(pronounced chee)

When you hear this word pronounced kigh (rhymes with high), it stands for the symbol “X” – the 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet. However, in our case, it comes from Chinese origins and is sometimes also written as ch’i. Essentially it means energy, and you will encounter it in descriptions of the art of feng shui. The word has become much more mainstream, though, especially since Eastern practices have become so popular in Western culture lately. If you’ve ever heard of tai chi, the ancient Chinese discipline of meditative movements practiced as a system of exercises, then you’ve encountered the word.

Example: In the practice of feng shui, introducing pleasant, soothing sounds to a space enhances its positive chi, thereby adding to the good fortune of the space’s occupant.