过渡 (guòdù) — transition; to transition

过渡 (guòdù)

过渡 describes a transitional phase or the process of moving from one state, system, or condition to another, and is widely used in political, economic, and social discourse at B2 level.

Meanings

1. [noun] transition; transitional period; changeover
2. [verb] to transition; to shift from one state to another

Example Sentences

这个国家正处于从计划经济向市场经济过渡的阶段。 Zhège guójiā zhèng chǔyú cóng jìhuà jīngjì xiàng shìchǎng jīngjì guòdù de jiēduàn. This country is in the stage of transitioning from a planned economy to a market economy.

领导层的过渡必须平稳进行，以维护社会稳定。 Lǐngdǎo céng de guòdù bìxū píngwěn jìnxíng, yǐ wéihù shèhuì wěndìng. The leadership transition must proceed smoothly to maintain social stability.

过渡期间，旧制度和新制度将并行运作。 Guòdù qījiān, jiù zhìdù hé xīn zhìdù jiāng bìngxíng yùnzuò. During the transition period, the old and new systems will operate in parallel.

他用一段幽默的话作为两个话题之间的过渡。 Tā yòng yī duàn yōumò de huà zuòwéi liǎng gè huàtí zhījiān de guòdù. He used a humorous remark as a transition between the two topics.

从学生身份过渡到职场人士需要一段适应时间。 Cóng xuéshēng shēnfèn guòdù dào zhíchǎng rénshì xūyào yī duàn shìyìng shíjiān. Transitioning from a student to a working professional requires an adjustment period.

能源结构的过渡是实现碳中和的关键步骤。 Néngyuán jiégòu de guòdù shì shíxiàn tàn zhōnghé de guānjiàn bùzhòu. The transition in energy structure is a key step toward achieving carbon neutrality.

Collocations

Usage Notes

过渡 emphasises the in-between nature of change -- the crossing over from one state to another -- rather than the end result. The compound 过渡期 (transition period) is extremely common in official language. In writing and speaking, 过渡 can also serve as a structural signal, e.g. in a speech, a 过渡 sentence connects one section to the next.

Compare with 转变 (zhuǎnbiàn, to transform/change), which focuses more on the resulting change rather than the process of crossing over.

Memory Hook

过 (to pass/cross over) + 渡 (to ferry across water) = to ferry yourself across from one side to another.