Translation guide
Describes a quality or characteristic that is essential, inherent, or naturally belonging to something.
Expressing that a characteristic is an essential, inseparable part of something.
Most common and direct translation for 'intrinsic', meaning 'inherent' or 'peculiar to'. Used for qualities, properties, or characteristics that belong to something by its very nature.
これはその物質の固有の性質です。
This is an intrinsic property of the substance.
言語には固有の文法規則がある。
Languages have intrinsic grammatical rules.
Expressing that something is a natural part of something else, not added or external.
Means 'to be equipped with' or 'to be endowed with', implying an innate or built-in quality. Very natural in spoken and written Japanese.
人間には学習能力が備わっている。
Humans have an intrinsic ability to learn.
Describing value that is inherent, not dependent on external factors.
Literally 'original value', used to mean intrinsic worth. Common in discussions of art, nature, or human dignity.
自然には本来の価値がある。
Nature has intrinsic value.
The English word 'intrinsic' is often used in academic or formal contexts. In casual Japanese, it's more natural to rephrase the sentence using simpler expressions like 「もともと持っている」 (have from the beginning) or 「自然に備わっている」 (naturally equipped with).
固有の emphasizes uniqueness to a particular thing; 本来の emphasizes the original or true nature; 本質的な emphasizes the fundamental essence. Choose based on nuance.
Means 'original' or 'inherent', emphasizing the true, natural state of something. Often used when contrasting with acquired or external qualities.
彼は本来の優しさを見せた。
He showed his intrinsic kindness.
Means 'essential' or 'fundamental'. Used for qualities that define the very essence of something. Slightly more formal or philosophical.
自由は人間の本質的な欲求だ。
Freedom is an intrinsic human desire.
Means 'to be inherent' or 'to be immanent'. Often used in academic or technical contexts to describe something that exists within and is inseparable from something else.
このシステムには内在するリスクがある。
There are intrinsic risks in this system.
Means 'innate' or 'inborn', specifically for qualities present from birth. Often used for talents or traits.
彼女には生来の音楽的才能がある。
She has an intrinsic musical talent.
Technical term for 'innate' or 'congenital', used in biology, psychology, or philosophy. Not common in everyday speech.
言語能力は生得的なものだと考えられている。
Language ability is considered to be intrinsic.
More formal and philosophical term for 'intrinsic value'. Used in ethics or economics.
生命の内在的価値を尊重すべきだ。
We should respect the intrinsic value of life.