经历 (jīng lì) means 'experience' as both a noun and a verb. The character 经 (jīng) originally means 'to pass through' or 'to undergo', while 历 (lì) means 'to go through time or events'—together, they convey the idea of personally encountering or living through something over time. As a noun, it refers to events or situations one has been through (e.g., life experiences, work experience). As a verb, it means 'to experience' or 'to go through'—often used with past events, especially those that are significant, challenging, or formative.

This word is neutral in register and commonly appears in formal writing, personal narratives, resumes, and conversations about growth or change. It emphasizes direct, firsthand involvement—not just observation or knowledge—and often implies duration or emotional weight (e.g., hardship, travel, education). Unlike 技能 (jìnéng, 'skill') or 知识 (zhīshi, 'knowledge'), 经历 highlights lived participation rather than abstract learning.