兌

Hexagram 58 · 兌

Upper trigram: 兌 · Lower trigram: 兌

Dui (The Joyous): the hexagram of open exchange. Share learning and enjoyment sincerely, while keeping sound values beneath a pleasant manner.

The image

A lake is above a lake, repeating the same trigram on both levels. Open surfaces suggest exchange, refreshment, and conversation. Dui means joy or pleasure. Firm centers beneath yielding outer lines show enjoyment supported by integrity rather than mere eagerness to please.

Judgment

亨。利貞。

Flourishing. Constancy is beneficial.

The commentary joins inward firmness with outward responsiveness. A pleasant team meeting can encourage real effort when people feel respected and the purpose remains clear, rather than when difficulties are simply glossed over.

Great Image

麗澤，兌；君子以朋友講習。

Joined lakes: The Joyous. The exemplary person accordingly discusses and practices learning with friends.

Enjoyable exchange can make serious learning sustainable. Friends comparing their attempts at a difficult exercise often discover mistakes and encouragement that solitary work misses.

Line texts

  1. Line 1 · 初九

    和兌，吉。

    Harmonious joy. Good fortune.

    Nine in the first place is yang beginning with uncomplicated openness. The Small Image finds no suspicion in its conduct, like a colleague offering friendly cooperation without a hidden request attached.

  2. Line 2 · 九二

    孚兌，吉，悔亡。

    Sincere joy. Good fortune; regret disappears.

    Nine in the second place is central yang whose pleasure rests on a trustworthy intention. The Small Image emphasizes that trust, like enjoying shared success while giving an honest account of everyone's contribution.

  3. Line 3 · 六三

    來兌，凶。

    Coming to seek pleasure. Misfortune.

    Six in the third place is yin out of position, seeking satisfaction from outside. The Small Image points to that mismatch, like agreeing with every popular opinion merely to remain welcome in a group.

  4. Line 4 · 九四

    商兌，未寧，介疾有喜。

    Considering pleasure, not yet at peace. Distinguishing oneself from what is harmful brings joy.

    Nine in the fourth place is yang weighing competing attractions. The Small Image welcomes the distinction, like choosing a restorative evening with friends over a familiar activity that repeatedly disrupts the next day's commitments.

  5. Line 5 · 九五

    孚于剝，有厲。

    Trusting what strips away. There is danger.

    Nine in the fifth place is central and correct yang close to a seductive yielding influence. The Small Image acknowledges its responsible position, like a leader needing care when pleasant flattery begins to replace honest advice.

  6. Line 6 · 上六

    引兌。

    Drawing others into pleasure.

    Six at the top is yin extending attraction without a clear inner foundation. The Small Image finds its light incomplete, like a social group keeping everyone entertained while avoiding the issue they gathered to address.

When asking about

Career

Open exchange often supports willing cooperation. Keep a friendly manner compatible with honest feedback.

Love

Shared enjoyment can renew closeness. Speak truthfully rather than preserving a pleasant mood at every cost.

Money

Pleasure deserves a considered place in spending. Notice when social approval begins to drive purchases.

Home

Conversation and ordinary enjoyment can refresh household life. Include quieter voices instead of equating warmth with constant entertainment.

Study

Learning with friends can sustain interest. Keep discussion connected to actual practice and evidence.

Health

Enjoyable company can support mood alongside regular rest. See a doctor for any health concern.

Advice

Welcome joy that leaves integrity intact. Share conversation and learning, and distinguish genuine ease from the pressure to please.

Related hexagrams

Weighing a decision? Cast a hexagram for your own question.

Cast a hexagram

Reference content based on the I Ching classic, not a prediction.