Waijiaquan
/waɪˌdʒiːəˈtʃwɛn/noun
A Chinese martial-arts classification traditionally referring to “external” boxing styles that emphasize physical conditioning, muscular power, speed, and technical practice.
Did you know?The external-versus-internal division is influential but historically fluid: many Chinese martial traditions combine demanding physical conditioning with breath, mental, and spiritual cultivation.
Etymological Timeline
Old Chinese
Old Chinese
外 *ŋˤat-s
“Outside, outer, external”
Old Chinese
Old Chinese
家 *kˤra
“House, household, family, or school of transmission”
Middle Chinese
Middle Chinese
拳 *ɡˠiuᴇn
“Fist; by extension, boxing or a fist-based martial method”
Late Imperial China
Chinese
外家
“An external school or tradition, contrasted in martial discourse with 内家, “internal school””
19th–20th Century
Chinese
外家拳 / wàijiāquán
“External-family boxing; a classification for martial systems emphasizing outward physical training and technique”
Modern English
English
waijiaquan
“A romanized Chinese martial-arts term used in English-language discussions of Chinese boxing”
Explore more surprising origins