What is the literal translation of the Chinese 'feng shui', the practice of placement and arrangement of space?

'Feng shui' is a Chinese metaphysical and quasi-philosophical system that seeks to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment. It is closely linked to Taoism. The term 'feng shui' literally translates as "wind-water" in English. This is a cultural shorthand taken from the passage of the now-lost Classic of Burial recorded in Guo Pu's commentary: 'Feng shui' is one of the Five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics, classified as physiognomy (observation of appearances through formulas and calculations). The 'feng shui' practice discusses architecture in metaphoric terms of "invisible forces" that bind the universe, earth, and humanity together, known as qi.

There is no replicable scientific evidence that it's mystical claims are real, and it is considered by the scientific community to be pseudoscience.

Historically, 'feng shui' was widely used to orient buildings (often spiritually significant structures such as tombs, but also dwellings and other structures) in an auspicious manner. Depending on the particular style of feng shui being used, an auspicious site could be determined by reference to local features such as bodies of water, stars, or a compass.