traditional form of physical exercise or relaxation
HSK 4, n, rank #41008, Very Hard
太极拳
tàijíquán
a martial art
HSK 4, n, rank #41008, Very Hard
tàijíquán(tai4ji2quan2) T4
1shadowboxing or Taiji, T'aichi or T'aichichuan
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.
Frequency#41008DifficultyVery Hard
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
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#41008Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L4AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 太极拳
Podcast: 太极拳
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AI Study Notes for 太极拳
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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Cultural Notes for 太极拳
🏮Cultural insight
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.
🌏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.
Yes, 太极拳 is low-impact and can be practiced by people of all ages, making it an excellent form of exercise for seniors.
The time it takes to learn 太极拳 varies; beginners may grasp basic forms in a few months, while mastering the art can take years.
