太极拳

• Pinyin: tài jí quán
• Hanzi breakdown: 太 = 大 + 丶; 极 = 木 + 及; 拳 = 龹 + 手 (fist)

Meaning

Tai chi (martial art); Taijiquan. A Chinese internal martial art known for slow, flowing movements.

A martial art characterized by slow, deliberate movements emphasizing balance, breathing, and mental focus. Widely practiced for health benefits, especially by older adults. Recognized as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

Examples

1. 我奶奶坚持练太极拳二十年了，身体一直很硬朗。 My grandmother has practiced tai chi for twenty years and has always been in great health.
2. 太极拳讲究以柔克刚，四两拨千斤。 Tai chi emphasizes overcoming hardness with softness — using four ounces to deflect a thousand pounds.
3. 公园里教太极拳的师傅已经八十多岁了，动作还是那么标准。 The master teaching tai chi in the park is over eighty years old, but his movements are still so precise.

Usage Guide

Context: martial arts, health, culture

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 你打的是哪一派的太极拳？(Which style of tai chi do you practice?)
• 太极拳能修身养性。(Tai chi cultivates both body and mind.)

Don't Say

• 说太极拳是'慢动作运动' (While movements are slow, calling it 'slow-motion exercise' trivializes its martial and philosophical depth)

Origin & History

太极 refers to the philosophical concept, 拳 means fist or martial art. Together: the martial art based on tai chi principles.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal