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A2 verb #3,500 most common 9 min read

过日子

guò rìzi Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 过日子 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 过日子 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '过日子' (guò rìzi) as a simple way to say 'to live' or 'to spend your days.' It is made of two parts: '过' (to pass/spend) and '日子' (days). Even at this early stage, it is helpful to know that it's more about the 'daily' part of life than just being alive. You might use it in very simple sentences like '我在这儿过日子' (I live my life here). It is a very 'down-to-earth' word that you will hear in many Chinese homes. Don't worry about the deep cultural meanings yet; just remember it refers to the daily routine of life. It's a useful phrase to describe what people do every day after work or school. It's similar to 'living,' but with a focus on the time passing day by day. You can use it to talk about basic happiness or difficulty in daily life.

At the A2 level, you should start to see the difference between '生活' (shēnghuó - life) and '过日子' (guò rìzi). While '生活' is a general word, '过日子' is specifically about managing a household and daily affairs. You will often see it used with adjectives. For example, '过好日子' means to live a good, comfortable life. This level is where you learn that '日子' here means more than just 'date'—it means 'life' or 'the days of one's life.' You should also learn the common phrase '会过日子' (huì guò rìzi), which means someone is good at managing money and household tasks. This is a very common way to describe a responsible person. You might use it to talk about your family's daily routine or how you are saving money. It's a very practical word for everyday communication.

At the B1 level, you will encounter '过日子' in more complex social and cultural contexts. You'll notice it's often used when talking about marriage and long-term relationships. People say '过日子' to contrast the excitement of dating with the reality of domestic life. You will also learn that it's a 'separable verb' (VO compound), meaning you can put things in the middle, like '过着平淡的日子' (living a plain life). You'll start to hear it in TV shows and movies where characters discuss their financial struggles or their hopes for a stable future. At this level, you should understand that '过日子' often implies a sense of pragmatism and responsibility. It's not just about having fun; it's about the 'business' of living—paying bills, cooking, and planning for the future.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use '过日子' to discuss social issues and economic conditions. For example, how rising prices affect how people '过日子.' You'll recognize its use in idiomatic expressions and more nuanced conversations. You might hear people say '日子没法过了' (life can't go on like this) when they are extremely frustrated with their situation. You'll also understand the cultural value placed on '会过日子'—it's not just about being cheap, it's about being wise with resources. You can use this term to analyze characters in literature or films, discussing whether they are realistic about their daily lives. You'll also see it used in more abstract ways, such as '过苦日子' to describe a period of national or personal hardship. Your usage should reflect an understanding of its domestic and practical weight.

At the C1 level, you will appreciate the philosophical and literary nuances of '过日子.' You'll find it in essays and novels where it represents the 'essence of the mundane.' It is often contrasted with 'higher' pursuits like art or politics, representing the grounded reality of the common person. You can use it to discuss the 'human touch' (烟火气) in urban writing. You should be comfortable with its various grammatical transformations and be able to use it with sophisticated modifiers. You'll also understand how the term has evolved in modern China, from a focus on basic survival to a focus on 'quality of life' (生活质量). You can use it in debates about consumerism versus traditional thriftiness. It becomes a tool for discussing the collective psyche of the Chinese people and their relationship with daily existence.

At the C2 level, '过日子' is a word you use with native-like precision, capturing all its subtle connotations of resilience, domesticity, and pragmatism. You understand its regional variations and how it might be used differently in a Beijing hutong versus a Shanghai apartment. You can analyze its historical roots and how the concept of 'passing days' reflects a specific Chinese view of time and endurance. You might use it in high-level sociological discussions about the 'micro-history' of daily life. You are aware of its use in classic literature and modern cinema to ground grand narratives in the reality of the household. Your mastery includes the ability to use it ironically, humorously, or poignantly, fully grasping its power to evoke the shared experience of the 'daily grind' and the quiet dignity found within it.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

过日子 in 30 Seconds

A practical term for 'living life' with a focus on household management and daily routines.
Commonly used in the context of marriage and family stability.
Often carries a connotation of being thrifty and responsible with money ('会过日子').
A separable verb-object compound that can be modified by various adjectives.

