Chinese Immortal Cultivation terminologies and definitions

Learning the meaning of Immortal Cultivation terminologies will help the readers or viewers to truly understand the context or concept of these fantasy worlds. 

Immortals (仙 xiān)

— beings who ascended to Immortality through Daoist cultivation practices. They have magical powers, can fly freely through the air, and have a close connection to the Dao and the natural world. There are several types of Daoist immortals, such as the Celestial Immortals (天仙) and Earth Immortals (地仙).

Gods (神 shén)

— supernatural beings of tremendous power. In Xuanhuan novels, it’s often possible to attain some form of godhood through cultivation.

Fairy (仙女 xiānnǚ) (仙子 xiānzǐ) 

— a term used to describe a woman of otherworldly beauty, not to be confused by western "fairies.”

Magical Beasts (魔兽 móshòu) 

— animals capable of cultivation. Some are innately magical and simply grow stronger over time, while others must actively practice a cultivation method. They tend to be much more intelligent than mundane animals, and some are capable of speaking in human languages. Magical Beasts which have reached a high stage of cultivation may even be able to take on a human form.

• These Beasts often possess a Core (魔核 / 妖核) within their bodies which contains their essence and/or cultivation base. Cultivators highly prize them. The Cores are generally either consumed by cultivators (to grow stronger) or used in the production of magical items.
• Beast Cores are also sometimes called Neidan (內丹), which can be translated more literally as “Internal Pellet”.
• Some novels give the Beasts slightly varying names such as Demonic Beasts (妖兽) or Spirit Beasts (灵兽), but they’re all essentially the same sort of creature. The names of the Cores vary similarly.

Devils (魔 mó) 

— sometimes left untranslated as “Mo” or alternatively translated as Fiends. Evil spirits/creatures of remarkable power and cruelty. Similar to the demons and devils of Western mythology. In some novels, evil cultivators emulate them by practicing devilish cultivation methods and committing atrocities in their pursuit of power.

• Some novels consider Demons and Devils to be a single species (妖魔 Yaomo),  others as distinct species (妖族 Yao race / 魔族 Mo race).
• 魔 is sometimes translated as “Demon”, which can be confusing at times (particularly when 妖 is also used in the novel). 

Demons (妖 yāo) 

— sometimes left untranslated as “Yao” or alternatively translated as Monsters. Born when an animal, plant, or even an inanimate object absorbs spiritual energy over a long period of time and then gains spiritual awareness. Not inherently evil, although many have antagonistic relationships with humans.

Xia (侠 xiá) 

— a Hero of the martial world. Righteous, skilled martial artists who follow their own moral code. They sometimes come into conflict with the law, especially in novels where society or the government is depicted as corrupt.

• Wandering Xia (游侠 yóuxiá) — vagrant martial artists who protect the innocent and use their strength to correct injustices. Seen as champions of the common people. Similar to the romanticized European Knights-errant, but without any of the feudal overtones.

Jianghu (江湖 jiānghú) 

— literally translates as “Rivers and Lakes”, but figuratively refers to the “Martial World” or the “underground world of martial arts”. A section of society consisting of martial artists, gangsters, thieves, beggars, prostitutes, merchants, entertainers, and anyone else wanting to operate outside of mainstream society or in the grey area of the law.

• Wulin (武林 wǔlín) — literally “Martial Forest”, figuratively refers to the “community of martial artists” within the Jianghu. The Wulin is typically controlled by an alliance formed by the Righteous/Orthodox sects in order to uphold justice.

• The martial sects of the Jianghu are often divided into two main factions — commonly called the Orthodox & Unorthodox (黑白) factions or the Righteous & Evil (正邪) factions.

Cultivation World (修真界 xiūzhēn jiè) 

— not literally a separate world, but rather refers to the broad community of cultivators and their sects/schools/clans/etc… Analogous to the Wulin of martial artists.

Cultivator (修者 xiūzhě) (修士 xiūshì) (修仙者 xiūxiānzhě) 

— a person who trains in martial & mystical arts, generally in order to become powerful and increase their longevity. Meditation and the cultivation of Qi are common practices among cultivators.

• Rogue Cultivators (散修 sǎnxiū) — literally translates as “Loose Cultivators”. Independent cultivators unaffiliated with any sect, clan, or other martial organizations.

• Devil Cultivators (修魔者 xiūmózhě) — also translated as Demon Cultivators. Wicked cultivators who emulate Devils (魔) and seek power by any means necessary. They are often said to follow the Devil Path / Devil Dao (魔道), in opposition to the orthodox Immortal Cultivators (修仙者 xiūxiānzhě).

School (门 mén) 

— a school of cultivation or martial arts. Doesn’t differ much from a Sect.

Sect (宗 zōng) (派 pài) 

— an organization dedicated to the practice of cultivation and/or martial arts. Typically led by a Sect Leader (掌门) or Patriarch (老祖). With the help of Sect Elders (老), they instruct Disciples (弟子) in the proper methods of cultivation or training in the martial arts styles of the Sect. The Disciples live in the Sect, which provides for their daily needs. There is practically always a strict hierarchy amongst members of a Sect, and respect for the elder generations is demanded.

• In some novels, the common Disciples are divided into another hierarchy of Core Disciples (核心弟子), Inner Disciples (内门弟子), and Outer Disciples (外围弟子) — based on their level of talent and meritorious service to the Sect. Disciples higher on the hierarchy have greater status and receive more resources from the Sect.
• Religious Sect (教 jiào) — a sect with a strong religious background. If the religion being practiced is evil, then this term is translated as a Cult. Commonly seen in Wuxia novels.

Society (會 huì) 

— a secret society. Similar to Associations for the most part, but cloaked in secrecy and deeply involved in rituals/traditions. Sometimes religious or cult-like in nature.

Association (帮 bāng) 

— also translated as a Union, Gang, Clan, or Brotherhood. A loose organization of people. The members may have something in common, like sharing a particular way of life, or they may simply be working together towards a mutually beneficial goal. Not religious in nature.

Pavilion (阁 gé) (亭 tíng) 

— a type of building. The pavilions in these novels probably look more like this, rather than this.

Immortal’s Cave (洞府 dòngfǔ) 

— also translated as Cave Estate or Immortal Estate. The abode of a cultivator. Often high up in the mountains in a cave where spiritual energy is abundant. Similar to a Grotto (洞天).

Cultivation (修炼 xiūliàn) (修真 xiūzhēn) (修行 xiūxíng) (修仙 xiūxiān) 

— the process of improving health, increasing longevity, and growing powerful. This is accomplished by cultivating Qi and training in martial & mystical arts. In many of these novels, the ultimate goal of cultivation is to become an Immortal or attain godhood.

Cultivation Base (修为 xiūwéi) 

— the amount or capacity of refined Qi possessed by a cultivator.

Cultivation Method (功法 gōngfǎ) (心法 xīnfǎ) 

— a mystical art or collection of techniques which cultivators practice in order to cultivate.  Related: Qigong (气功)

Meditation (冥想 míngxiǎng) 

— a practice for training or calming the mind and spirit. Cultivators spend a great deal of time in meditation, as both the cultivation of Qi and contemplation of Insights generally require it.

• Lotus Position (盘膝 pánxī) — sitting in a cross-legged meditative position.

• Closed Door Training (闭关 bìguān) — also called Closed Door Meditation or Closed Door Cultivation. Training done in seclusion, usually to focus on breaking through a bottleneck or to avoid becoming distracted at a crucial moment and suffering a backlash as a result.

Spiritual Roots (灵根 línggēn) 

— figuratively, the very foundation (roots) of one’s body and soul. Associated with a person’s innate talent and elemental affinities.

• Cultivation usually requires some minimum level of innate talent, and many people find it impossible to even take the first step. In some novels, the quality of a person’s Spiritual Roots can be tested to determine if they have the talent necessary to cultivate. Rare individuals may even have special Spiritual Roots which allow them to cultivate quickly or grant them other benefits. For example, someone with “fire spiritual roots” might learn fire spells more easily than their peers.

Manual (秘笈 mìjí) 

— a book containing detailed instructions on training in a cultivation method or martial arts style. Usually regarded as extremely valuable and thus kept secret (or at least, not made publicly available).

• Sutras & Scriptures (经 jīng) — sacred writings. In the context of these novels, they typically pertain to cultivation or martial arts. Used more or less interchangeably with “Manual”.

Dantian (丹田 dāntián) 

— literally translates as “Cinnabar Field” or “Elixir Field”. Refers to the region in the body where a person’s Qi is concentrated. There are technically three dantians, but these novels simplify the concept and only use the lower dantian (located three finger widths below and two finger widths behind the navel).

Meridians (经脉 jīngmài) 

— the network of vessels/channels in the body through which Qi flows. Like blood vessels, but for Qi instead of blood.

• Eight Extraordinary Meridians (奇经八脉 qí jīng bā mài) — act as reservoirs or pathways for the circulation of Qi. Of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, the Governing Vessel (督脈) and Conception Vessel (任脈) are mentioned in these novels most frequently. The Governing Vessel runs from the dantian (in the lower abdomen) up along the spine to the head. The Conception Vessel runs from the dantian up the front of the body to the head, where it connects with the Governing Vessel to form a complete circuit.

• Twelve Principal Meridians (正经十二脉 zhèngjīng shí’èr mài) — meridians associated with the internal organs.

• Acupoints (穴 xué) — “acupuncture points”, related to pressure points. There are several hundred of them on the body, mostly located along the meridians. Knowledge of acupoints can be used in healing (through acupuncture or similar practices) or in combat by deliberately striking them to achieve certain effects.

Qi (气) 

— the vital energy which exists in all things. The cultivation of Qi is a major theme in Wuxia, Xianxia & Xuanhuan novels.

• Qi is sometimes written as “Ki” or “Chi”. It can be translated in many different ways, including Breath / Vital Breath / Pneuma / Vital Energy / Spiritual Energy. (etc…)

• Spiritual Energy of Heaven and Earth (天地之气 tiāndì zhī qì) — the natural energy of the world.

Qi Deviation (走火入魔 zǒuhuǒ rùmó) 

— also known as Qigong Deviation. Literally translates as “to catch fire and be entered [possessed] by devils”. A state wherein the cultivation base becomes dangerously unstable, causing internal damage to the body and symptoms of psychosis. People who succumb to their Internal Demons, who practice cultivation/martial arts incorrectly, or who rashly use forbidden arts are all at risk of falling into this state.

Qi Circulation (行气 xíngqì)

— the act of controlling Qi to flow from the dantian, through the meridians, and back into the dantian in a cycle. The purpose of this varies between novels, but usually it helps replenish stamina, purify the Qi, or strengthen the meridians.

Dao (道 dào) 

 — the origin and source of all things. It can be translated in many different ways, including The Way / Road / Path / Method. According to Daoism, it is the absolute principle underlying the universe, combining within itself the principles of Yin and Yang and signifying the way, or code of behavior, that is in harmony with the natural order. In these novels, characters often try to gain insights into the Dao, which can give them supernatural powers or even control over aspects of the natural world.

Internal Demons (心魔 xīnmó) 

— literally translates as “Heart Devils”. Rather than standard demons or devils, these are a practitioner’s negative emotions and other mental barriers which hinder their training/cultivation. Internal Demons, in some cases, can even attack the practitioner from the inside, and failure to adequately resist them may result in Qi Deviation.

Yin & Yang (阴阳 yīnyáng) 

— the duality present in all aspects of the universe. For instance: Yin is Female / Soft / Death / Dark / the Moon, while Yang is Male / Hard / Life / Light / the Sun — the comparisons are endless. Yin & Yang describe how opposite or contrary forces are actually complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world, and how they mutually give rise to each other.

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Different Kinds of Cultivation Stages

Houtian & Xiantian (后天 hòutiān / 先天 xiāntiān) 

— the names of two cultivation stages which appear in several novels, with the Houtian stage preceding the Xiantian stage. Houtian can mean Posterior Heaven / Postcelestial / Acquired. Xiantian can mean Anterior Heaven / Precelestial / Innate. Very roughly, the idea is that something “Xiantian” is primordial and thus close to the Dao, while something “Houtian” is degraded or further away from the Dao.

• “Houtian & Xiantian” are derived from Daoism and Internal Alchemy. There’s a belief that people are born with a small amount of Xiantian treasures (Essence, Qi and Spirit). By practicing Daoist cultivation and internal alchemy, they can absorb and refine the Houtian Qi of the natural world to steadily increase their supply of Xiantian treasures (which grant health and longevity benefits).

Refining (炼 liàn) 

— a term which appears extremely frequently. Cultivators sometimes seem obsessed with refining just about everything — pills, treasures, Qi, and even themselves! This stems from Chinese alchemy, where it was believed that materials which underwent multiple refinements would gain spiritual value and slowly grow closer to the Dao and perfection.

Qi Condensation (凝气 níngqì) 

— also known as Qi Refining (炼气 liànqì) or Qi Gathering (聚气 jùqì). An initial stage of cultivation which involves absorbing Qi from the natural world and refining it inside the body.

