1.
neutral (in chemistry or physics)
Neither acidic nor alkaline; having no electrical charge. Used in scientific contexts for pH balance or electrical neutrality.
2.
neuter, gender-neutral
Neither distinctly masculine nor feminine. Used in grammar for neuter gender, and in modern usage for androgynous or gender-neutral qualities.
中性 has two main areas of use: scientific (neutral in chemistry/physics) and gender-related (neuter/androgynous).
Forms
中 (middle, neutral) + 性 (nature, property, gender).
Compounds
- 中性洗剤: neutral detergent (the most common everyday use)
- 中性子: neutron
- 中性脂肪: neutral fat, triglyceride
- 中性的: androgynous, gender-neutral
Usage
In daily life, 中性 most often appears in 中性洗剤 (neutral detergent), which is safe for delicate fabrics. The gender sense is increasingly common in discussions of fashion and identity.