通过 ...
Reach for 通过 when you want to mark the METHOD, channel, or means by which something happens — 'through X' or 'by means of X.' Slot it before the verb to introduce the tool, process, or person used to reach the result. Common in news, expository writing, and any moment when how-it-was-done matters: through an app, through hard work, through negotiation, through this study.
Structure
[SUBJECT] 通过 [METHOD/CHANNEL] [VERB] [OBJECT]
tōngguò...
How to Think About It
通过 is a prepositional flag: 'using this channel.' It sits in front of the verb because in Chinese, the means comes before the action — Method → Verb. English often puts the means after ('learned Chinese through podcasts'); Chinese puts it before ('通过播客学中文'). 通过 always points at a tool, route, or process — not a reason. If the slot is a CAUSE, swap to 因为. If it's a place you physically pass through, 通过 still works literally, but most uses are abstract.
Examples
我通过网上学了中文。
Wǒ tōngguò wǎng shàng xué le Zhōngwén.
I learned Chinese through the internet.
他们通过谈判解决了问题。
Tāmen tōngguò tánpàn jiějué le wèntí.
They solved the problem through negotiation.
通过这次旅行, 我学到了很多。
Tōngguò zhè cì lǚxíng, wǒ xué dào le hěn duō.
Through this trip, I learned a lot.
Common Mistake
Learners use 通过 to mean 'because of' or to introduce a reason. 通过 specifically marks HOW, not WHY. Also, learners stick 通过 after the verb, copying English word order — Chinese needs it before.
我学了中文通过这个 app。
我通过这个 app 学了中文。
Don't Confuse With
因为 ...
因为 marks the REASON something happened; 通过 marks the METHOD. '因为他帮忙' = because he helped. '通过他的帮助' = through his help.
用 ...
用 is more concrete — a physical tool, instrument, or language: '用筷子吃饭'. 通过 leans abstract — channels, processes, intermediaries.
靠 ...
'Rely on / depend on'; carries effort or trust: '靠自己' (rely on yourself). 通过 is neutral about effort — it just names the route.
Practice
她 ___ 朋友介绍认识了她男朋友。
Show answer
通过
我们可以通过手机 ___ 联系。
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保持
Put in order: [通过 / 我 / 努力 / 通过了 / 考试]
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我通过努力通过了考试。
Translate to Chinese: 'I found this job through a friend.'
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我通过一个朋友找到了这份工作。
Write one sentence about something you achieved by a specific method, using 通过.
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Example answer: 我通过每天听播客提高了听力。 (I improved my listening by listening to podcasts every day.)
Hear It in Real Episodes
This pattern appears in 2 Fluentide episodes: