Translation guide
Describes traits, abilities, or qualities that are present from birth, rather than learned or acquired.
Describing a characteristic or talent someone is born with.
Common adverb/noun meaning 'by nature' or 'innately'. Used for both physical and personality traits.
彼は生まれつき足が速い。
He is naturally fast.
生まれつきの才能だ。
It's an inborn talent.
Noun meaning 'innate nature' or 'natural gift'. Often used for exceptional talents.
Describing actions or reactions that are automatic, not learned.
Na-adjective meaning 'instinctive'. Used for behaviors driven by instinct.
それは本能的な反応だ。
That's an inborn reaction.
生まれつき is the most common and neutral way to say 'inborn'. 天性 implies a special, often extraordinary, natural gift and is more literary.
Do not directly translate 'inborn' as '生まれながらの' in all cases; while understandable, it can sound stiff. Use 生まれつき for most everyday contexts.
彼女には天性のリーダーシップがある。
She has an inborn leadership ability.
Na-adjective meaning 'congenital' or 'innate'. Often used in medical or formal contexts.
先天的な疾患
a congenital disease
Phrase meaning 'born with'. Literally 'brought with one at birth'. Colloquial and descriptive.
彼は持って生まれた運の良さがある。
He has an inborn luck.
Na-adjective meaning 'innate' or 'inherent'. Used in academic or philosophical contexts.
言語能力は生得的なものだという説がある。
There is a theory that language ability is inborn.