In today's highly developed globalization, the process of passing customs is undergoing an unprecedented digital transformation.

Complex temporal and environmental setting.

他那部关于移民的小说，将过海关描写成了一种身份认同的洗礼。

His novel about immigrants depicts passing customs as a baptism of identity recognition.

Literary metaphor.

尽管过海关的物理障碍在减少，但无形的贸易壁垒依然存在。

Although physical barriers to passing customs are decreasing, invisible trade barriers still exist.

Concessive clause with '尽管'.

过海关时对隐私权的平衡，始终是法律界争论不休的话题。

The balance of privacy rights when passing customs has always been a topic of endless debate in the legal community.

Abstract legal discourse.

他在自传中感叹，几十年前过海关的繁琐程度与今日不可同日而语。

He lamented in his autobiography that the complexity of passing customs decades ago cannot be compared with today.

Using idioms like '不可同日而语'.

海关人员对每一位过海关的旅客都保持着高度的警惕性。

Customs officers maintain a high degree of vigilance toward every traveler passing through customs.

Formal descriptive style.

过海关的顺利与否，往往取决于旅客对相关政策的知晓程度。

Whether passing customs is smooth or not often depends on the traveler's level of awareness of relevant policies.

Using '...与否' for binary outcomes.

Common Collocations

顺利过海关

排队过海关

正在过海关

过海关手续

拒绝过海关

过海关检查

带东西过海关

过海关时间

快速过海关

帮人过海关

Common Phrases

过海关要填表吗？

— Do I need to fill out a form to pass customs? Used when unsure of procedures.

请问过海关要填表吗？

过海关排长队

— A long queue at customs. Used to describe a common travel frustration.

今天过海关排长队，等了两个小时。

顺利过了海关

— Successfully passed customs. Used as a status update to family.

我已经顺利过了海关，现在去取行李。

过海关被拦下

— To be stopped at customs. Used when someone has a problem during inspection.

他因为行李里有水果，过海关被拦下了。

过海关没问题

— No problem passing customs. Used to reassure someone about their items.

带这点茶叶过海关没问题。

过海关很快

— Passing customs is fast. Used to describe a positive experience.

今天过海关很快，只用了五分钟。

过海关需要什么？

— What is needed to pass customs? A standard inquiry for travelers.

请问过海关需要什么证件？

过海关的时候

— While passing customs. Used to introduce a story or rule.

过海关的时候不能打手机。

第一次过海关

— Passing customs for the first time. Used by novice travelers.

这是我第一次过海关，有点紧张。

过海关的流程

— The process of passing customs. Used in instructional contexts.

你能告诉我过海关的流程吗？

Often Confused With

过海关 vs 安检 (ānjiǎn)

Security check (for weapons/safety). Happens before boarding. Customs is for goods/taxes/immigration.

过海关 vs 登机 (dēngjī)

Boarding the plane. This is the act of getting on the aircraft, not clearing the border.

过海关 vs 过马路 (guò mǎlù)

Crossing the street. Uses the same '过' but a completely different context.

Idioms & Expressions

"过五关斩六将"

— To overcome many obstacles. While not about customs, it uses '过' and '关' and is culturally relevant.

他为了拿到这个职位，真是过五关斩六将。

Literary/Common

"闭关锁国"

— To close the country to international contact. Related to the history of '关' (gates).

清朝末年的闭关锁国导致了落后。

Historical/Academic

"生死关头"

— A life-or-death moment. Uses '关' as a critical juncture.

在生死关头，他救了大家。

Common

"关门大吉"

— To go out of business (ironic). Uses '关' as a gate/door.

那家店因为经营不善，已经关门大吉了。

Colloquial

"一夫当关，万夫莫开"

— One man guarding the pass can stop ten thousand. Related to the defensive nature of a '关'.

这个地方地势险要，真是一夫当关，万夫莫开。

Literary

"过关斩将"

— To pass through rounds of competition.

他在比赛中过关斩将，最后赢得了冠军。

Common

"关怀备至"

— To show the utmost care. (Note: different '关' usage but common).

老师对我们的生活关怀备至。

Formal

"难过"

— Sad (literally: hard to pass through/live).

听到这个消息，我很难过。

Common

"关山阻隔"

— Separated by mountains and passes; far apart.

虽然我们关山阻隔，但心是在一起的。

Literary

"关门造车"

— To work blindly without regard for the outside world.

我们不能关门造车，要多听听客户的意见。

Idiomatic

Easily Confused

过海关 vs 清关 (qīngguān)

Both involve 'clearing' customs.

清关 is a technical term for commercial goods clearance. 过海关 is for people passing through.

