氣

Refers both to physical air/breath and to the broader idea of vital energy in philosophy.

Phono-semantic compound:

米 (rice, grain) – semantic, symbolizing food, nourishment, material substance.

气 (air, vapor, breath) – phonetic element, representing invisible breath or vapor.

Originally glossed in Shuowen Jiezi as “to feed, to provide food” (sending food to sustain life).

Over time, 氣 replaced 气 in use, inheriting its meanings of “air,” “breath,” and “energy.”

In modern simplified Chinese, the older 气 form was restored as the standard.

Semantic range:

- physical: air, breath, vapor (공기, 숨)

- life energy: vitality, vigor, spirit

- emotional state or disposition (e.g., temper, mood)

- philosophical: the fundamental force that constitutes and animates all things

기운 (氣運) – energy, fortune, vigor

기백 (氣魄) – spirit, morale, inner force

공기 (空氣) – air, atmosphere

생기 (生氣) – vitality, liveliness

원기 (元氣) – original vital energy, stamina

In East Asian philosophy, 氣 is considered the primal energy underlying heaven, earth, and all beings. It is the source of creation, the force of generation, movement, and transformation.

Seen as the essence of yin and yang, and the operating principle behind the Five Elements (五行).

Described as eternal, indestructible, omnipresent, and the basis of all life.

In the body, 氣 is the dynamic energy that sustains breath, blood circulation, sensory function, and health.

Without understanding 氣, traditional thought holds that destiny (運命) cannot be comprehended.