gu1 gwan1孤軍孤军
Jyutpinggu1 gwan1
Yalegū gwān
Definition
An isolated army fighting without help, or a person fighting alone for a cause.
- an isolated army fighting without reinforcement
- figurativean isolated individual fighting alone for a cause
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Originally referring to a military unit isolated from reinforcements, this term is now frequently used metaphorically to describe anyone tackling a difficult task without any support or allies. It carries a sense of heroism mixed with vulnerability, often implying that the person is facing overwhelming odds. It is much more dramatic than simply saying someone is alone.
Examples
He is fighting all alone, it is really miserable.
Are you planning to go deep into enemy territory all by yourself to challenge them?
Related words
Common phrases
to fight alone
to penetrate deep into enemy lines alone
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is physically alone in a neutral or casual sense, such as sitting by themselves in a cafe. It specifically emphasizes the lack of backup or support during a struggle or confrontation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
