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
生来
せいらい (seirai)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "nature" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 自然 and 生来.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "生来" represents "by nature, inherent, congenital".