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太极 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
太极tàijíthe Absolute or Supreme Ultimate, the source of all things according to some interpretations of Chinese mythologyHSK 7, unknown, 11 strokes, rank #20958, Very Hard
tàijí(Tai4ji2)tai ji T4
  1. 1the Absolute or Supreme Ultimate, the source of all things according to some interpretations of Chinese mythology
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March 24, 2026

太极(太極)tàijí(Tai4ji2)

太极 (Tàijí) refers to the concept of the Supreme Ultimate, representing the source of all things in Chinese philosophy, particularly in Daoism. It embodies the duality of Yin and Yang, which illustrates the interconnectedness and balance of opposites in the universe. Commonly used in discussions about metaphysics, martial arts, and holistic health, it emphasizes harmony and equilibrium.

Strokes11Frequency#20958DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

The concept of 太极 is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese philosophy and is often associated with martial arts, especially Tai Chi, which promotes health and inner peace. It reflects the Chinese view of the universe as a dynamic balance between opposing forces.

Memory tip

Imagine a Tai Chi practitioner moving gracefully, embodying the balance of Yin and Yang. The character '太' looks like a person with arms raised, embracing the universe, while '极' can remind you of a peak or ultimate point, symbolizing the pinnacle of existence.

Meanings of 太极

tàijí(Tai4ji2)
1the Absolute or Supreme Ultimate, the source of all things according to some interpretations of Chinese mythology
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About 太极

太极Simplified
太極Traditional
11Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI study notes for 太极

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 太极 with similar terms related to martial arts, such as 太极拳 (Tàijí quán or Tai Chi Chuan). It is used in both formal philosophical contexts and informal conversations about health and wellness. Be mindful of the tones; 太 (tài) is fourth tone and 极 (jí) is second tone, which can change meaning if mispronounced.

HSK Study Tips

Although 太极 is not an HSK vocabulary word, understanding it can enhance your grasp of cultural concepts found in HSK materials. Focus on its role in discussions about balance and harmony, and relate it to other HSK words like 和 (hé, harmony) and 阴阳 (yīnyáng, Yin-Yang) for deeper comprehension.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes mistakenly refer to 太极 as just a martial art, ignoring its philosophical significance. A common error is saying '太极' in contexts where '太极拳' (Tai Chi) is more appropriate. Always use the full term when referring to the martial art.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 太极

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Component characters

太tàihighest
HSK 14 strokes大
View full entry
极jíextremely
HSK 37 strokes木
View full entry

How to say the Absolute or Supreme Ultimate, the source of all things according to some interpretations of Chinese mythology in Chinese

“the Absolute or Supreme Ultimate, the source of all things according to some interpretations of Chinese mythology” in Chinese is太极tàijí

太极 (Tàijí) refers to the concept of the Supreme Ultimate, representing the source of all things in Chinese philosophy, particularly in Daoism. It embodies the duality of Yin and Yang, which illustrates the interconnectedness and balance of opposites in the universe. Commonly used in discussions about metaphysics, martial arts, and holistic health, it emphasizes harmony and equilibrium.

When to use 太极

Learners often confuse 太极 with similar terms related to martial arts, such as 太极拳 (Tàijí quán or Tai Chi Chuan). It is used in both formal philosophical contexts and informal conversations about health and wellness. Be mindful of the tones; 太 (tài) is fourth tone and 极 (jí) is second tone, which can change meaning if mispronounced.

What learners get wrong

Learners sometimes mistakenly refer to 太极 as just a martial art, ignoring its philosophical significance. A common error is saying '太极' in contexts where '太极拳' (Tai Chi) is more appropriate. Always use the full term when referring to the martial art.

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Frequently asked questions about 太极

It represents the Supreme Ultimate in Chinese philosophy, symbolizing the source of all existence and the balance of Yin and Yang.

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