Question with 过 (guo) - Ever

过 is a particle that follows a verb. It acts like a suffix in English. It is similar to saying "have ever" in English. However, it is much simpler to use. You do not need to change the verb form. The verb stays exactly the same. You just stick 过 right after it. This tells everyone the action is a past experience. It also implies the action is finished now. You are no longer doing that thing. You are just talking about the time you did it. It is like a grammar traffic light. It signals that the event is in the rearview mirror. Even native speakers rely on this for clarity. It is a tiny word with a big job.

1. 1For positive sentences: Subject + Verb + 过 + Object.
2. 2Example: 我吃过北京烤鸭 (I have eaten Beijing Roast Duck).
3. 3For negative sentences: Subject + 没有 + Verb + 过 + Object.
4. 4Example: 我没有去过美国 (I have not been to America).
5. 5For questions: Subject + Verb + 过 + Object + 吗?
6. 6Example: 你看过这个电影吗? (Have you seen this movie?).
7. 7For alternative questions: Subject + Verb + 过 + Object + 没有?
8. 8Example: 你听过这首歌没有? (Have you heard this song or not?).
9. 9Remember, never use 不 to negate 过. Always use 没有 or just 没. It is a firm rule.

Use 过 when discussing travel and locations. "Have you been to Shanghai?" is a classic. Use it when talking about food and drinks. "Have you tried stinky tofu?" is another great one. It is perfect for media like movies, books, or songs. Use it for skills in a job interview. "Have you used this software before?" is very professional. It works for meeting people too. "Have I met you before?" is a common icebreaker. Use it for any life event that is a "first." It highlights that the action is part of your history. It is great for sharing stories at a party. It helps you find common ground with new friends.

Do not use 过 for daily routines. Brushing your teeth this morning does not need 过. That is just a normal task, not a "life experience." Do not use it for actions happening right now. It is strictly for the past. Do not use it for specific, one-time events that just ended. If you just finished a sandwich, use 了 instead. 过 implies a significant gap in time. It suggests the state has changed back. If you 去过 (have been to) China, you are likely not there now. If you are still there, 过 is the wrong choice. Your passport doesn't need a stamp for things you do every day.

Many people try to use 了 and 过 together. 我吃过饭了 is a bit confusing to listeners. It is usually better to pick one. Another mistake is using 不 for negation. 我不看过 is grammatically incorrect. Always stick with 没有. Some people forget to put 过 immediately after the verb. They might put it after the object. That will definitely confuse your Chinese friends. Also, avoid using 过 with adjectives. Saying "I have been tall" sounds very strange in Chinese. Keep it for actions and experiences. Yes, even advanced learners mess this up sometimes. Just keep practicing and you will get it.

The biggest rival to 过 is the particle 了. 了 focuses on the completion of an action. 过 focuses on the experience of the action. 我吃了 means "I finished eating." 我吃过 means "I have had the experience of eating this." Think of 了 as a checkmark on a list. Think of 过 as a trophy on a shelf. Another pattern is 曾经 (céngjīng). 曾经 also means "once," but it is more formal. You can use 曾经 and 过 together for emphasis. 我曾经去过 sounds very dramatic and storytelling-like. For daily life, 过 on its own is usually enough. It is the worker bee of past experiences.