generating cycle; mutual generation
In Chinese philosophy (五行説), the cycle where each element generates the next: wood→fire→earth→metal→water→wood. A technical term; not used in everyday conversation.
See also: 五行説
In the theory of the five elements, there is a generating cycle where wood produces fire, and fire produces earth.
Standard kanji form for this concept.
Rarely used kanji form; easily confused with 相性 (あいしょう, 'compatibility').
From Chinese 相生 (xiāngshēng), literally 'mutual generation'. The kanji 相 means 'mutual' and 生 means 'generate' or 'give birth to'.