惯性 guànxìng inertia
(physics) inertia; (figuratively) force of habit; tendency to do things in the accustomed way; habitual
How to remember 惯性: 惯 habit + 性 nature = inertia.
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How it is used
- Physics term for inertia - 惯性定律 (guànxìng dìnglǜ) the law of inertia.
- Figuratively, the momentum of habit: 惯性思维 (guànxìng sīwéi) thinking on autopilot / rut thinking, doing things the accustomed way without questioning.
- Note the 性 here is the abstract suffix (-ness/property), not 'sex' - this is the 'inertia property' of an object or a mind.