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太极拳 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
太极拳tàijíquánshadowboxing or Taiji, T'aichi or T'aichichuanHSK 4, n, 21 strokes, rank #41008, Medium
太极拳tàijíquántraditional form of physical exercise or relaxationHSK 4, n, 21 strokes, rank #41008, Medium
太极拳tàijíquána martial artHSK 4, n, 21 strokes, rank #41008, Medium
tàijíquán(tai4ji2quan2)tai ji quan T4
  1. 1shadowboxing or Taiji, T'aichi or T'aichichuan
  2. 2traditional form of physical exercise or relaxation
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March 24, 2026

太极拳(太極拳)tàijíquán(tai4ji2quan2)

太极拳 (tai4 ji2 quan2) refers to a traditional Chinese martial art known for its slow, graceful movements and deep focus on breathing. Commonly practiced for health benefits, relaxation, and self-defense, it emphasizes balance, mindfulness, and the flow of energy (qi). It can be seen both as a physical exercise and a spiritual practice.

Strokes21Frequency#41008DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

太极拳 is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, often associated with Taoist philosophy and the concept of yin-yang, emphasizing harmony and balance in life. You may see practitioners in parks, especially during early mornings, as it is a common form of exercise and meditation.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant (太) circle (极) in the sky, representing the endless flow of energy. Visualize a peaceful scene where two people are shadowboxing (拳), moving in harmony with each other. The combination of these images links the characters together with the concept of balance and fluidity.

Meanings of 太极拳

tàijíquán(tai4ji2quan2)
1shadowboxing or Taiji, T'aichi or T'aichichuan
2traditional form of physical exercise or relaxation
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About 太极拳

太极拳Simplified
太極拳Traditional
21Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#41008Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L4AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI Study Notes for 太极拳

Usage Notes

Be careful to use the correct tones, as mispronunciation can change the meaning. It's often used in both formal and informal contexts, but it may sound overly formal if used in casual conversation. Common collocations include '练习太极拳' (practice Tai Chi) and '太极拳的好处' (benefits of Tai Chi).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 太极拳 can help learners connect with other martial arts vocabulary, such as 武术 (martial arts) and 运动 (exercise). Focus on the pronunciation and the cultural significance of the practice to enhance understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 太极拳 with other martial arts due to the general term 武术 (martial arts). Make sure to use 太极拳 specifically when referring to this unique practice, as in '我在学习太极拳' (I am learning Tai Chi).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 太极拳

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Component Characters

太tàihighest
HSK 14 strokes大
View full entry
极jíextremely
HSK 37 strokes木
View full entry
拳quánfist
HSK 710 strokes手
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How to say shadowboxing or Taiji, T'aichi or T'aichichuan in Chinese

“shadowboxing or Taiji, T'aichi or T'aichichuan” in Chinese is太极拳tàijíquán

太极拳 (tai4 ji2 quan2) refers to a traditional Chinese martial art known for its slow, graceful movements and deep focus on breathing. Commonly practiced for health benefits, relaxation, and self-defense, it emphasizes balance, mindfulness, and the flow of energy (qi). It can be seen both as a physical exercise and a spiritual practice.

When to use 太极拳

Be careful to use the correct tones, as mispronunciation can change the meaning. It's often used in both formal and informal contexts, but it may sound overly formal if used in casual conversation. Common collocations include '练习太极拳' (practice Tai Chi) and '太极拳的好处' (benefits of Tai Chi).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 太极拳 with other martial arts due to the general term 武术 (martial arts). Make sure to use 太极拳 specifically when referring to this unique practice, as in '我在学习太极拳' (I am learning Tai Chi).

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太
极
拳

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Cultural Notes for 太极拳

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

While Western martial arts often focus on competition and aggression, 太极拳 emphasizes relaxation, health, and internal energy, reflecting a different approach to physical activity.

Frequently Asked Questions about 太极拳

Practicing 太极拳 can improve balance, flexibility, and overall mental well-being, often leading to reduced stress and enhanced focus.

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