陰
い
ん
Meanings
1
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
negative pole; negative side
Used in technical or abstract contexts to refer to the negative side of a dichotomy, such as electrical polarity or philosophical opposites.
Don't mix up the negative and positive terminals of the battery.
2
yin
The dark, passive, feminine principle in Chinese philosophy and divination, often paired with 陽 (yang).
Antonyms: 陽
In yin-yang philosophy, yin represents passive energy.
3
hidden place; unseen part; private location
Refers to a place out of sight or a private, secluded spot. Often used in set phrases like 陰にこもる (to stay hidden away).
See also: 陰にこもる
He stayed hidden away and didn't meet anyone.
Expressions
- 陰と陽yin and yang; the positive and the negative
- 陰にこもるbottle up inside; be introverted · gloomy; melancholic atmosphere
- 陰影を付けるcrosshatch; add shading
- 一寸の光陰軽んずべからずevery moment is precious; make hay while the sun shines