1.
barrier; checkpoint; gate
A physical checkpoint or gate that controls passage, such as a border crossing or toll gate.
関門海峡を渡る。
To cross the Kanmon Strait.
昔はここに関門があり、通行が制限されていた。
In the past, there was a checkpoint here and passage was restricted.
街道の要所には関門が設けられ、旅人の身元が確認された。
Checkpoints were set up at key points along the highway, and travelers' identities were verified.
2.
hurdle; obstacle; critical test
A figurative barrier that must be overcome to proceed, such as an exam, interview, or difficult stage in a process.
最大の関門は面接だ。
The biggest hurdle is the interview.
一次試験という関門を突破した。
I got through the hurdle of the first exam.
資格試験の最終関門である実技テストに向けて準備している。
I'm preparing for the practical test, which is the final hurdle of the certification exam.
USAGE:
The figurative sense (hurdle, obstacle) is more common in everyday conversation. 関門 implies a barrier that must be cleared before proceeding — it suggests a test or trial rather than just any difficulty.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 関門を突破する (to break through a barrier)
- 関門を通過する (to pass through a checkpoint/hurdle)
- 関門を越える (to get past a hurdle)
- 最大の関門 (the biggest hurdle)
- 最後の関門 (the final hurdle)
NOTE:
関門海峡 (Kanmon Strait) between Honshu and Kyushu is a well-known proper noun using this word.