Taijitu
/ˌtaɪˈdʒiːtuː/noun
A Chinese symbol representing the complementary forces of yin and yang, often shown as a circle divided into two swirling halves.
Did you know?The taijitu is often treated as an ancient mystical emblem, but the familiar swirling yin-yang design became prominent through later Chinese philosophical and religious traditions rather than appearing fully formed in antiquity.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient China, 1st millennium BCE
Classical Chinese
太極 (tàijí)
“The “Supreme Ultimate,” a foundational principle or state from which the complementary forces yin and yang emerge.”
11th Century
Chinese
太極圖 (tàijí tú)
“A diagram or chart of the Supreme Ultimate, associated especially with the Neo-Confucian philosopher Zhou Dunyi.”
17th Century
Chinese
太極圖
“A term used for diagrams representing the relationship and cyclical interaction of taiji, yin, and yang.”
19th–20th Century
English
taijitu
“A scholarly transliteration of the Chinese name for the yin-yang diagram.”
Modern English
English
taijitu
“The familiar yin-yang symbol, especially the circular black-and-white emblem with opposing dots.”