Kwoon

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.

Kwoon
Traditional Chinese	館
Simplified Chinese	馆
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin Guǎn

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.^[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

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

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

• Chinese martial arts
• Dojang
• Dojo
• Shifu