Yang
/jɑːŋ/noun
In Chinese philosophy, the active principle, associated with light, heat, and masculinity.
Did you know?In Taoist cosmology, 'Yang' is paired with 'Yin', representing the duality that governs all existence, embodying both creation and destruction.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Chinese
Chinese
阳 (yáng)
“Representing brightness, light, and masculine energy.”
1st Century AD
Chinese
阴阳 (yīn yáng)
“The paired concepts of Yin (darkness) and Yang (light) symbolizing duality in the universe.”
16th Century
Chinese
太极 (tài jí)
“The ultimate principle encompassing both Yin and Yang, foundational to Chinese metaphysics.”
Modern Usage
English
Yang
“Adopted into English to denote the active, positive force in dualistic systems.”