我的包裹正在清关，但我本人已经过海关了。

过海关 vs 报关 (bàoguān)

Both happen at the customs desk.

报关 is specifically the act of declaring items. 过海关 is the whole process of passing through.

过海关时，如果你带了名表，需要报关。

过海关 vs 入境 (rùjìng)

Both mean entering a country.

入境 is the legal status change. 过海关 is the physical act of passing the checkpoint.

他在办理入境手续时，正在过海关。

过海关 vs 出境 (chūjìng)

Opposite of entry, but similar process.

出境 is leaving; 入境 is entering. 过海关 applies to both directions.

不管是出境还是入境，你都要过海关。

过海关 vs 过关 (guòguān)

Shortened form.

过关 can also mean passing a test or a game level. 过海关 is specific to customs.

他考试过关了，所以他奖励自己出国旅游，正在过海关。

Sentence Patterns

我过海关。

我[已经]过了海关。

我已经过了海关。

过海关[的时候]...。

过海关的时候，我有点害怕。

过海关[需要]...。

过海关需要填这张表。

[由于]...，过海关[被]...。

由于没有签证，他过海关被拦下了。

过海关[不仅]...[还]...。

过海关不仅要看护照，还要看签证。

在过海关的[过程中]...。

在过海关的过程中，请保持耐心。

过海关[与否]取决于...。

过海关的顺利与否取决于你的准备工作。

Word Family

Nouns

海关 (Customs)

关口 (Checkpoint)

关税 (Tariff/Duty)

关卡 (Checkpost)

Verbs

过关 (To pass a checkpoint)

通关 (To clear customs)

报关 (To declare)

清关 (To clear goods)

Adjectives

关税的 (Tariff-related)

护照 (Passport)

签证 (Visa)

行李 (Luggage)

申报 (Declaration)

违禁品 (Prohibited items)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in travel, logistics, and border-related news.

Common Mistakes

Using '过海关' for domestic flights. → 使用 '安检' (ānjiǎn).
Customs only exists for international travel. If you are flying from Beijing to Shanghai, you don't '过海关', you only go through '安检'.
Saying '海关过我' (Customs passed me). → 我过海关 (I pass customs).
In Chinese, the person is the subject who performs the action of passing the gate.
Confusing '海关' with '警察局'. → 海关 is for borders; 警察局 is for local police.
While customs officers wear uniforms, they are not the same as city police. Their jurisdiction is limited to the border.
Forgetting '了' for past events. → 我昨天过了海关。
Without '了', the sentence '我昨天过海关' sounds incomplete or like a title. '了' marks the completion of the event.
Using '过海关' to mean 'passing a test'. → 使用 '过关' or '通过考试'.
While '过关' can mean passing a test, '过海关' is literal and only refers to the airport/border customs.

Tips

Using '过' as a Verb

Remember that '过' here is the main verb. It is not the suffix '过' (meaning 'have done before'). In '过海关', it means the physical action of passing through. If you want to say you have the experience of passing customs, you would say '我过过海关' (I have passed customs before).

Customs vs. Immigration

In many countries, customs and immigration are separate. However, in Chinese, '过海关' is often used as a catch-all for both passport control and luggage inspection. If you want to be specific about passports, you can use '过边检' (passing border inspection).

Prohibited Items

When you '过海关' in China, be extremely careful about fresh fruit, meat, and seeds. These are strictly prohibited and can lead to heavy fines. Always declare them if you are unsure.

Politeness

When '过海关', use polite phrases with the officers like '您好' (Hello) and '谢谢' (Thank you). This can make the '过海关' process much smoother.

Listen for '申报'

While '过海关', you will often hear the word '申报' (shēnbào - declare). This is the most important question they will ask: '你有要申报的吗？' (Do you have anything to declare?)

Separable Verbs

Technically, '过海关' is a verb-object phrase. If you want to add a complement of result, put it after '过'. Example: '过完海关' (finished passing customs).

Document Prep

To '过海关' quickly, always have your passport, visa, and arrival card ready in your hand, not buried in your bag.

Learning Tones

Use a hand gesture to mimic the tones as you say 'guò hǎi guān'. Falling, Dipping, High-Flat. This physical movement helps lock the tones into your muscle memory.

Interchangeability

In Hong Kong and Shenzhen, '过关' is used 90% of the time. In other parts of China or in formal news, '过海关' is more prevalent. Learn both!

No Photos

A very important tip: Never take photos while '过海关'. Officers are very strict about this and may delete your photos or detain you.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are on a boat (海 - sea) passing through a giant gate (关 - gate). The act of passing is '过'. So, '过海关' is passing the sea gate.