The Chinese term 过日子 (guò rìzi) is a quintessential expression that captures the essence of domestic life, household management, and the practical act of living. While it literally translates to 'passing the days,' its semantic weight is far more profound in Chinese culture. It doesn't just mean 'to exist' or 'to be alive'; it specifically refers to the mundane, daily activities involved in maintaining a home, managing finances, and ensuring the stability of a family unit. When a Chinese person says they are 'living a life' using this term, they are often implying a focus on practicality, stability, and often, frugality.

The Domestic Focus: Unlike the more abstract term '生活' (shēnghuó), which covers all aspects of life including career, dreams, and philosophy, 过日子 is grounded in the kitchen, the budget, and the daily routine. It is what happens after the honeymoon phase of a relationship—the real work of being a couple.
The Practical Implication: It often carries a connotation of being sensible with money. To 'know how to live' (会过日子) in Chinese culture is a high compliment, meaning one is thrifty, resourceful, and capable of making a comfortable home without being wasteful.

他们两个结婚以后，就开始踏踏实实地过日子了。
(After they got married, they started to settle down and live their daily lives properly.)

You will hear this word most often in discussions about marriage, family planning, and financial management. It is a 'down-to-earth' word. If someone says a potential partner is 'suitable for living a life' (适合过日子), they mean that person is stable, reliable, and practical, rather than just romantic or exciting. It suggests a long-term perspective where the flashiness of youth is replaced by the steady rhythm of household management.

In a broader sense, it can also describe the struggle or the endurance of difficult times. During periods of economic hardship, '过日子' takes on a survivalist tone, focusing on how to make ends meet and stretch resources. It is the verb of the common person, reflecting the resilience required to navigate the complexities of daily existence. Whether it's planning meals, paying bills, or raising children, all of these fall under the umbrella of '过日子'.

现在的物价这么高，过日子得精打细算。
(With prices so high now, one must calculate carefully to manage the household.)

Using 过日子 (guò rìzi) correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure as a Verb-Object (VO) compound. This means you can often split the word or insert modifiers between '过' (to pass/spend) and '日子' (days/life). This flexibility allows for a wide range of expressive nuances that describe the quality or style of one's daily existence.

Common Modifiers: You can describe the type of life being led by placing adjectives before '日子'. For example: '过好日子' (live a good life), '过苦日子' (live a hard life), '过平淡的日子' (live a simple/plain life).

虽然不富裕，但他们一家人过得很开心的日子。
(Although not wealthy, their family lives a very happy life.)

Another common usage is with the potential complement '会' (huì), meaning 'to know how to.' Saying someone '会过日子' is a cultural marker for being a good homemaker or a financially responsible adult. Conversely, '不会过日子' implies someone is reckless with money or lacks the skills to maintain a stable household. This is a very common way to evaluate potential spouses in traditional Chinese contexts.

In terms of sentence placement, it usually functions as the main predicate. It can be modified by adverbs of manner like '踏踏实实' (steadily/earnestly) or '凑合' (make do). When used in the negative, '不过了' (bù guò le), it can dramatically mean 'to stop living together/to give up on the household,' often used in the context of a breakup or divorce threat, though it can also be used humorously when someone spends too much money in one go.

你买这么贵的包，这日子还过不过了？
(You bought such an expensive bag, are we still going to try and run this household or what? - spoken jokingly or in frustration.)

Contextual Variations: In rural contexts, it might refer to the agricultural cycle and self-sufficiency. In urban contexts, it's more about balancing a salary against city expenses. Regardless of the environment, the focus remains on the 'how' of daily existence.

To hear 过日子 (guò rìzi) in its natural habitat, you need to step away from formal textbooks and into the heart of Chinese daily life. It is a word of the 'streets' and the 'living room.' It's the language of grandmothers at the wet market, parents discussing the future of their children, and neighbors chatting about the cost of living. It is deeply embedded in the 'human touch' (烟火气 - yānhuǒqì) of Chinese society.

Family Kitchens and Dinner Tables: This is where the term is most frequent. Parents might advise their children: '结婚不是谈恋爱，是要过日子的' (Marriage isn't just about being in love; it's about running a life together). It serves as a reality check, moving from the idealistic to the pragmatic.

老王那个人挺会过日子的，从来不乱花钱。
(Old Wang is quite good at managing a household; he never spends money recklessly.)

In popular culture, particularly 'slice-of-life' TV dramas (生活剧), you will hear this word constantly. These shows focus on the struggles of ordinary people—buying an apartment, dealing with in-laws, and saving for tuition. The characters often debate what it means to '过上好日子' (live a better life), making it a central theme of modern Chinese social aspirations. It reflects the collective desire for stability and incremental improvement in one's standard of living.

