gwan6郡
Jyutpinggwan6
Yalegwahn
Definition
An administrative division of a country, such as a county or shire, or a commandery in ancient China.
- a county, shire, or district in certain countries
- historicala commandery; an administrative division in ancient China
writtenother
How it's used
This term is almost exclusively used in historical contexts or when discussing ancient Chinese administrative geography. It refers to a specific level of government that existed during the Qin and Han dynasties, which was typically larger than a county but smaller than a province. You will rarely encounter this in modern daily conversation unless you are reading historical fiction or studying history.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
How was this county managed in the past?
They went to that commandery to visit historical sites.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with modern administrative terms like 區 or 市, as 郡 is strictly a historical term. Using it to describe a contemporary district in Hong Kong or elsewhere will sound extremely archaic or confusing.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
