关头

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 在这紧要关头,他挺身而出。▶ —
   At this critical juncture, he stepped forward.
2. 生死关头,他没有退缩。▶ —
   At the moment of life and death, he did not flinch.

Collocations

Mnemonic

关 guān "a pass, barrier" + 头 tóu "head, point": a hard-to-pass point like a barred gate, i.e. a critical juncture, a decisive moment. Korean renders it as "a critical pass, a crossroads". It points to the most urgent, important moment at which a matter is decided one way or the other (紧要关头 a crucial juncture, 生死关头 a life-and-death crossroads). 关 means "a pass, barrier" (关口, 关键); 头 is a noun suffix and "head, point". It stresses a moment of crisis and decision.

Related

Quick check

1. What does 紧要关头 mean?

   • a crucial juncture where things are decided
   • a leisurely break
   • an ordinary day
   • a distant future plan