You'll also find it in literature that deals with the 'commoner' perspective. Authors like Lao She or modern writers focusing on urban life use 过日子 to ground their characters in reality. It’s a word that strips away pretension. When someone says, '我只想安安稳稳地过日子' (I just want to live a steady, quiet life), they are expressing a very common, modest, yet deeply held desire for peace and security in an ever-changing world.

日子是过给自己看的，不是给别人看的。
(Life is lived for oneself to see, not for others to see.)

For English speakers, the most common mistake is treating 过日子 (guò rìzi) as a direct synonym for 'living' or 'existing' (生活 - shēnghuó). While they overlap, they are not interchangeable in many contexts. Understanding the nuances of 过日子 will prevent you from sounding overly formal or slightly off-target in casual conversation.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '生活' (shēnghuó): '生活' can be a noun (life) or a verb (to live). '过日子' is primarily a verb phrase. You can say '城市生活' (city life), but you cannot say '城市过日子'. '生活' is the broader concept; '过日子' is the daily management of that concept.

Incorrect: 我的过日子很忙。
Correct: 我的生活很忙。
(My life is very busy.)

Another mistake is missing the 'frugal' or 'practical' implication. If you use 过日子 to describe a wild, billionaire lifestyle of parties and yachts, it will sound ironic or sarcastic to a native speaker. The word inherently carries the weight of responsibility. It's about 'getting by' or 'managing,' not just 'enjoying' in a hedonistic sense.

Grammatically, learners often forget that '过日子' is a separable verb. They might try to say '过日子好' when they should say '日子过得好'. The addition of the particle '得' (de) is crucial when describing *how* the life is being lived. Also, remember that it is an intransitive verb phrase; you don't '过日子' your family; you '和家人一起过日子' (live life with your family).

Incorrect: 他过日子很辛苦。
Better: 他日子过得很辛苦。
(He leads a very hard life.)

To truly master 过日子 (guò rìzi), it helps to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a slightly different flavor, and choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about survival, enjoyment, or general existence.

生活 (shēnghuó) vs. 过日子: '生活' is the most general term. It can be a noun or verb. It's used for 'Standard of Living' (生活水平) or 'Daily Life' (日常生活). '过日子' is more colloquial and focuses on the act of managing the home.
生存 (shēngcún) vs. 过日子: '生存' means 'to survive' or 'existence' in a biological or existential sense. If you are '生存', you are barely staying alive. '过日子' implies a higher level of organization—you aren't just surviving; you are running a household.
度日 (dùrì) vs. 过日子: '度日' is often used in negative contexts like '度日如年' (days pass like years). It suggests just passing the time, often with difficulty. '过日子' is more active and constructive.

Comparison:
1. 我们在努力生活。(We are working hard to live/have a life.)
2. 我们在努力过日子。(We are working hard to manage our household/make ends meet.)

Another interesting alternative is '持家' (chíjiā), which specifically means 'to run a household.' While '过日子' is the act of living it, '持家' is the management of it. You might say someone '勤俭持家' (manages the house with diligence and thrift), which is essentially a more formal way of saying they '会过日子'.

For more poetic or literary contexts, you might see '处世' (chǔshì), which means 'to conduct oneself in society' or 'to live in the world.' This is much more formal than '过日子' and focuses on social relations and ethics rather than whether you can afford groceries this week. Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate different social registers in Chinese.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, '日子' specifically referred to the sun's position or a specific date. Using it to mean 'life' reflects a focus on the passage of time as a sequence of daily suns.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡwɔː rɪ dzuː/

US /ɡwoʊ rɪ dzuː/

Primary stress on 'guo', secondary on 'ri'.

Rhymes With

日子 (ri-zi) rhymes with words ending in the '-i' (z/c/s) vowel sound like '词子' (though rare) or '椅子' (yi-zi).

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'zi' as 'zee' instead of a neutral 'dz' sound.
Failing to use the rising tone on 'guo'.
Confusing 'ri' with the English 're'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are basic, but the cultural nuance requires context.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding of the VO structure and how to insert modifiers.

Speaking 2/5

Very common in daily speech; easy to use once the pattern is learned.

