1.
yin and yang; positive and negative; light and dark duality
The classical East Asian concept of complementary opposites that together form a balanced whole. Used in philosophy, divination, traditional medicine, and figuratively for contrasting pairs.
The character 陰 represents the dark/passive/feminine principle; 陽 represents the light/active/masculine principle. The reading おんみょう is used for the historical practice of 陰陽道 (court divination).
Common collocations
- 陰陽の調和: harmony of yin and yang
- 陰陽五行: yin-yang and the five elements
- 陰陽師: yin-yang diviner (Heian-era court official)
Cultural note
Deeply rooted in Chinese cosmology and absorbed into Japanese thought through Buddhism, Shinto, and traditional medicine. Often appears in discussions of 占い (divination), martial arts, and seasonal cycles.