TIE-chee
Taichi (also Tai Chi) is a Chinese martial art and meditative exercise system characterized by slow, flowing movements, deep breathing, and mental focus. Often called "meditation in motion," it combines physical exercise with mindfulness for health and wellness.
11
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
💡 Pro Tip:
TAICHI provides solid scoring with 6 letters and balanced point distribution. The 'H' and 'C' letters offer good value, especially on premium squares.
Taichi (太極 in Chinese characters, also romanized as Tai Chi or T'ai Chi Ch'uan) is a traditional Chinese martial art that has evolved into a popular form of exercise and meditation. The practice involves a series of slow, flowing movements performed in a continuous sequence, combined with deep breathing and mental concentration.
Originally developed as a martial art, taichi emphasizes the cultivation of internal energy (qi or chi) through gentle, circular movements that promote balance, flexibility, and mental calm. The "chi" in taichi refers to the life force or vital energy that practitioners seek to cultivate and harmonize through their practice.
Modern taichi is widely practiced for its health benefits, including improved balance, reduced stress, enhanced flexibility, and better cardiovascular health. It's often recommended for older adults due to its low-impact nature and fall prevention benefits.
In word games, TAICHI offers excellent versatility as a 6-letter word with common letters. The presence of two vowels (A and I) makes it relatively easy to play, while the H and C provide decent point values that can be maximized on premium squares.
The word "taichi" comes from the Chinese philosophical concept of 太極 (tàijí), which literally translates to "supreme ultimate" or "grand terminus." This refers to the fundamental principle in Chinese cosmology representing the source of all existence and the unity of opposites (yin and yang).
The etymology breaks down as follows:
The practice originated in China during the 12th-13th centuries, with various legends attributing its creation to different historical figures. The art was first systematically documented in the 17th century by the Chen family in Henan Province.
The romanization "taichi" became standard in English during the 20th century as the practice spread internationally. Alternative spellings include "tai chi," "t'ai chi," and "taiji," reflecting different romanization systems and regional preferences in transliterating Chinese characters.
Similar Eastern practices
Qigong
Chinese energy cultivation practice
Kung Fu
Traditional Chinese martial arts
Aikido
Japanese defensive martial art
Karate
Japanese striking martial art
Bagua
Chinese internal martial art
Related wellness practices
Yoga
Indian mind-body practice
Meditation
Mindfulness and concentration practice
Pilates
Low-impact exercise system
Stretching
Flexibility and mobility exercise
Mindfulness
Present-moment awareness practice
Alternative Spellings
Tai Chi, T'ai Chi
More common Western spellings
Full Name
T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Complete traditional name
Related Terms
Instructional session or course
Expert practitioner and teacher
Sequence of movements
Early practice session
"After joining the senior center's taichi program, Margaret noticed significant improvements in her balance and reduced anxiety levels."
"The physical therapist recommended taichi as a gentle exercise to help with recovery from joint surgery."
"Research published in the Journal of Aging shows that regular taichi practice can reduce fall risk in older adults by up to 45%."
Fitness Magazine (2023): "Taichi combines the meditative aspects of yoga with the flowing movements of dance."
Cultural Studies (2022): "The global popularity of taichi demonstrates how traditional Chinese practices have influenced modern wellness trends."
Health Journal (2024): "Taichi's emphasis on mindful movement makes it an ideal exercise for stress management in our fast-paced world."
Total base points: 11 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 3 | Consonants: 3
High-value letters: H (4 pts), C (3 pts)
Words using the same letters
Related words:
Subwords:
💡 Tip: TAICHI is relatively unique with few anagrams
If you can't play TAICHI, consider these subwords:
Widely prescribed by healthcare professionals for fall prevention, arthritis management, and stress reduction. Many hospitals and rehabilitation centers now offer taichi programs as part of integrative medicine approaches.
Increasingly taught in schools as part of physical education and mindfulness programs. Universities offer courses in taichi as both physical activity credits and cultural studies components.
Featured in countless films, documentaries, and wellness programs. Social media has helped popularize taichi among younger generations as a mindful exercise alternative to high-intensity workouts.
Practiced by millions worldwide, taichi has transcended cultural boundaries to become a global wellness phenomenon. UNESCO's recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage highlights its cultural significance.
Not the same as Qigong
While related, qigong focuses more on energy cultivation
Not just for older people
Practitioners of all ages benefit from taichi
More than just slow movement
Includes philosophy, breathing, and martial applications
Pronunciation: TIE-chee
Not "TAY-chee" or "tie-CHEE"
QIGONG
Chinese energy practice
KUNG FU
Chinese martial arts
AIKIDO
Japanese martial art
YOGA
Indian mind-body practice
ZEN
Buddhist meditation practice
CHI
Life energy concept
KARATE
Japanese martial art
MEDITATION
Mindfulness practice
BALANCE
Physical stability
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