异性 yìxìng the opposite sex
the opposite sex; of the opposite sex; heterosexual; different in nature
How to remember 异性: 异 different + 性 nature = the opposite sex.
Characters
How it is used
- The opposite sex - 和异性交往 (hé yìxìng jiāowǎng) to socialize with the opposite sex; 异性朋友 (yìxìng péngyou) a friend of the opposite sex.
- Neutral, slightly clinical register; the pair is 同性 (tóngxìng, same sex).
- Also means 'different in nature' in scientific contexts, e.g. 异性电荷相吸 (yìxìng diànhé xiāng xī) unlike charges attract.