Listening 2/5

Frequent in dramas and family conversations.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

过 (guò) 日子 (rìzi) 生活 (shēnghuó) 家 (jiā) 钱 (qián)

Learn Next

持家 (chíjiā) 勤俭 (qínjiǎn) 琐碎 (suǒsuì) 柴米油盐 (cháimǐyóuyán) 踏实 (tāshi)

Advanced

烟火气 (yānhuǒqì) 安居乐业 (ānjūlèyè) 精打细算 (jīngdǎxìsuàn)

Grammar to Know

Separable Verbs (VO Compounds)

过了一辈子日子 (Spent a lifetime living).

Potential Complements

日子过不下去了 (Life can't go on).

Adverbial 'de' (得)

日子过得很红火 (Life is lived very prosperously).

'For' Purpose (为了)

为了过日子，他很努力 (For the sake of living, he is very hardworking).

'Know how to' (会)

她很会过日子 (She knows well how to manage a life).

Examples by Level

他在北京过日子。

He lives his life in Beijing.

Basic S-V-O structure. '过日子' acts as the verb phrase.

我们要过好日子。

We want to live a good life.

'好' is an adjective modifying '日子'.

他们每天都快乐地过日子。

They live their lives happily every day.

Adverb '快乐地' modifies the verb phrase.

你怎么过日子？

How do you live your life?

Question form using '怎么'.

我不喜欢过这样的日子。

I don't like living this kind of life.

'这样的' modifies '日子'.

他在农村过日子。

He lives in the countryside.

Location '在农村' precedes the verb.

大家都在努力过日子。

Everyone is working hard to live their lives.

'都在努力' indicates ongoing action.

过日子不容易。

Living life is not easy.

'过日子' functions as the subject here.

我妈妈非常会过日子。

My mother is very good at managing the household.

'会' here means 'to be good at' or 'know how to'.

他们两个人想一起过日子。

The two of them want to live life together.

'想' indicates desire; '一起' indicates togetherness.

为了过日子，他做了两份工作。

To make a living, he took two jobs.

'为了' introduces the purpose.

新婚夫妇要学会过日子。

Newlyweds need to learn how to run a household.

'学会' means to learn and master.

我们家过着平淡的日子。

Our family lives a simple life.

'过着' indicates a continuous state.

他不会过日子，钱都花光了。

He doesn't know how to manage life; he spent all his money.

Negative form '不会' implies lack of skill/responsibility.

你得找个踏实的人过日子。

You should find a steady person to live your life with.

'踏实' describes the type of person.

虽然穷，但我们要好好过日子。

Although poor, we should live our lives well.

'好好' emphasizes the manner of living.

结婚以后，浪漫就变成了过日子。

After marriage, romance turns into daily life management.

Contrast between '浪漫' and '过日子'.

他是一个特别适合过日子的人。

He is a person who is particularly suitable for a stable domestic life.

'适合' (suitable) often precedes '过日子' in dating contexts.

老一辈的人都很省，很会过日子。

The older generation is very thrifty and knows how to manage a household.

'省' (thrifty) is a key trait of '会过日子'.

这日子没法过了，物价涨得太快。

Life is becoming impossible; prices are rising too fast.

'没法过了' is an idiomatic expression for 'unbearable'.

他们一家人关起门来过日子。

Their family lives their life behind closed doors (privately).

'关起门来' is a common metaphorical phrase.

他在大城市里辛苦地过日子。

He is living a hard life in the big city.

Adverbial '辛苦地' provides emotional depth.

别总想着玩，该考虑怎么过日子了。

Don't always think about playing; it's time to consider how to run a life.

'该...了' indicates it's time for something.

他过日子总是精打细算的。

He is always very calculating and careful in managing his life.

'精打细算' is a four-character idiom often paired with this word.

无论环境多艰苦，他们依然乐观地过日子。

No matter how difficult the environment, they still live their lives optimistically.

'无论...依然' structure showing resilience.

他追求的是一种安稳过日子的状态。

What he pursues is a state of living a stable and peaceful life.

'过日子' acts as a modifier for '状态' (state).

在这个快节奏的时代，慢下来过日子也是一种奢侈。

In this fast-paced era, slowing down to live life is also a luxury.

Gerund-like use of '过日子' as the subject.

他那种大手大脚的人，根本不会过日子。

A spendthrift like him simply doesn't know how to manage a household.

'大手大脚' (extravagant) is the antonym of the spirit of '过日子'.

很多年轻人开始反思，到底该怎样过日子。

Many young people are starting to reflect on how they should actually live their lives.

