Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Nature" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "nature", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
性質
せいしつ (seishitsu)
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 性質 and 生来.
In Japanese, 性質 (せいしつ (seishitsu)) is typically associated with "nature; property; characteristic; quality" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 人や物、物質などが持っている生まれつきの特徴や属性を指します。一時的な状態ではなく、本質的な特徴を表す場合に使われます。.
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 "性質"
この化学物質には毒性のある性質があります。
This chemical substance has toxic properties.
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: "この化学物質には毒性のある ＿＿＿ があります。" (Meaning: "This chemical substance has toxic properties.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "性質" fits here because it means "nature; property; characteristic; quality" in the context of: "This chemical substance has toxic properties.". "生来" represents "by nature, inherent, congenital".