Foundation Establishment (筑基 zhùjī) 

— also translated as Foundation Building. The stage after Qi Condensation. Once a cultivator’s Qi crosses a certain threshold (in the volume and/or density of the Qi), they’ll be able to breakthrough to this stage.

Core Formation (结丹 jiēdān) 

— sometimes left untranslated as “Jiedan”. The stage after Foundation Establishment. It involves forming a Golden Core (金丹 jīndān) by using the Dantian as a crucible and the Cultivation Base as raw material.

• The Gold Core is sometimes left untranslated as “Jindan” or is more literally translated as Golden Pellet. In scholarly articles on Chinese internal alchemy, it is translated as the “Golden Elixir“. It is somewhat analogous to the Philosopher’s Stone of Western alchemy, although there are many differences between the two.

Nascent Soul (元婴 yuányīng) 

— sometimes left untranslated as “Yuanying”. Literally translates as “Origin Infant”. The stage after Core Formation (in some novels). The Nascent Soul resembles an infant or miniature person and resides in the Dantian, typically sitting in a meditative position. In some novels, the Nascent Soul can travel outside the body and is like a second life for cultivators — if their main body dies, their consciousness can continue to exist in the Nascent Soul.

Immortal Ascension (成仙 chéngxiān) 

— also known as Apotheosis. The stage wherein the cultivator becomes a Daoist Immortal. There are many differences between novels, but usually the cultivation/maturation of the Golden Core or Nascent Soul plays a key role in ascending to Immortality.

Bottleneck (瓶颈 píngjǐng) 

— the term for when cultivators figuratively hit a wall in their training and it suddenly becomes incredibly difficult to proceed. When they reach a bottleneck, cultivators may require new Insights, the aid of medicinal pills, or even harsher training in order to make a Breakthrough (突破 tūpò) and successfully bypass the bottleneck.

Dual Cultivation 

— is essentially a man and a woman cultivating together by having sex, and it’s related to the philosophy of Yin & Yang.

• However, some authors of cultivation novels use the concept without the sexual aspect.

• World of Cultivation is an example of this. At one point in the novel, the main character (who cultivates Yang-attribute divine power) meets a woman (who cultivates Yin-attribute divine power). When they cultivate in close proximity to each other, it creates a “resonance” which makes cultivation easier and more effective for both of them.

• There are many other novels which do something similar. It’s basically a PG-13 version of Dual Cultivation.

• Human Cauldrons — are victims who are drained of their vital energies by a malicious person. This is normally done through Dual Cultivation (sex).

Alchemy (丹道 dāndào) (外丹 wàidān) 

— the refining of plants, minerals, and other substances into medicinal pills & elixirs. In these novels, Alchemists (丹师) are essentially pharmacists who work with magical materials and make miracle drugs.

Cauldrons & Pill Furnaces (鼎 dǐng) (丹炉 dānlú) 

— the tools alchemists use to produce medicinal pills & elixirs.

Medicinal Pills & Elixirs (丹药 dānyào) 

— miracle drugs which can have all sorts of effects. Often taken to boost cultivation, heal wounds, cure poisons, purify or strengthen the body, and much much more.

Medicinal Plants / Herbs (药草 yàocǎo) 

— a generic term for any kind of plant which can be used by alchemists to make poisons or medicinal pills & elixirs. Older medicinal plants (100-year, 1000-year, etc…) are generally considered to be more potent.

• Ginseng (参) & Lingzhi Mushrooms (灵芝) appear quite often in these novels, where they’re claimed to have great medicinal qualities.

Spiritual Plants / Herbs (灵草 língcǎo) 

— also called Spirit Grass. A magic plant which has absorbed spiritual energy from the natural world and is highly sought after by both cultivators and alchemists alike. Usually either eaten to absorb the spiritual energy it contains or refined into spirit medicines.

Magic Treasures (法宝 fǎbǎo) 

— also translated as Magical Items. A generic term which encompasses all of the magic weapons/clothing/trinkets/talismans/etc… which cultivators make and use.

• Magic Tools (法器 fǎqì) & Spirit Tools (灵器 língqì) — terms which are almost interchangeable with “Magic Treasures”.

Spirit Stones (灵石 língshí) 

— translucent crystals with spiritual energy trapped within. Mainly used as currency amongst cultivators. They can also be used to cultivate (by absorbing the spiritual energy), create magical items, or power spell formations.

