陰
in[ka̠ɡe̞]
The Japanese word for the essential female principle 'yin' is 陰.
陰 (yin) refers to the essential female principle. The concept of Yin-Yang is known as 陰陽 (In-Yō) in Japanese.
Meaning: essential female principle (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is in.
When do people say it?
The concept of 陰 is a core component of Onmyōdō, a traditional Japanese esoteric way of divination and cosmology.
Did you know?
- In modern Japanese, the word 陰 is used to describe a person who is 'gloomy' or 'introverted', often referred to as an 陰キャ (in-kya).
- Some historical linguistic theories suggest the root of the word 陰 may be related to the Korean word 보지 (boji), which means 'vagina'.
- Historically, the concept of 陰 was central to the work of the Onmyōji, who were official government diviners in ancient Japan.
Examples in context
- 陰陽のバランスBalance of Yin and Yang
- 陰のエネルギーYin Energy
- 陰の性質が強い。in no seishitsu ga tsuyoi.The yin quality is strong.
- 陰と陽のバランスが大事だ。in to yo no baransu ga daiji da.The balance of yin and yang is important.
- 陰の力を信じる。in no chikara o shinjiru.I believe in the power of yin.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing ancient philosophy in a cafe.
- 大翔 Hiroto陰の概念は面白いね。in no gainen wa omoshiroi ne.The concept of yin is interesting, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yuiそう、陰と陽は対照的だよね。sou, in to yo wa taishouteki da yo ne.Yes, yin and yang are contrasting, right?
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣は哲学に詳しいんだね。Yui wa tetsugaku ni kuwashii nda ne.Yui, you are very knowledgeable about philosophy.
- 結衣 Yui少しだけ興味があるの。Sukoshi dake kyoumi ga aru no.I'm just a little interested in it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yin” translations and entries 陰, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 陰, CC BY-SA 4.0.
