阴阳

陰陽
yīnyáng
noun #18,884

Meanings

  1. 1 yin and yang
  2. 2 the two opposing principles in nature

Characters

The two complementary forces that make up all aspects of life in Chinese philosophy.

Examples

Zhōngyī jiǎngjiu yīnyáng pínghéng.
Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the balance of yin and yang.
Yīnyáng de gàiniàn yǐngxiǎng le Zhōngguó wénhuà de fāngfāngmiànmiàn.
The concept of yin and yang has influenced every aspect of Chinese culture.

Tips

culture
阴阳 is a foundational concept in Chinese philosophy. represents the dark, passive, feminine principle, while represents the bright, active, masculine principle. They are complementary, not opposed.
usage
In modern slang, 阴阳 means speaking in a passive-aggressive, sarcastic way — saying one thing but meaning another.

Stroke Order

yīn
yáng