翻译天地 | 中华思想文化术语翻译选读

阴

阳

本义指物体对于日光的向背，向日为“阳”，背日为“阴”。引申而有两重含义：其一，指天地之间性质相反的两种气；其二，指两种最基本的矛盾势力或属性，凡动的、热的、在上的、向外的、明亮的、亢进的、强壮的为“阳”，凡静的、寒的、在下的、向内的、晦暗的、减退的、虚弱的为“阴”。“阳”“阴”或“阳气”“阴气”的相互作用决定着万物的生成及存在状态。阴阳理论后来成为古人说明和理解宇宙万物、社会、人伦秩序的基础，如天阳地阴、君阳臣阴、夫阳妻阴等，阳贵阴贱，阳主阴从。

The primary meaning of yin and yang is the orientation of things in relation to the sun, with yang meaning the sunny side and yin the shady side. There are two extended meanings: 1) two opposite kinds of qi(气）in nature；and 2) two basic contrary forces or qualities that coexist, thus the active, hot, upward outward, bright, forward, and strong are yang, while the passive, cold, downward, inward, dark, backward, and weak are yin. The Interaction between yin and yang, or yin qi and yang qi, determines the formation and existence of all things. The theory of yin and yang later became the basis for ancient Chinese to explain and understand the universe and everything in it, social order, and human relations. For example, heaven is yang and earth is yin, ruler is yang and subordinates are yin, husband is yang and wife is yin, noble is yang and ignoble is yin, leading is yang and following is yin.

万物负阴而抱阳，冲气以为和。（《老子·四十二章》）

（万物背阴而向阳，阴阳两气互相激荡而成调和状态。）

All things stand, facing yang and against yin. The interaction between yin and yang creates a state of harmony. (Laozi)

阴阳无所独行。（董仲舒《春秋繁露·基义》）

（阴与阳不能单独发生作用。）

Ying and Yang cannot work without each other. (Dong Zhongshu: Notes to The Spring and Autumn Annals)

选自《中华思想文化术语（第一辑）》

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