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Yalegwāan
Definition
A difficult situation, hurdle, or a stage in a video game.
- a difficult situation, crisis, or hurdle
- a stage, level, or checkpoint in a video game
colloquialother
How it's used
Refers specifically to a hurdle or a critical stage in a process, often implying a sense of endurance or overcoming adversity. It is frequently paired with verbs like 捱 or 過 to emphasize the struggle of moving past a challenging period. Beyond abstract difficulties, it is also commonly used to describe levels or stages in video games.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
This difficult situation is really hard to get through.
Related words
Common phrases
to pass a level or overcome a challenge
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the verb 關, which means to close or turn off. When used as a noun for a difficult situation, it almost always requires a measure word like 一 or 呢一 to specify the hurdle being discussed.
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.



