常态 chángtài normal state
How to remember 常态: 常 often + 态 attitude = normal state.
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How it is used
- The normal/usual state of things - 加班已成常态 (jiābān yǐ chéng chángtài) working overtime has become the norm.
- Common frames: 成为常态, 恢复常态, and the policy buzzword 新常态 (the new normal). Refers to a habitual, steady condition.
- Contrast 状态 (zhuàngtài), a general 'state/condition' at any moment; 常态 specifically means the normal, customary baseline.