nguyên khí
Definition
- Noun:
- Primordial / Vital / Original Qi: In traditional East Asian philosophy and medicine, "nguyên khí" refers to the fundamental, innate, or primordial vital energy that is the source of life and the foundation of all physiological functions in a living being. It is the original, pre-natal essence inherited from one's parents.
- Foundational Spirit / Vital Force: By extension, it can metaphorically describe the core vitality, foundational spirit, or essential driving force of a collective entity, such as a nation, culture, or organization.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Theo y học cổ truyền, nguyên khí suy yếu sẽ dẫn đến nhiều bệnh tật. (According to traditional medicine, weakened primordial qi leads to many illnesses.)
- Giữ gìn nguyên khí quốc gia là nhiệm vụ quan trọng. (Preserving the nation's vital force is an important duty.)
- Anh ấy tập dưỡng sinh để bồi bổ nguyên khí. (He practices qigong to nourish his vital energy.)
Advanced Usage
"bồi bổ nguyên khí": to nourish or replenish the vital energy.
- Các vị thuốc này giúp bồi bổ nguyên khí. (These herbs help to replenish the vital energy.)
"tổn hại nguyên khí": to damage or deplete the vital energy.
- Làm việc quá sức sẽ tổn hại nguyên khí. (Overworking will deplete your vital energy.)
Variants and Related Words
- Chân khí (n): True qi, often used similarly to refer to genuine or functional vital energy in the body.
- Khí (n): Qi, the general concept of vital energy or life force.
- Tinh khí (n): Essence and qi, often referring to the refined, essential energies of the body.
Synonyms
- Vital force / Vital energy: The energy that gives life and vitality.
- Primordial essence: The original, fundamental substance of life.
- Innate vitality: The inborn capacity for life and strength.
Related Idioms
- Nguyên khí thương tổn: The vital force is injured; describing a state of severe physical or spiritual depletion.
- Sau trận ốm nặng, ông ấy như nguyên khí thương tổn. (After the serious illness, he seemed as if his vital force was injured.)