'到底' adds emphasis to the inquiry.

他为了让家人过上好日子，付出了很多努力。

He put in a lot of effort to let his family live a good life.

'过上' indicates reaching a certain standard.

你不能总活在梦里，得接地气地过日子。

You can't always live in a dream; you need to live life in a down-to-earth way.

'接地气' (down-to-earth) is a modern colloquialism.

这不仅是生存，更是一种过日子的智慧。

This isn't just survival; it's a kind of wisdom in managing life.

'不仅...更' compares '生存' and '过日子'.

文学作品往往通过描写普通人过日子来反映时代变迁。

Literary works often reflect the changes of an era by depicting how ordinary people live their lives.

Formal structure using '通过...来'.

他笔下的文字充满了浓郁的过日子的气息。

The writing under his pen is full of a rich atmosphere of daily life.

'过日子' as an attributive noun phrase.

在宏大叙事之外，个体的过日子同样值得关注。

Beyond grand narratives, the daily living of individuals is equally worthy of attention.

Contrasting '宏大叙事' (grand narrative) with '过日子'.

这种勤俭过日子的传统，在现代社会依然有其价值。

This tradition of living a thrifty life still has its value in modern society.

'勤俭' (diligent and thrifty) modifies the action.

他似乎已经厌倦了这种一成不变的过日子方式。

He seems to have grown tired of this unchanging way of living.

'一成不变' (unchanging/monotonous) describes the lifestyle.

过日子不仅仅是物质的堆砌，更是精神的安顿。

Living a life is not just the accumulation of material goods, but the settling of the spirit.

Parallel structure '不仅仅是...更是'.

老舍的小说里，北京市民过日子的琐碎被写得活灵活现。

In Lao She's novels, the trivialities of Beijing citizens' daily lives are written vividly.

'琐碎' (trivialities) of '过日子'.

她用一种近乎虔诚的态度去过日子，把生活打理得井井有条。

She lives her life with an almost devout attitude, keeping everything in perfect order.

'打理' (to manage/tidy) complements '过日子'.

当柴米油盐成了过日子的主旋律，诗和远方往往成了奢望。

When the basic necessities of life become the main theme of daily living, poetry and distant lands often become a pipe dream.

Metaphorical use of '柴米油盐' (daily necessities).

他试图在庸常的过日子中寻找某种超越性的意义。

He tries to find some kind of transcendent meaning within the mundane act of living.

'庸常' (mundane/ordinary) characterizes the life.

过日子这一概念，深植于中国农耕文明的集体潜意识中。

The concept of 'living life' (guò rìzi) is deeply rooted in the collective subconscious of Chinese agricultural civilization.

Sociological/Historical analysis.

即便是在动荡的年代，老百姓也得想方设法地过日子。

Even in turbulent times, the common people must find ways to go on with their daily lives.

'想方设法' (by all means) showing resilience.

这种对过日子的坚守，体现了中华民族极强的韧性。

This persistence in 'living life' reflects the extremely strong resilience of the Chinese nation.

'坚守' (persistence/holding fast) of a concept.

他不再追求虚无缥缈的理想，转而踏踏实实地过日子。

He no longer pursues ethereal ideals, turning instead to living a steady, grounded life.

Contrast between '虚无缥缈' (ethereal) and '踏踏实实' (grounded).

过日子的艺术，不在于拥有多少，而在于如何经营。

The art of living lies not in how much one possesses, but in how one manages it.

'经营' (to manage/operate) applied to life.

他晚年的文字，愈发洗练，尽显过日子的本真。

His later writings became increasingly concise, revealing the true essence of daily living.

'本真' (true essence) of the term.

Common Collocations

会过日子

踏实过日子

过苦日子

过好日子

没法过日子

一起过日子

怎么过日子

精打细算过日子

安稳过日子

独自过日子

Common Phrases

关起门来过日子

— To live one's life privately without interference.

咱们关起门来过日子，不管别人怎么说。

日子过得去

— To be doing okay; life is tolerable/adequate.

虽然不富裕，但日子还过得去。

安安稳稳过日子

— To live a very stable and peaceful life.

找份工作，安安稳稳过日子。

不是过日子的人

— Someone who is not suitable for a stable, domestic life.

他爱玩，不是个过日子的人。

凑合过日子

— To make do; to just get by in a relationship or life.

