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noun Uncommon

yin

yihn

Yin (noun) means In Chinese philosophy, the passive, dark, and feminine principle, traditionally paired with yang. Example: “Yin and yang represent the balance between opposite but complementary forces.”

noun
1
In Chinese philosophy, the passive, dark, and feminine principle, traditionally paired with yang.
"Yin and yang represent the balance between opposite but complementary forces."

How to use yin

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe "dark, passive" half of the yin-yang concept from Chinese philosophy.

Common pairings
yin and yang

Word forms

Yins plural

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Test yourself on “yin” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ and yang represent the balance between opposite but complementary forces.

Etymology

From an early romanization of Chinese yin, originally referring to the shaded side of a hill or building.

Origin: Chinese

Frequently asked questions

What does “yin” mean?

The word “yin” means in Chinese philosophy, the passive, dark, and feminine principle, traditionally paired with yang. In plain terms, the "dark, passive" half of the yin-yang concept from Chinese philosophy.

How do you pronounce “yin”?

“Yin” is pronounced yihn (/jɪn/ in IPA).

How do you use “yin” in a sentence?

Here is “yin” used in a sentence: “Yin and yang represent the balance between opposite but complementary forces.”

What part of speech is “yin”?

“Yin” is a noun.

Where does the word “yin” come from?

The word “yin” comes from Chinese. From an early romanization of Chinese yin, originally referring to the shaded side of a hill or building.

Is “yin” a common word?

“Yin” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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