度过
dùguò · HSK 4
spend
⏳ 度过 = 度 (degree/measure) + 过 (pass) — measure-out + pass-through = get through a span of time
度 originally meant a unit of measure, extended to spans/durations; 过 means to cross or pass. Together they mean to pass through a stretch of time, often used for getting through holidays, hard periods, or stages of life.
度 — 广 (shelter) + 庶 abbreviated (phonetic)
Originally depicted a hand measuring length under a shelter, meaning 'to measure' or 'a measure/standard.' From this came extended senses like 'degree,' 'extent,' and 'to pass through' (as in passing time). The reading 'dù' means degree/measure, while 'duó' preserves the older verbal sense of measuring.
过 — 辶 walk radical + 呙 (phonetic)
过 combines the walking radical 辶, suggesting motion or passage, with 呙 serving as the phonetic component. Originally it depicted crossing or passing by on foot, which extended to meanings like 'to pass,' 'to cross over,' and later 'past' or 'excessive.' The simplified form replaces the traditional 過.