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.
This is an intrinsic property of the substance.
Languages have intrinsic grammatical rules.
Means 'original' or 'inherent', emphasizing the true, natural state of something. Often used when contrasting with acquired or external qualities.
He showed his intrinsic kindness.
Means 'essential' or 'fundamental'. Used for qualities that define the very essence of something. Slightly more formal or philosophical.
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.
There are intrinsic risks in this system.
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.
Humans have an intrinsic ability to learn.
Means 'innate' or 'inborn', specifically for qualities present from birth. Often used for talents or traits.
Technical term for 'innate' or 'congenital', used in biology, psychology, or philosophy. Not common in everyday speech.
Describing value that is inherent, not dependent on external factors.
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.
She has an intrinsic musical talent.
Language ability is considered to be intrinsic.
We should respect the intrinsic value of life.