cung1 jiu3衝要冲要
Jyutpingcung1 jiu3
Yalechūng yiu
Definition
Strategically important place; key thoroughfare.
writtenplacestransport
How it's used
Refers specifically to a location that holds critical importance for defense, logistics, or transportation. It carries a formal or literary tone, often appearing in historical accounts or news reports rather than casual conversation. While it describes a physical spot, it is rarely used to describe a simple street corner or a common shop.
Examples
This place is a major traffic hub, with many cars passing through.
This location is a strategic military point, you are not allowed to enter.
Related words
Common phrases
major transport hub
strategic military point
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general terms for important places like 中心 or 核心, but 衝要 implies a sense of strategic necessity or a bottleneck that must be controlled or passed through.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
