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.
彼は生まれつき親切だ。
He is kind by nature.
An adverb meaning 'originally' or 'essentially'. Used for inherent qualities that are fundamental to something's nature.
人間は本来社会的な動物だ。
Humans are social animals by nature.
An adverb meaning 'originally' or 'from the start'. Often used in casual speech to describe inherent traits.
彼女はもともと明るい性格だ。
She has a cheerful personality by nature.
A noun meaning 'innate nature' or 'natural gift'. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
彼は天性の音楽家だ。
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.
彼は性質として慎重だ。
He is cautious by nature.
A pattern meaning 'it is natural to ~'. Used to express that something is in accordance with one's nature.
彼が助けるのが自然だ。
It is in his nature to help.
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.
An adverb meaning 'essentially' or 'inherently'. Used for abstract or philosophical statements.
言語は本質的に社会的だ。
Language is social by nature.
An adverb meaning 'in the first place' or 'originally'. Used to emphasize the fundamental nature of something.
そもそもこの計画は無理がある。
This plan is flawed by nature.
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.
彼は生まれつき足が速い。
He is naturally fast (from birth).
本来、水は低きに流れる。
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.
猫は習性として夜行性だ。
Cats are nocturnal by nature.