1.
the opposite sex
A person or people of the opposite sex. Used when discussing attraction, relationships, and social interactions between men and women.
異性の友人はいますか。
Do you have friends of the opposite sex?
彼は異性にとても人気がある。
He is very popular with the opposite sex.
異性との付き合いに慣れていないので、緊張してうまく話せなかった。
I wasn't used to interacting with the opposite sex, so I was nervous and couldn't speak well.
USAGE:
異性 is a neutral, standard term for the opposite sex. It is commonly used in discussions about relationships, attraction, and social dynamics. The antonym is 同性 (same sex).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 異性に好かれる (be liked by the opposite sex)
- 異性の友人 (friend of the opposite sex)
- 異性との交際 (dating someone of the opposite sex)
- 異性を意識する (become aware of the opposite sex)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 同性: the same sex (antonym)
- 男女: men and women (refers to both sexes together)
- 異性愛: heterosexuality (sexual orientation)