Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Nature" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "nature", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
自然
しぜん (shizen)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
天性
てんせい (tensei)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "nature" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 自然 and 天性.
In Japanese, 自然 (しぜん (shizen)) is typically associated with "nature, natural" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Can be a noun meaning 'nature'.
On the other hand, 天性 (てんせい (tensei)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "nature" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "自然"
私は自然の中で過ごすのが好きです。
I like spending time in nature.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は ＿＿＿ の中で過ごすのが好きです。" (Meaning: "I like spending time in nature.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "自然" fits here because it means "nature, natural" in the context of: "I like spending time in nature.". "天性" represents "nature; innate disposition; natural talent; born gift".