两人没感情了，只是在凑合过日子。

过日子不是演戏

— Life is not a show; it's real and practical.

过日子不是演戏，不能只看表面。

会过日子的手艺

— The skill of managing a home well.

做饭也是一种会过日子的手艺。

过日子的小事

— The trivial matters of daily life.

别为过日子的小事吵架。

一心一意过日子

— To be fully committed to one's domestic life.

他现在一心一意过日子，再也不出去混了。

过日子的奔头

— Something to look forward to in life.

孩子就是我们过日子的奔头。

Often Confused With

过日子 vs 生活 (shēnghuó)

'生活' is more general and can be a noun; '过日子' is specific to domestic management.

过日子 vs 生存 (shēngcún)

'生存' is about biological survival; '过日子' is about household stability.

过日子 vs 度日 (dùrì)

'度日' is usually negative or literary, implying the slow passage of time.

Idioms & Expressions

"精打细算"

— To calculate carefully; very thrifty in managing a household.

过日子要精打细算。

Commendatory

"柴米油盐"

— The seven basic necessities; refers to the mundane side of life.

过日子就是柴米油盐。

Neutral

"安居乐业"

— To live in peace and work happily; the ideal 'good life'.

百姓们都希望安居乐业。

Formal

"度日如年"

— Days pass like years; a very difficult life.

在那段痛苦的时间里，他度日如年。

Literary

"细水长流"

— Little by little; managing resources so they last a long time.

过日子要细水长流。

Commendatory

"省吃俭用"

— To live frugally; to save on food and expenses.

他们省吃俭用，为了供孩子上学。

Commendatory

"勤俭持家"

— Diligent and thrifty in running a home.

她一直保持着勤俭持家的传统。

Formal

"衣食无忧"

— To have no worries about food or clothing; a comfortable life.

他现在过着衣食无忧的日子。

Neutral

"平淡无奇"

— Ordinary and featureless; used to describe a very simple life.

他的生活平淡无奇，但他很满足。

Neutral

"颠沛流离"

— To wander about in a desperate plight; the opposite of '过日子'.

战争让他过上了颠沛流离的生活。

Literary

Easily Confused

过日子 vs 生活

Both mean 'to live'.

'生活' is broad (career, dreams, life); '过日子' is narrow (household, bills, routine).

生活很精彩，但过日子很平淡。

过日子 vs 日子

'日子' is part of '过日子'.

'日子' is a noun (days/date); '过日子' is the verb phrase.

今天是个好日子，我们要好好过日子。

过日子 vs 过活

Both imply living.

'过活' is more about 'earning enough to stay alive'.

他靠卖菜过活。

过日子 vs 度日

Both mean passing time.

'度日' often implies the time is hard to pass.

度日如年。

过日子 vs 持家

Both involve managing a home.

'持家' is a formal verb for 'running a household'.

她勤俭持家。

Sentence Patterns

S + 在 + Place + 过日子。

他在北京过日子。

S + 很/不 + 会过日子。

我妈妈很会过日子。

S + 想和 + Somebody + 一起过日子。

我想和你一起过日子。

日子 + 过得 + Adj。

日子过得很辛苦。

为了 + 过日子，S + Verb。

为了过日子，他打两份工。

S + 追求的是 + Clause + 的日子。

他追求的是平淡过日子的状态。

过日子 + 不仅仅是... 更是...

过日子不仅仅是吃饭，更是陪伴。

当...成了过日子的主旋律...

当柴米油盐成了过日子的主旋律，梦想就远了。

Word Family

Nouns

日子 (day/life)

过客 (passerby)

Verbs

过 (to pass/cross)

过分 (to go too far)

过关 (to pass a test)

Adjectives

过去 (past)

生活 (life)

家庭 (family)

家务 (housework)

开销 (expenses)

日子口 (specific time/date)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in spoken Chinese, especially among adults.

Common Mistakes

Using it as a noun. → 生活 (shēnghuó)
'过日子' is a verb phrase. You can't say 'My 过日子 is good.'
Using it for short trips. → 度假 (dùjià)
'过日子' implies a permanent or long-term living situation.
Forgetting the 'de' (得) particle. → 日子过得很辛苦。
When describing the manner of living, '得' is grammatically required.
Using it for high-society luxury. → 享受生活 (xiǎngshòu shēnghuó)
'过日子' sounds too humble and practical for a billionaire's party lifestyle.
Treating it as transitive. → 他在家过日子。
You cannot '过日子' a house. You live life *in* a house.