Visual Association

Visualize a traveler holding a passport, standing in front of a large sign that says 'CUSTOMS' with an arrow pointing through a gate.

Word Web

机场 (Airport) 护照 (Passport) 检查 (Inspection) 行李 (Luggage) 申报 (Declare) 签证 (Visa) 边境 (Border) 官员 (Officer)

Challenge

Try to say 'I am passing customs' and 'I have passed customs' five times each without looking at the Pinyin.

Word Origin

The term '海关' (hǎiguān) originated during the Qing Dynasty to describe the offices managing maritime trade. '过' (guò) is an ancient verb meaning to cross a river or pass a gate. Together, they describe the act of passing through these maritime gates.

Original meaning: To pass through the maritime border gates.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese).

Cultural Context

Always follow instructions from customs officers. Jokes about prohibited items are not well-received and can lead to serious delays.

In English, we say 'go through customs.' The concept is identical, but the Chinese term literally mentions the 'sea' (海), even if you are in a landlocked desert airport.

The movie 'The Terminal' (known in China as 幸福终点站) depicts the nightmare of not being able to '过海关'. News reports on the 'Greater Bay Area' often discuss simplifying '过关' between HK and Shenzhen. Travel guides for the 'Belt and Road' initiative often explain '过海关' procedures for different countries.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Airport

海关在哪里？
我需要过海关吗？
请出示证件。
我有东西要申报。

Planning a Trip

过海关要多久？
带这个能过海关吗？
过海关麻烦吗？
提前准备好材料。

Expressing Problems

我在过海关时被拦了。
我的行李被检查了。
我忘了填申报单。
签证有问题，不能过关。

International Shipping

包裹正在过海关。
海关需要交税吗？
清关需要几天？
查一下物流信息。

News/Business

简化过海关手续。
加强海关监管。
提高通关效率。
打击走私行为。

Conversation Starters

"你过海关的时候排队排了很久吗？ (Did you wait in a long line when passing customs?)"

"你觉得哪个国家的海关最难过？ (Which country's customs do you think is the hardest to pass?)"

"过海关时，你通常会带很多现金吗？ (Do you usually carry a lot of cash when passing customs?)"

"你有没有在过海关时遇到过麻烦？ (Have you ever run into trouble while passing customs?)"

"在中国过海关，你觉得最需要注意什么？ (What do you think is the most important thing to note when passing customs in China?)"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你过海关的经历，是顺利还是麻烦？ (Describe an experience of passing customs; was it smooth or troublesome?)

如果你是海关官员，你会检查旅客的哪些东西？ (If you were a customs officer, what things would you check from travelers?)

为什么过海关对一个国家来说很重要？ (Why is passing customs important for a country?)

想象你过海关时发现忘了带护照，你会怎么办？ (Imagine finding out you forgot your passport while passing customs, what would you do?)

谈谈未来科技（如人脸识别）如何改变过海关的流程。 (Talk about how future technology like facial recognition will change the process of passing customs.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, while commonly used for airports, '过海关' applies to any international border crossing, including ferry terminals, train stations (like between HK and the Mainland), and land borders where cars cross. For example, crossing from China to Vietnam by bus also requires you to '过海关'.

'安检' (ānjiǎn) is the security check where you put your bags through an X-ray to look for dangerous items like knives or liquids. '过海关' (guò hǎiguān) is where they check your passport and ask if you have goods to declare for tax purposes. You usually do '安检' before getting on a plane and '过海关' when leaving or entering a country.

No. '过海关' is strictly for international travel because '海关' (customs) only exists at national borders. For domestic flights, you only go through '安检' (security check).

It is a neutral term. It's used in everyday speech, news reports, and by airport staff. It is the most common way to describe the action. For extremely formal documents, you might see '进出境查验' (entry/exit inspection).

If you have finished the process, yes. '我过了海关' means 'I have passed customs.' If you are currently in the line, you say '我正在过海关'.

Historically, China's international trade was primarily through sea ports. Therefore, the offices managing this trade were called 'Sea Gates' (海关). Even though we now have airports and land borders, the name has stuck as the official term for all customs offices.

Yes, you can say '我的行李过海关' or '包裹过海关'. However, for commercial shipping, the term '清关' (clearance) is more professional. For personal items, '过海关' is perfectly fine.

In the context of travel, yes, '过关' is just a shorter version. However, '过关' has other meanings like passing a level in a video game or passing an exam, whereas '过海关' only ever means passing customs.

You can say '我在过海关时遇到了麻烦' (I ran into trouble while passing customs). If they are checking your bags, you say '海关在检查我的行李'.

You can ask '请问海关在哪里？' (Excuse me, where is customs?). Once you find it, you are ready to '过海关'.