ENGLISH
REFERENCE

chi

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˈkaɪ// UK //tʃˈaɪ// chi Archaic Informal Slang

n. the energy or life force that flows through all living things in Chinese philosophy. You might hear about it in martial arts or when people talk about health and balance.

n. the vital life force or energy that flows through the body and the universe in traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine. Often conceptualized as a substance that must be balanced to maintain health and spiritual well-being.


SIMPLE

Tai chi helps you focus on the flow of chi through your body.

CONTEXTUAL

Practitioners of traditional medicine believe that a blockage in one's chi can lead to physical illness or emotional distress.

COMPLEX

The internal martial arts emphasize the cultivation and direction of chi rather than relying solely on muscular strength to overcome an opponent's force.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly spelled 'chi' in older systems or 'qi' in modern Pinyin; both forms are acceptable in English.

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