Lotus Flower (莲花 liánhuā) 

— symbolizes purity & enlightenment in Chinese culture. Appears quite often in these novels.

Incense (香 xiāng) 

— aromatic material which releases fragrant smoke when burned. Used in religious ceremonies, to aid in meditation, and in many other cultural activities. Incense Sticks (or Joss Sticks) are frequently mentioned in these novels.

• “The time it takes an incense stick to burn” is a common phrase which refers to a short time period — generally around either 5 or 30 minutes.

Martial Arts (武功 wǔgōng) 

— fighting styles & techniques. Also includes physical exercises, methods of mental discipline, and more. Chinese martial arts are commonly referred to as Kung Fu (功夫) or Wushu (武术).

• External Martial Arts (外家 wàijiā) — martial arts styles characterized by fast and explosive movements. They focus on the cultivation of physical strength and agility.

• Internal Martial Arts (内家 nèijiā) — martial arts styles characterized by soft and flowing movements. They focus on the cultivation of the mind, spirit, and Qi.

• Hard & Soft (硬 yìng / 柔 róu) — terms used to describe how a martial artist counters the attacks of an opponent. Practitioners of “Hard” styles meet force with force, directly countering the opponent and seeking to overwhelm them with sheer power. Practitioners of “Soft” styles counter the opponent indirectly by dodging or deflecting the attacks and seeking to take advantage of openings.

Internal Energy (内力 nèilì) (內劲 nèijìn) 

— also called Inner Energy, Internal Strength, Internal Power, or Internal Force. The cultivated energy within a martial artist’s body. Utilizing it, a martial artist can accomplish superhuman feats of speed, agility, strength, endurance, etc… It can even be used to heal wounds and nullify poisons.

Striking the Meridians / Acupoints (点脉 diǎnmài) (点穴 diǎnxué) 

— often left untranslated as “Dianmai” and “Dianxue”. Also known as “Hitting / Sealing Pressure Points“. Fighting techniques which target the opponent’s meridians and acupoints in order to kill, cripple, immobilize, or control the opponent.

The Four Major Weapons

• Sword (剑 jiàn) — a double-edged, straight sword. The weapon of choice for many, many characters in these novels.

• Saber (刀 dāo) — a single-edged, curved saber. Heavier and considered somewhat brutish in comparison to the elegant Sword.

• Spear (枪 qiāng) — a spear, often with a leaf-shaped spearhead and a tassel lashed just beneath it.

• Staff (棍 gùn) — a staff made from wood or iron.

Hidden Weapons (暗器 ànqì)

— weapons that are concealed in some way (often hidden in the owner’s clothing). Their use and effectiveness relies heavily on the element of surprise. Poisoned projectiles (darts/needles/etc) are an especially popular type of hidden weapon. But in the hands of a hidden weapons expert, almost anything can be lethal — in Wuxia novels, even things like abaci, coins, chopsticks, and musical instruments are used as hidden weapons.

Flying Sword (飞剑 fēijiàn) 

— a magic sword which can fly through the air and can be directed to engage in long-range attacks. Perhaps the most iconic cultivator weapon. In some novels, cultivators stand atop their flying swords and ride them as a form of transportation.

Sword-light (剑光 jiànguāng) 

— also translated as a Sword Ray. A dazzling, powerful energy attack released from the edge of a blade. Forming Swordlight generally requires a profound cultivation base and a deep mastery of swordsmanship.

• Sword Energy (剑气 jianqi) is basically the same as Swordlight.

Killing Intent (煞气 shàqì) 

— a murderous aura which emits from a person when they desire to harm someone. People who have experienced bloody battles and/or have already killed others tend to have much stronger Killing Intent than an ordinary person. Experts may be able to disguise their Killing Intent, as well as intentionally release it as a form of mental attack.

Sword Intent (剑意 jiànyì) 

— somewhat similar to Killing Intent. A dangerous aura emitted from a sword or master swordsman which causes others to feel as if they’re about to be cut by a sword. In some novels, experts can even create physical manifestations (consisting of energy and their knowledge of sword-arts) with their Sword Intent, and this can be used to attack their foes.

Talisman (符 fú) 

— sometimes translated as a Seal. A strip of paper with mystical diagrams & calligraphy drawn on it. In these novels, they’re essentially consumable spells. (When activated, they cast a spell and will disintegrate once their magic is depleted.)

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