Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Nature" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "nature", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
天性
てんせい (tensei)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
生来
せいらい (seirai)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "nature" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 天性 and 生来.
In Japanese, 天性 (てんせい (tensei)) is typically associated with "nature; innate disposition; natural talent; born gift" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to nature, innate disposition, natural talents, or a born gift that one possesses since birth. Often used as 天性の.
On the other hand, 生来 (せいらい (seirai)) maps to "by nature, inherent, congenital" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Describes qualities or characteristics that someone or something has had since birth or from the very beginning. Similar to 「生まれつき. A literal translation of "nature" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "天性"
彼女は_______の明るさを持っており、彼女が部屋に入るだけでその場の雰囲気が一瞬でパッと明るくなります。
She has a natural brightness; just by her entering the room, the atmosphere of the place brightens up in an instant.
Bilingual Context for "生来"
彼女は生来の正直者だ。
She is honest by nature.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女は_______の明るさを持っており、彼女が部屋に入るだけでその場の雰囲気が一瞬でパッと明るくなります。" (Meaning: "She has a natural brightness; just by her entering the room, the atmosphere of the place brightens up in an instant.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "天性" fits here because it means "nature; innate disposition; natural talent; born gift" in the context of: "She has a natural brightness; just by her entering the room, the atmosphere of the place brightens up in an instant.". "生来" represents "by nature, inherent, congenital".