関門
Meanings
A physical or geographic point that controls passage, or a place that functions as an entrance or gateway to somewhere.
I showed my passport at the border checkpoint.
The port prospered as a gateway to the continent.
Figurative use for a difficult stage that must be passed before reaching a goal, often with exams, selection processes, negotiations, or projects.
The first exam is the first hurdle.
Raising funds will be a major obstacle in starting the business.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉の関門を通るto pass through a checkpoint at a place
You need a permit to pass through the checkpoint at the border.
- 関門を突破するto break through a hurdle/barrier
He got through the hurdle of the final interview.
- 関門を越えるto overcome a hurdle
I have to overcome the hurdle of the qualifying exam.
- 最初の関門the first hurdle (in a series of challenges)
The document screening is the first hurdle in getting hired.
- 関門をくぐるto pass under/through a gateway
The ship passed through the harbor's gateway and out into the open sea.