The word 通过 is formed by combining two distinct characters, each contributing its core meaning to create a new, integrated concept. The first character, 通 (tōng), carries the fundamental idea of "penetrating", "going through", or "connecting unobstructed". The second, 过 (guò), conveys the notion of "passing", "crossing", or "going past". When fused, the literal image is of successfully passing through a space or barrier, which then extends metaphorically to mean accomplishing passage or gaining approval, as in passing through a checkpoint or a procedure. Thus, the formation is a logical and spatial merger: 通 provides the state of open connection, and 过 provides the action of traversal, together encapsulating the complete act of "going through to the other side".