Translation guide
The English phrase 'by nature' describes an inherent quality or characteristic of a person, thing, or situation. In Japanese, this is expressed through various adverbs, phrases, and sentence patterns that convey natural disposition, innate tendency, or essential character.
Describing a person's or thing's innate quality or disposition.
An adverb meaning 'by birth' or 'innately'. Used for traits present from birth.
He is kind by nature.
An adverb meaning 'originally' or 'essentially'. Used for inherent qualities that are fundamental to something's nature.
Humans are social animals by nature.
An adverb meaning 'originally' or 'from the start'. Often used in casual speech to describe inherent traits.
She has a cheerful personality by nature.
A noun meaning 'innate nature' or 'natural gift'. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
He is a musician by nature.
Describing a habitual or instinctive behavior that comes naturally.
A phrase meaning 'as a nature' or 'by disposition'. Used to describe characteristic behavior.
He is cautious by nature.
A pattern meaning 'it is natural to ~'. Used to express that something is in accordance with one's nature.
A noun meaning 'habit' or 'instinct', often used for animals or ingrained human habits.
Describing something that is true by its very definition or fundamental character.
生まれつき emphasizes traits present from birth, while 本来 refers to the original or essential nature of something, which may not always be apparent. Use 生まれつき for innate personal qualities and 本来 for fundamental characteristics of things or concepts.
He is naturally fast (from birth).
Water naturally flows downward (by its nature).
The English phrase 'by nature' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it word-for-word as 自然によって or similar will sound unnatural. Choose the appropriate expression based on context.
It is in his nature to help.
猫は習性として夜行性だ。
Cats are nocturnal by nature.
そもそもこの計画は無理がある。
This plan is flawed by nature.