Translation guide
The English word "instinct" refers to an innate, unlearned behavior or impulse. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 本能 (honnō), but depending on context, other words like 直感 (chokkan) for "gut feeling" or 勘 (kan) for "intuition" may be more natural. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
Referring to an inborn, automatic behavior shared by a species, such as survival or maternal instinct.
The standard term for biological instinct. Used in both scientific and everyday contexts.
動物は本能に従って行動する。
Animals act on instinct.
母性本能は多くの哺乳類に見られる。
Maternal instinct is seen in many mammals.
Specifically "survival instinct." Used when emphasizing the drive to stay alive.
生存本能が彼を危険から遠ざけた。
His survival instinct kept him away from danger.
A sudden, unexplainable feeling that something is true or right, without conscious reasoning.
Closest to "gut feeling" or "intuition." Often used when you just know something without logic.
直感でそれが正しいとわかった。
I knew by instinct that it was right.
彼女は直感を信じて投資した。
She trusted her instinct and invested.
More casual and everyday than 直感. Often used in phrases like 勘がいい (have good instincts).
彼は勘が鋭い。
He has sharp instincts.
An innate ability to do something well without training, like an instinct for business or language.
Means "innate talent." Used when instinct is a natural gift.
彼にはビジネスの天性の才能がある。
He has an instinct for business.
Pattern: [field] + の勘. Means "instinct for ~." Common and natural.
彼女は言語の勘がいい。
She has a good instinct for languages.
An automatic, unthinking reaction to a situation, often physical.
Adverb meaning "reflexively" or "instinctively." Used for immediate physical reactions.
ボールが飛んできて、反射的に目を閉じた。
When the ball came flying, I instinctively closed my eyes.
Means "in an instant" or "on the spur of the moment." Often used for instinctive actions.
とっさに手が出た。
My hand shot out instinctively.
本能 (honnō) is biological, hard-wired instinct (e.g., survival). 直感 (chokkan) is a sudden intuitive judgment, often intellectual. 勘 (kan) is a more everyday, vague feeling or hunch. Use 本能 for scientific/biological contexts, 直感 for flashes of insight, and 勘 for general gut feelings.
English "instinct" often means "gut feeling," but 本能 is too strong and biological for that. Saying 本能でわかった sounds odd; use 直感 or 勘 instead.
なんとなく嫌な勘がした。
I had a bad feeling about it, just on instinct.
Literally "sixth sense." Used for a mysterious, almost supernatural instinct.
第六感で危険を察知した。
I sensed danger by instinct (sixth sense).