中性
Meanings
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
neutrality; neutral state; indifference
Often used in technical contexts such as chemistry or electricity for a neutral state, e.g. neither acidic nor alkaline, or electrically neutral. For social or political neutrality, 中立 is often the more natural word.
This detergent is neutral, so it is gentle on the hands.
The atom as a whole is electrically neutral.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
sexlessness; androgyny; neuter
Refers to something or someone not clearly male or female, or having an androgynous quality. In everyday description, the derived adjective 中性的 is also very common.
The fairy is portrayed in the story as a genderless being.
His androgynous charm attracted many readers.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
neuter gender
Grammar term for a neuter gender category, as opposed to masculine and feminine in languages that mark grammatical gender.
German has masculine, feminine, and neuter nouns.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉は中性だa substance is neutral (neither acidic nor alkaline)
This detergent is pH-neutral, so it's gentle on the skin.
- 中性的な〈人〉a person with an androgynous appearance
He has an androgynous look.