noun HSK 5
Traditional 太陽穴
temple (anatomy) · temporal region of the head
Meaning
太阳穴 refers to the temple, the flat area on either side of the forehead between the eye and the ear. This is an important acupressure point in Traditional Chinese Medicine and a vulnerable area of the skull. The term literally combines 太阳 (sun) with 穴 (acupoint/cavity).
Usage
Commonly used in medical contexts, discussions of headaches, massage, or acupuncture. Native speakers often mention this area when describing head pain or when receiving temple massages. The term is slightly formal but widely understood in everyday conversation.
Examples
- 01我头疼的时候喜欢按按太阳穴。.When I have a headache, I like to massage my temples.
- 02他用手指揉了揉太阳穴，试图缓解疲劳。, .He rubbed his temples with his fingers, trying to relieve his fatigue.
Characters
Measure words
- 个两个太阳穴
Common collocations
- 按太阳穴to press/massage the temples
- 太阳穴疼temple pain
- 太阳穴突突地跳temples throbbing/pulsing
Origin
The name comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine. 太阳 (great yang) refers to a major yang meridian, and 穴 means acupressure point or cavity, making this literally the 'great yang acupoint' located at the temple.