The Research on Chinese Idioms with “气” (qì) in the scope of "organs"

Abstract

This research article aims to study the word “气” (qì) within the framework of a study of words related to organs in Chinese idioms. The research found that there are 80 idioms, divided into words where “气” (qì) appears with “心” (xīn, heart), being the greatest number. The word “气” (qì) also appears with “血” (xuè, blood), “胆” (dǎn, gallbladder), “肠” (cháng, intestine), “眉” (méi, eyebrows), “胸、胸脯、膺” (xiōng, xiōngpú, yīng, chest), “足” (zú, feet), “颐” (yí, cheeks), “身体、体” (shēntǐ, tǐ, body), “头” (tóu, head), “骨” (gǔ, bone), “腹” (fù, belly), “喉” (hóu, pharynx), “目” (mù, eyes), “脉” (mài, vein), and “牙” (yá, tooth) in respectively. In addition, this research also found that the meaning expressed by each of the organs is different. It could be summarized as follows: each organ expresses meanings about attitude, expression, personality, courage, fear, strength, state of health, emotion, feeling or state of mind, such as depression, disillusionment, anger, sadness, happiness, joy, calm or restless mood. It can be concluded that the word “气” (qì) when appearing together with words related to the organs is meant to express nonphysical attributes. In Chinese idioms, meanings are shared by these linguistic methods called Conceptual Metaphor. It can be categorized as follows: expressing meanings about emotions, feelings, mental states, about mannerisms, medical health and physical conditions.