gwo3 gwaan1過關过关

Jyutpinggwo3 gwaan1

Yalegwo gwāan

動詞Uncommon

Definition

To cross a border, or to pass a test, standard, or challenge.

to cross a border or go through customs checkpoint
to pass a test, reach a standard, or overcome a challenge

colloquialtransportplaces

How it's used

Primarily refers to the physical act of clearing immigration at a border checkpoint between Hong Kong and Mainland China. It is also frequently used metaphorically to describe passing a difficult stage of a project, a test, or a challenging situation. When used in the metaphorical sense, it implies successfully overcoming a hurdle that stands in the way of progress.

Examples

ting1聽jat6日ziu1朝zou2早ngo5我jiu3要heoi3去lo4羅wu4湖gwo3過gwaan1關。

I need to go to Lo Wu to cross the border tomorrow morning.

nei5你gwo3過gwaan1關go2嗰zan6陣jau5有mou5冇daai3帶hou2好do1多je5嘢？

Did you bring a lot of stuff when you crossed the border?

Common phrases

gwo3過gwaan1關zaam2斬zoeng3將

to overcome multiple obstacles in succession

paai4排deoi2隊gwo3過gwaan1關

to queue up for border clearance

Common mistake

Avoid using this term for general travel through a city or crossing a street, as it specifically implies passing through a customs or immigration control point. It is not interchangeable with general verbs for crossing or passing by.