Tips

The compliment of '会过日子'

In traditional Chinese culture, telling someone they '会过日子' is a great compliment, especially for a potential spouse. It shows you value their practicality.

Separable Verb Rule

Since it's a VO compound, you can put '着', '了', or adjectives between '过' and '日子'.

Tone Mastery

Ensure the 'guo' is a clear second tone (rising) to avoid confusion.

Pair with Idioms

Try using it with '精打细算' or '省吃俭用' to sound more advanced.

Context Matters

Use it when talking about the 'real' side of life, like bills and chores.

Dialogue Realism

Use this word in stories to make your characters sound like real people talking about their lives.

TV Drama Cue

When you hear this word in a drama, a conflict about money or marriage is usually coming!

Dating Advice

If someone says they want to '和你过日子', they are likely looking for a serious, long-term relationship.

Visual Aid

Visualize 'passing' (过) through 'sun-days' (日子).

Vs. Shēnghuó

Always ask yourself: Is this about my 'whole life' or just 'managing the daily grind'? If the latter, use '过日子'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

'Guo' sounds like 'Go'. 'Ri' is the Sun. 'Zi' is a child. Imagine 'Going' through the 'Sun' days with your 'Child'—that's the essence of family life!

Visual Association

Picture a person carefully putting coins into a jar while a pot of soup simmers on the stove. This is the visual of '会过日子'.

Word Web

过 (Pass) 日子 (Days) 家 (Home) 钱 (Money) 省 (Save) 饭 (Food) 生活 (Life) 安稳 (Stable)

Challenge

Try to describe your daily routine using '过日子' and mention one thing you do to be '会过日子' (thrifty).

Word Origin

The word is a combination of '过' (guò), meaning to pass, cross, or spend time, and '日子' (rìzi), meaning days or a period of time.

Original meaning: Literally 'to pass the days.'

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese).

Cultural Context

In some modern urban circles, '过日子' might be seen as 'boring' or 'too traditional' compared to 'pursuing dreams.'

English speakers often use 'making a living' or 'getting by,' but '过日子' is warmer and more focused on the domestic space.

The movie 'To Live' (活着) by Zhang Yimou touches on the theme of '过日子' through extreme hardship. Commonly used in 'Spring Festival Gala' (春晚) sketches about family life.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Marriage/Dating

适合过日子
会过日子吗？
一起过日子
不是过日子的人

Financial Management

精打细算过日子
省吃俭用过日子
过日子得花钱
不会过日子的人

Hardship/Survival

过苦日子
日子没法过了
勉强过日子
凑合过日子

Aspirations

过上好日子
想过安稳日子
为了过日子
向往的日子

Daily Routine

过日子的琐碎
这就是过日子
平淡过日子
每天过日子

Conversation Starters

"你觉得什么样的伴侣最适合过日子？"

"你觉得自己是个会过日子的人吗？"

"在你的城市，一个月花多少钱才能过日子？"

"你喜欢轰轰烈烈的生活，还是平平淡淡过日子？"

"当物价上涨时，你该如何过日子？"

Journal Prompts

描述一下你理想中‘过日子’的样子。

写一写你认识的一个特别‘会过日子’的人。

结婚对你来说是浪漫的延续，还是‘过日子’的开始？

如果你突然没有了收入，你会如何‘过日子’？

反思一下，‘过日子’和‘生活’的区别对你意味着什么。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is generally neutral but often carries a positive connotation of being responsible and practical. However, it can be negative if it implies a 'boring' or 'struggling' life.

No, '过日子' implies long-term domestic life. For a vacation, use '度假' or '旅行'.

It means someone is resourceful, thrifty, and good at managing a household's needs and budget.

Rarely. It is more common in fiction, essays, and spoken language. In formal reports, '生活' or '持家' is preferred.

No, '过日子' is intransitive. You should say '我在家过日子'.

It's a common idiom to express that a situation (financial, relational, etc.) has become unbearable.

It's 'Erhua' (儿化), common in Northern dialects, making the word sound more casual and intimate.

Partially, but 'making a living' (谋生) is about earning money, while '过日子' is about the whole domestic experience.

Yes, but it's most frequently used for couples or families.

'过好日子' is the act of living well; '过上好日子' emphasizes the achievement of reaching a better standard of life.