also: しょうらい
adverb, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
by nature; innately; congenitally
Describes an inherent trait or quality present from birth. Used adverbially or as a no-adjective.
彼は生来の楽天家だ。
He is an optimist by nature.
生来、体が丈夫な方ではない。
I have not been physically strong by nature.
adverb
since birth; in one's entire life
Only when written 生来
Emphasizes a continuous state or experience from birth until now. Restricted to the 生来 kanji form.
生来、一度も海外に行ったことがない。
I have never been abroad in my entire life.
Rarely used kanji form.
Alternate reading; less common than せいらい. Included as a search variant.
Compound of 生 (life, birth) and 来 (come, since). The literal sense 'since coming to life' developed into the adverbial meaning 'by nature, from birth'.