Direct philosophical opposite of
阳刚 (yánggāng, 'yang-strong / masculine vigor'). The
阴柔/
阳刚 pair comes from yin-yang aesthetics — Qing scholar
姚鼐 used it to classify literary styles, and modern Chinese still applies it to art, music, and personal demeanor. Note
阴柔 describes style, not necessarily gender — male artists can be praised for
阴柔之美.
