陰陽
in'you
The English phrase "yin yang" is translated into Japanese as 陰陽 (in'you).
The phrase refers to the concept of two opposite forces that complement each other to create balance in the universe.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of two kanji: 陰 (in), meaning 'yin' or 'shadow' and 陽 (you), meaning 'yang' or 'light'.
How do you pronounce it?
in'you
Did you know?
- The concept of 陰陽 was historically used in Japan for 'onmyōdō', a traditional system of divination and cosmology used by government officials called 'onmyōji'.
- When 陰陽 is part of a larger compound word, the pronunciation of 陽 can change from yō to myō due to a phonetic phenomenon called renjō.
- In Japanese, the word 陰 is used to describe the 'shaded side' of a mountain, while 陽 describes the 'sunny side'.
Examples in context
- 陰陽のバランスを保つMaintain the balance of yin yang.
- 陰陽の考え方The philosophy of yin yang.
- 陰陽の関係が重要だよThe relationship of yin yang is important.
- この考え方は陰と陽のバランスに基づいているThis philosophy is based on the balance of yin and yang.
- 陰陽バランスを取ることが大切だと思うI believe it is important to maintain the balance of yin yang.
- 世界は陰陽のバランスで成り立っている。Sekai wa in'yō no baransu de naritatte iru.The world is made of the balance of yin yang.
- 陰陽の考え方は非常に奥が深い。In'yō no kangaekata wa hijō ni oku ga fukai.The concept of yin yang is very profound.
- 彼は陰陽の理について勉強している。Kare wa in'yō no kotowari ni tsuite benkyō shite iru.He is studying the principles of yin yang.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are looking at a traditional symbol in a museum.
- 蓮 Renこれは陰陽のマークですね。kore wa in'yō no māku desu ne.This is a yin yang mark, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、相反する力が調和しています。hai, sōhansuru chikara ga chōwa shite imasu.Yes, opposing forces are in harmony.
- 蓮 Ren自然の摂理を感じます。shizen no setsuri o kanjimasu.I feel the providence of nature.
- 陽葵 Himari本当に深い考え方だと思います。hontō ni fukai kangaekata da to omoimasu.I think it is a truly profound way of thinking.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 陰陽, CC BY-SA 4.0.
