qi

Everyday

1. (Mandarin, pinyin) In Chinese thought and traditional medicine, qi is the life energy that is believed to flow through the body and all living things; it is said like «chee» to an English ear. tree →
2. (Mandarin, pinyin) As an ordinary Mandarin word, qì also means air, gas, breath or spirit, and other syllables spelled «qi» mean seven (qī), to ride (qí) and to rise (qǐ). tree →
3. (games) «Qi» is a famous allowed word in Scrabble. tree →

In the lessons

In lessons about China and Mandarin heard on the street, qi appears in words like «tiānqì» (weather) and «qìgōng» and in tai chi, where people practise breathing and slow movements to balance their qi. Scientists have not found qi as a measurable energy; it is part of a tradition and belief. Common phrases: «tai chi», «qigong», «qi energy», «balance your qi».

Examples

• In Chinese tradition, qi is the energy of life. tree →
• Tai chi exercises are said to help qi flow through the body. tree →
• «Qi» sounds like «chee» in English. tree →
• In Mandarin, «qī» means seven. tree →
• Grandpa scored lots of points playing «qi» in Scrabble. tree →
• «Tiānqì» means weather in Mandarin. tree →

Note

Not an English word, but borrowed into English for the life-energy idea. In pinyin, «q» is said like English «ch». Different tones change the meaning (qī seven, qí ride, qǐ rise, qì air). Say beliefs fairly: «In Chinese medicine, people believe qi…».