過 marks that someone has experienced something at least once. It answers "have you ever...?" questions.
Life experiences - Things you've done at some point
Trying something - Having tried or tasted something before
I have been to Japan.
Have you ever eaten stinky tofu?
Negative form: 沒(有) + V + 過
過 vs 了 - Different focus
- 我吃過壽司 = I've tried sushi (experience)
- 我吃了壽司 = I ate sushi (completed action)
Time expressions don't mix well with 過
- ❌ 我昨天去過北京
- ✅ 我去過北京 (no specific time needed)
I've never seen such a beautiful place.
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