渡过
dùguò · HSK 7
to cross over; to pass through
🌊⏳ 渡 = cross (water) + 过 = pass — ferry yourself across a stretch of time
渡 originally meant to cross a river (水 water radical). Paired with 过 (to pass through), it extends to crossing or getting through periods of time, hardship, or life stages.
渡 — water radical 氵 + 度 (measure/cross)
渡 combines the water radical 氵 with 度, which provides the sound and suggests measuring or passing across. Originally it meant to cross a body of water, like fording a river or ferrying across. Over time it broadened to mean 'to pass through' any transition, including time or stages of life.
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.