View source for Kwoon

{{Short description|Training hall for Chinese Martial Arts}}

{{infobox Chinese
| title     = Kwoon
| pic       =
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| c         = 
| t         = 館
| s         = 馆
| p         = Guǎn
}}

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 Chinese|Mandarin]]) is a cultural term that is common in spoken and written [[Chinese language|Chinese]]. In Cantonese, it is sometimes also transliterated as '''{{lang|yue-latn|Kwan|i=no}}'''.<ref>{{cite book|last=Webb|first=Jeffrey D.|author-link=Jeffrey D. Webb|year=2020|title=The Broken Rice Bowl|isbn=978-1727619683}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> 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|Chinese Martial Arts]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Ripski|first=Neil|author-link=Neil Ripski|year=2013|title=Standing On Iron Mountain|isbn=978-1304726469}}</ref> 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 Chinese|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

==Official usage in the People's Republic of China==
In the  [[People's Republic of China|PRC]]'s [[Standard Chinese|Standard Mandarin Chinese]], the word '''Guǎn''' can also mean:<ref>People's Republic of China. A Chinese-English Dictionary (Revised Edition) 1978. Hong Kong: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, 1978.</ref><ref>MDBG English to Chinese Dictionary; https://www.mdbg.net/chindict/chindict.php?wdqr=%E9%A4%A8%7C%E9%A6%86%5Bguan3%5D&wdrst=0</ref>

* 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}})
* [[Chinese Clan Association|Guild Halls]] - Wui Kwoon ({{lang|zh-hk|會館}})

== See also ==
* [[Chinese martial arts|Chinese Martial Arts]]
* [[Sifu]]
* [[Dojo]]

== References ==
<references/>

[[Category:Chinese martial arts terminology]]
[[Category:Cantonese words and phrases]]


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