Translation guide
The English word 'innate' describes qualities or abilities that are present from birth, rather than learned or acquired. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through adjectives, nouns, and set phrases that emphasize inborn nature, inherent traits, or natural talent.
Describing a trait, ability, or quality that someone is born with.
A common adverb/noun meaning 'by nature' or 'innately'. Used to describe inherent traits or conditions present from birth.
Describing a quality that is an essential part of something's character.
生まれつき is the most common and versatile way to say 'innate' in everyday speech. 天性 is more literary and often used for exceptional talents or character traits. 生得的 and 先天的 are technical terms used in academic or medical contexts.
彼は生まれつき目が悪い。
He has poor eyesight from birth.
彼女は天性の歌手だ。
She is a natural-born singer.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches all uses of 'innate'. The choice depends on whether you are talking about a person's inborn trait, a congenital condition, or an inherent property of something. Using 生まれつき is safe for most personal qualities.
彼は生まれつき足が速い。
He is naturally fast (innately has fast legs).
生まれつきの才能だ。
It's an innate talent.
A more formal, academic adjective meaning 'innate' or 'inherent'. Often used in psychology or biology.
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 innate.
Means 'congenital' or 'innate', often used in medical or biological contexts to describe conditions present from birth.
先天的な疾患
a congenital (innate) disease
A noun meaning 'innate nature' or 'natural disposition'. Often used for talents or personality traits.
彼の音楽の才能は天性のものだ。
His musical talent is innate.
A phrase literally meaning 'born with', equivalent to 'innate'. More colloquial and emphatic.
彼女は持って生まれたリーダーシップがある。
She has innate leadership skills.
An adverb/noun meaning 'originally' or 'inherently'. Used to describe the essential nature of something.
人間は本来社会的な動物だ。
Humans are innately social animals.
Means 'inherent' or 'characteristic'. Often used for properties that are unique to something.
言語に固有の性質
properties innate to language