Translation guide
How to express that something was true at the beginning or in its original state, or that something was done first/initially.
Describing a situation or state that was true at the beginning but later changed.
The most common and natural way to say 'originally' in the sense of 'from the start' or 'by nature'. Often used when contrasting with the current situation.
元々は教師になるつもりだった。
Originally, I intended to become a teacher.
この町は元々小さな村だった。
This town was originally a small village.
Emphasizes the inherent or proper nature of something. Often used for rules, functions, or essential qualities.
本来の目的を忘れてはいけない。
We must not forget the original purpose.
本来なら今頃は到着しているはずだ。
Originally, we should have arrived by now.
Formal, often used in business or official contexts to refer to the initial stage or plan.
当初の計画は変更された。
The original plan was changed.
当初は反対意見も多かった。
Originally, there were many opposing opinions.
Emphasizing that something was the case from the very start, often implying it should have been obvious or that the current situation is contradictory.
Used to question the fundamental premise or to state that something was true from the beginning. Often used rhetorically.
そもそも、なぜそんなことをしたのか？
Why did you do that in the first place?
それはそもそも不可能な話だ。
That was originally an impossible story (it was impossible from the start).
Can also be used in this sense, especially in casual speech.
Describing an innate characteristic or quality that something has from the start.
Specifically for innate human traits or abilities. 'By birth' or 'naturally'.
彼は生まれつき足が不自由だ。
He was originally (born with) a disability in his legs.
生まれつきの才能がある。
She has innate talent.
Similar to 本来, but often used for inherent characteristics of things or people. Slightly formal.
Indicating a person's hometown or the place where something originated.
Attach to a place name. 'Originally from ~'. Very common for people.
私は大阪出身です。
I am originally from Osaka.
彼女は東京出身だが、今は京都に住んでいる。
She is originally from Tokyo, but now lives in Kyoto.
Also means 'born in ~'. Slightly more casual than 出身.
彼は北海道生まれだ。
He was originally born in Hokkaido.
元々 (もともと) is the most versatile and common for 'originally' in everyday speech. 本来 (ほんらい) emphasizes the true or proper nature, often used for principles or intended functions. 当初 (とうしょ) is formal and used mainly for plans, schedules, or situations at the initial stage, often in business contexts.
元々は行くつもりだったけど、やめた。
I originally planned to go, but I decided not to.
本来の使い方とは違う。
It's different from the original (intended) way of using it.
当初の予定より遅れている。
It's behind the original schedule.
In English, 'originally' is often used as a discourse marker to introduce a contrast or background. In Japanese, it's often more natural to use a structure like 〜だったが、今は〜 or simply state the past situation without an adverb. Overusing 元々 can sound unnatural.
以前は教師だったが、今は作家だ。
Originally a teacher, he is now a writer. (More natural than 元々教師だったが...)
元々そういう約束じゃなかった？
Wasn't that the original agreement?
彼は元来優しい性格だ。
He is originally (by nature) a kind person.