1.
inertia; momentum
the tendency to continue in the same state (physics or figurative)
惰性で走り続ける。
To keep running on momentum.
車は惰性で転がった。
The car rolled on its own momentum.
2.
force of habit; routine
continuing something out of habit rather than conscious choice
惰性で続けている。
I'm continuing out of habit.
惰性に流されず、変化を恐れないことが大切だ。
It's important not to be carried along by inertia and not to fear change.
惰性で付き合っている。
We're dating out of habit (not passion).
惰性で仕事をしていては成長しない。
You won't grow if you work just out of habit.
惰性 describes continuing without active effort, either physical momentum or habitual behavior.
KANJI BREAKDOWN:
- 惰 (lazy, idle)
- 性 (nature, tendency)
SENSE 1 (PHYSICAL):
- Physics term for inertia/momentum
- Objects continuing in motion
- 惰性で走る (coast, roll on momentum)
SENSE 2 (HABITUAL):
- More common usage
- Doing things without thought or enthusiasm
- Often negative connotation (implies lack of motivation)
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 惰性で (out of habit, on momentum)
- 惰性に流される (to be carried along by inertia)
- 惰性で続ける (to continue out of habit)
COLLOCATIONS:
- 惰性で仕事をする (work out of habit)
- 惰性で付き合う (date out of habit)
- 惰性に負ける (give in to inertia)
- 惰性を断ち切る (break out of routine)
NUANCE:
- Usually implies lack of passion or purpose
- Suggests need for change or reflection
- Common in self-help and motivation contexts
RELATED TERMS:
- 慣性 (inertia - physics term)
- 習慣 (habit - more neutral)
- マンネリ (being in a rut)
REGISTER: Neutral. Common in both casual and formal contexts.