yin yang

Where does the word "yin yang" come from? It comes from Chinese yin + yang, and was adopted directly into English (1800s-1900s).

Yin yang’s story begins in Chinese: yin + yang meant “shady side and sunny side; opposite forces.” Representing complementary opposite forces in Chinese philosophy. It reached English by 1800s-1900s as yin yang. Chinese 'shade' and 'sun'; the 'Book of Changes' built its philosophy on the pair. Today, yin yang means a concept of two complementary, opposing forces in Chinese philosophy.

1. Stage 1 · Chinese · ancient yin + yang "shady side and sunny side; opposite forces", representing complementary opposite forces in Chinese philosophy.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1800s-1900s yin yang "two complementary, opposite forces", Chinese 'shade' and 'sun'; the 'Book of Changes' built its philosophy on the pair.