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Kwoon
From Wikipedia - Reading time: 5 min
| Kwoon | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Chinese | 館 | ||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 馆 | ||||||
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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.[1][2] 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
[edit]In modern-day Chinese vernacular, the term is most often used for describing a training hall for Chinese Martial Arts.[3][4] 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.[5]
Official usage in the People's Republic of China
[edit]In the PRC's Standard Mandarin Chinese, the word Guǎn can also mean:[6][7]
- 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
[edit]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
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ 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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