Translation and Meaning of: 本来 - honrai

The Japanese word 「本来」 (honrai) is commonly used to express the idea of something that is originally or intrinsically true, or what should naturally be. The etymology of this word unfolds into two kanji: 「本」 (hon) which means "origin" or "root" and 「来」 (rai) which means "to come" or "to arrive." Thus, when combined, they suggest the idea of something that comes from its essence or is in its original form.

「本来」 is often used in the context of describing the ideal or true state of a situation, object, or even the essence of a person. In everyday life, you might hear it in phrases that refer to situations where one wants to emphasize how something should be, comparing it to its current state. In this way, highlighting the essence or original meaning of a term or situation is the semantic core of 「本来」.

The origin of 「本来」 dates back to classical Chinese, from which many Japanese kanjis derive. With deep roots in Chinese philosophical tradition, especially in Confucianism and Taoism, the idea of something "intrinsically true" resonates in the pursuit of natural harmony and balance. However, in modern Japanese, the use of this term is more flexible and less rigid concerning its philosophical roots, ensuring its application in various everyday conversations and even in formal texts.

In addition to its frequent use in discussions about morality, identity, and nature, 「本来」 can be seen in constructions that emphasize expectation versus reality, helping to clearly project the contrast between what is and what should or could be, when compared to its natural or expected state. The ability to navigate these contexts while using this expression can enrich communication and cultural understanding among Japanese speakers.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

  • 元来 (ganrai) - From the beginning; originally; essentially.
  • 本領 (honryou) - Essence; natural ability; true talent of someone.
  • 本質 (honshitsu) - Essential nature; reality; fundamental characteristic of something.
  • 本来面目 (honraimenboku) - The true appearance; the true nature of things.
  • 本来の姿 (honrai no sugata) - The true form; the original appearance of something.
  • 本来の性質 (honrai no seishitsu) - Intrinsic characteristics; the original nature of something.

Related words

元々

motomoto

originally; by nature; from the beginning

目的

mokuteki

purpose; goal; goal; goal; intention

本音

honne

actual intention; reason

本場

honba

House; habitat; center; best place; genuine

本名

honmyou

real name

本物

honmono

Genuine article

本格

honkaku

property; fundamental rules

正体

shoutai

Natural form; True colors

原則

gensoku

principle; general rule

基本

kihon

foundation; base; standard

本来

Romaji: honrai
Kana: ほんらい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: originally

Meaning in English: originally

Definition: Originally. Original state or original nature.

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How to Write in Japanese - (本来) honrai

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (本来) honrai:

Example Sentences - (本来) honrai

See below some example sentences:

本来の自分を取り戻す。

Honrai no jibun wo torimodosu

Recover your true self.

Recover your original self.

  • 本来の - "original" or "real"
  • 自分 - "myself"
  • を - Particle that indicates the object of the action
  • 取り戻す - "recover" or "resume"
取れるところまで取ってみよう。

Toreru tokoro made totte miyou

Let's try to get where we can.

Let's take it to the point where you can get it.

  • 取れるところまで - as far as it is possible to take
  • 取って - take
  • みよう - let's try

Other Words of this Type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

本来