gwaan1 hau2關口关口
Jyutpinggwaan1 hau2
Yalegwāan háu
Definition
A critical point, juncture, or barrier in a given situation.
colloquialotherdescriptions
How it's used
Often used to describe a threshold or a make or break moment in a process or personal journey. It carries a sense of tension, implying that what happens next will determine the final outcome. While it literally refers to a border crossing, its metaphorical use is standard for both professional and personal challenges.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
This is the most critical turning point in my life.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 門口, which refers to a physical doorway or entrance. 關口 implies a barrier or a stage that must be overcome, whereas 門口 is simply a location.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.



