Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Natural" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "natural", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
当然
とうぜん (tōzen)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
天賦
てんぷ (tenpu)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "natural" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 当然 and 天賦.
In Japanese, 当然 (とうぜん (tōzen)) is typically associated with "natural, reasonable, of course, as a matter of course" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Indicates something is expected, right, or logical. Often used with だ/です.
On the other hand, 天賦 (てんぷ (tenpu)) maps to "a natural gift; a God-given talent" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Refers to a talent or ability that one is born with, often implying a special or extraordinary nature.. A literal translation of "natural" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "当然"
努力すれば成功するのは当然だ。
It's natural that you succeed if you make an effort.
Bilingual Context for "天賦"
彼は天賦の才能で、幼い頃から音楽の分野で傑出していた。
With his natural gift, he excelled in the field of music from an early age.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "努力すれば成功するのは ＿＿＿ だ。" (Meaning: "It's natural that you succeed if you make an effort.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "当然" fits here because it means "natural, reasonable, of course, as a matter of course" in the context of: "It's natural that you succeed if you make an effort.". "天賦" represents "a natural gift; a God-given talent".