Abstract: The Chinese name for oxygen was yangqi (“养气”) at first, then from suan(“”),yang (“养”), yang(“”) to yang(“氱”), at last yang (“氧”). Whether a translated term is generally accepted, the important factors are as the following: whether to comply with Chinese regulations; whether to compliance with the scientific and systematic characteristics; whether it is simple and straightforward; whether it is certificated and popularize by the authoritative institution.

Key words: oxygen, Chinese name, evolution