関門

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 関門, read かんもん, denotes a gateway or a difficult hurdle to pass.
• Basic usage: In 書類審査が最初の関門となる。, document screening is the first hurdle.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Stage and obstacle
  • 関門 can describe an established stage such as screening or a steep slope that makes finishing a race difficult. Both must be passed to make progress.
• Order and difficulty
  • 最初の関門 is the first hurdle in order; 最大の関門 is the greatest hurdle. 最大 does not mean last in the sequence.