gwan1 sai3均勢均势
Jyutpinggwan1 sai3
Yalegwān sai
Definition
A balanced situation or state of equilibrium between two sides.
neutralother
How it's used
Often used in contexts involving competition, politics, or strategic games to describe a state where neither side has a clear advantage. It sounds more formal or analytical than everyday speech, so you will hear it more in news reports or sports commentary than in casual conversation with friends.
Examples
The two sides have very similar strength, creating a balanced situation.
How are they going to break this stalemate?
Related words
Common phrases
break the stalemate
maintain the balance of power
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe physical balance, such as standing on one leg or balancing an object, as that requires the word 平衡.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
