陰 (yīn) - Yin — the feminine, dark, passive, negative principle & shadow

陰Tone 1

yīn ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

懿嘤

陰 · yīn

Yin — the feminine, dark, passive, negative principle in Chinese philosophy;

shadow;

shade;

overcast;

the moon;

hidden;

secret;

negative (electricity);

genitalia.

Yin — the feminine, dark, passive, negative principleshadowshade

Usage highlights

Yin and yangOvercast skyShady placeNegative electrodeYin energyLunar calendar

Synonyms

  • 暗— dark; dim
  • 影— shadow; reflection
  • 幽— secluded; hidden

Antonyms

  • 阳— yang (masculine, bright, active principle)
  • 晴— sunny; clear
  • 明— bright; clear

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The concept of yin and yang (阴阳) is fundamental in Chinese philosophy.
  • Today is overcast (阴天).
  • He is very introverted (性格很阴).
  • This is the negative electrode (阴极).

Collocations

  • Yin and yang(阴阳)
  • Overcast sky(阴天)
  • Shady place(阴凉处)
  • Negative electrode(阴极)
  • Yin energy(阴气)
  • Lunar calendar(阴历)

Idioms

  • A plot hidden in the dark(阴谋诡计)
  • The sun and the moon shine together(日月同阴)
  • A shady scheme(阴险毒辣)
  • The balance of yin and yang(阴阳调和)
  • A shady and treacherous person(阴险小人)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Daoist philosophy, yin represents the feminine, passive, dark, and cold aspects of the universe, complementary to yang.
  • Yin is associated with the moon, earth, water, and nighttime in traditional Chinese cosmology.
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, health depends on maintaining balance between yin and yang energies in the body.
  • The character originally depicted a hill with shadows, representing the concept of shade and darkness.

FAQ