| Kwoon | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese | Error: {{Lang}}: Latn text/non-Latn script subtag mismatch (help) | ||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 館 | ||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 馆 | ||||||
| |||||||
The word Kwoon 館 (Cantonese) or Guǎn 館 (Mandarin) is a cultural term that is common in spoken and written Chinese. In Cantonese, it is sometimes also transliterated as Kwan. 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. In this context, the complete term would be either Mou Kwoon 武館 (Cantonese) or Wuguan 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.
Official Usage in the People's Republic of China
In the PRC's Standard Mandarin Chinese, the word Guǎn can also mean:
1) An Accommodation for guests;
2) An Embassy, Legation or Consulate;
3) (Of service trades) A Shop;
4) A Service Establishment;
5) A place for cultural activities;
6) (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 (差館)
- Mahjong Houses - Ma Jeuk Kwoon (麻雀館)
- Guild Halls - Wui Kwoon (會館)
See also
References
- Webb, Jeffrey D. (2020). The Broken Rice Bowl. ISBN 978-1727619683.
- Judkins, Benjamin N. (2016). Creation of Wing Chun, The: A Social History of the Southern Chinese Martial Arts. State University of New York Press. ISBN 978-1438456942.
- Small, Mark (2011). 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.
- Ripski, Neil (2013). Standing On Iron Mountain. ISBN 978-1304726469.
- Bluestein, Jonathan (2024). Martial Arts Politics Explained. Amazon Digital Services LLC - Kdp. ISBN 979-8335564984.
- 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
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