Definition
五行 is a foundational concept in Chinese philosophy, cosmology, and traditional medicine, referring to the five dynamic forces—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—that interact in cycles of generation and control. It's not a set of virtues or seasonal influences; those are separate concepts (五常 and 四时). The term appears in contexts like feng shui, acupuncture, and martial arts.
n.
five elements of Chinese cosmology (metal, wood, water, fire, earth)
Examples
- 五行。Zhōngguó de wǔ xíng xuéshuō yǒu jǐ qiān nián de lìshǐ.China's theory of the five elements has a history of thousands of years.
- 五行。Zhōngyī cháng yòng wǔ xíng lái jiěshì réntǐ de biànhuà.Traditional Chinese medicine often uses the five elements to explain changes in the human body.
- 、、、、五行。Jīn, mù, shuǐ, huǒ, tǔ shì wǔ xíng de wǔ ge yuánsù.Metal, wood, water, fire, and earth are the five elements of the five elements.
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