Kwoon
{{Short description|Training hall for Chinese Martial Arts}}
{{infobox Chinese
| title = Kwoon
| pic =
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| t = 館
| s = 馆
| p = Guǎn
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The word {{lang|yue-latn|Kwoon|i=no}} {{lang|yue-hant|館}} (Cantonese) or {{lang|cmn-latn|Guǎn|i=no}} {{lang|cmn-hant|館}} (Mandarin) is a cultural term that is common in spoken and written Chinese. In Cantonese, it is sometimes also transliterated as {{lang|yue-latn|Kwan|i=no}}.{{cite book|last=Webb|first=Jeffrey D.|author-link=Jeffrey D. Webb|year=2020|title=The Broken Rice Bowl|isbn=978-1727619683}}{{cite book|last=Judkins|first=Benjamin N.|author-link=Benjamin N. Judkins|year=2016|title=Creation of Wing Chun, The: A Social History of the Southern Chinese Martial Arts|publisher=State University of New York Press |isbn=978-1438456942}} This term may carry different meanings, depending on the local culture and the geographical location of whomever speaks or writes it.
Internationally and in common usage
In modern-day Chinese vernacular, the term is most often used for describing a training hall for Chinese Martial Arts.{{cite book|last=Small|first=Mark|author-link=Mark Small|year=2011|title=Taiji, Xingyi, and Baguaquan Throwing By Way of Our Modern Masters: A Primer in Nei Jia—Internal Chinese Martial Arts with 37 Throwing Applications|isbn=978-1257866137}}{{cite book|last=Ripski|first=Neil|author-link=Neil Ripski|year=2013|title=Standing On Iron Mountain|isbn=978-1304726469}} In this context, the complete term would be either {{lang|yue-latn|Mou Kwoon}} {{lang|yue-hant|武館}} (Cantonese) or {{lang|cmn-latn|Wuguan}} {{lang|cmn-hant|武館}} (Mandarin). That usage of the term, in its meaning as a martial arts school, is especially common in English-speaking countries. In that way, Kwoon or Guan is a culturally-equivalent term to the Japanese Dojo, as it relates to Traditional Martial Arts.{{cite book|last=Bluestein|first=Jonathan|author-link=Jonathan Bluestein|year=2024|title=Martial Arts Politics Explained|publisher=Amazon Digital Services LLC - Kdp |isbn=979-8335564984}}
Official usage in the People's Republic of China
In the PRC's Standard Mandarin Chinese, the word Guǎn can also mean:People's Republic of China. A Chinese-English Dictionary (Revised Edition) 1978. Hong Kong: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, 1978.MDBG English to Chinese Dictionary; https://www.mdbg.net/chindict/chindict.php?wdqr=%E9%A4%A8%7C%E9%A6%86%5Bguan3%5D&wdrst=0
- An Accommodation for guests;
- An Embassy, Legation or Consulate;
- (Of service trades) A Shop;
- A Service Establishment;
- A place for cultural activities;
- (Archaic) An old-style private school.
Cantonese communities
In Cantonese-speaking Culture, which is more common in Southern China, the term Kwoon is also used when referring to:
- Police Stations - Chaai Kwoon ({{lang|yue-hant|差館}})
- Mahjong Houses - Ma Jeuk Kwoon ({{lang|zh-hk|麻雀館}})
- Guild Halls - Wui Kwoon ({{lang|zh-hk|會館}})
See also
References
Category:Chinese martial arts terminology
Category:Cantonese words and phrases
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