Bazi Glossary
Here are the core concepts and terminology needed to understand Bazi interpretation. Click on any term for a concise explanation.
五行 (Five Elements)
Pinyin: wǔ xíng
The five basic elements or energy states in Chinese philosophy: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements interact with each other following cycles of generation and control. In Bazi, each Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch is associated with a specific element, representing different energy qualities.
八字 (Bazi)
Pinyin: bā zì
Literally means "eight characters," referring to the eight Chinese characters formed by four pairs of Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches (year, month, day, and hour) of one's birth time, describing the unique configuration of cosmic energy at that moment.
喜用神 (Favorable Element)
Pinyin: xǐ yòng shén
In Bazi analysis, this refers to the element that can balance the chart, supplement deficiencies, and benefit the Day Master's development. It is not simply a "good luck" symbol but an energy that promotes overall harmony.
四柱 (Four Pillars)
Pinyin: sì zhù
Another name for Bazi, referring to the four "pillars" of Year, Month, Day, and Hour, each consisting of one Heavenly Stem and one Earthly Branch.
地支 (Earthly Branches)
Pinyin: dì zhī
The twelve basic symbols in ancient Chinese astronomical calendar system: 子(zǐ), 丑(chǒu), 寅(yín), 卯(mǎo), 辰(chén), 巳(sì), 午(wǔ), 未(wèi), 申(shēn), 酉(yǒu), 戌(xū), 亥(hài). They correspond to the twelve zodiac animals and each is associated with specific Five Elements.
天干 (Heavenly Stems)
Pinyin: tiān gān
The ten basic symbols in ancient Chinese astronomical calendar system: 甲(jiǎ), 乙(yǐ), 丙(bǐng), 丁(dīng), 戊(wù), 己(jǐ), 庚(gēng), 辛(xīn), 壬(rén), 癸(guǐ). Each Heavenly Stem is associated with a specific element from the Five Elements and either Yin or Yang energy.
年柱 (Year Pillar)
Pinyin: nián zhù
The first pillar of the Four Pillars, consisting of the Year Stem and Year Branch, representing ancestral influence, early environment, and general direction in life. It also reflects family background and parental influence.
日主 (Day Master)
Pinyin: rì zhǔ
The most important element in a Bazi chart, which is the Heavenly Stem of the Day Pillar, representing the core quality and basic character of a person. The Five Element attribute (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) and Yin-Yang quality (Yang or Yin) of the Day Master is the starting point for Bazi interpretation.
日柱 (Day Pillar)
Pinyin: rì zhù
The third pillar of the Four Pillars, consisting of the Day Stem (Day Master) and Day Branch, representing the core self, spousal relationships, and mid-life development. It is the core of the Bazi chart, with the Day Stem being the Day Master.
时柱 (Hour Pillar)
Pinyin: shí zhù
The fourth pillar of the Four Pillars, consisting of the Hour Stem and Hour Branch, representing inner thoughts, potential development, and later life. It is also related to children and hidden talents.
月柱 (Month Pillar)
Pinyin: yuè zhù
The second pillar of the Four Pillars, consisting of the Month Stem and Month Branch, representing growth environment, educational background, and self-expression style. It reflects relationships with siblings and how one acquires personal resources.
气 (Qi)
Pinyin: qì
A core concept in Chinese philosophy referring to the vital life energy flowing throughout the universe. In Bazi, "Qi" is the foundation of the manifestation of Five Elements and Yin-Yang, and each element in the chart represents a different quality of "Qi".
相克关系 (Controlling Cycle)
Pinyin: xiāng kè
The controlling cycle in the Five Elements: Wood controls Earth, Earth controls Water, Water controls Fire, Fire controls Metal, Metal controls Wood. This relationship indicates restraint and balance between elements.
相生关系 (Generating Cycle)
Pinyin: xiāng shēng
The generative cycle in the Five Elements: Wood generates Fire, Fire generates Earth, Earth generates Metal, Metal generates Water, Water generates Wood. This relationship indicates nourishment and support between elements.
阴阳 (Yin Yang)
Pinyin: yīn yáng
A concept in Chinese philosophy describing opposing but complementary forces in the universe. Yang represents masculine, outward, and active energy; Yin represents feminine, inward, and receptive energy. In Bazi, Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches have Yin-Yang attributes, with odd positions being Yang (e.g., 甲-Jia, 丙-Bing, 戊-Wu) and even positions being Yin (e.g., 乙-Yi, 丁-Ding, 己-Ji).
Learn More About Bazi Fundamentals
Want to learn more about the basic concepts of Bazi and how it can help you? Visit our introduction page.
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