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

HSK 5
Zhōngyī jiǎngjiu yīnyáng pínghéng.
Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the balance of yin and yang.
HSK 6
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. 阴 represents the dark, passive, feminine principle, while 阳 represents the bright, active, masculine principle. They are complementary, not opposed.
usage
In modern slang, 阴阳怪气 means speaking in a passive-aggressive, sarcastic way - saying one thing but meaning another.

Stroke Order

阴 yīn
阳 yáng