13.5 Comparison Between 咗 zo2 (Perfective) and 過 gwo3 (Experiential)

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The aspect particles 咗 zo2 and 過 gwo3 may look similar. Here are their differences:


zo2
Perfective

gwo3
Experiential
We have completed an activity, or a state has changed.We have the experience of doing something in the past.
The activity is often relevant to the present (e.g., it is done recently, or it will affect what we do in the present).The activity is often less relevant to the present (e.g., it was done long time ago, or it won’t affect what we do in the present).
The changed state remains true in the present.The state is no longer true in the present.
Example:
我結婚。
ngo5 git3 zo2 fan1.
I have gotten married [I am still married].
Example:
我結婚。
ngo5 git3 gwo3 fan1.
I got married [I was married in the past].