元々(もともと)

もともと

adverb

originally; from the start; by nature

1. originally; from the start

Describing the initial state or condition before any change.

元々(もともと)はここにいた。

I was originally here.

I had no intention of going from the start.

This building was originally a school.

According to the original plan, we were supposed to leave tomorrow.

This land was originally a rice paddy, but now it has become a residential area.

2. by nature; inherently

Describing an innate quality or characteristic.

He is by nature physically weak.

I like eating by nature.

This child is inherently smart.

She is naturally good at talking with people.

It is said that Japanese people are inherently often shy in character.

元々(もともと) is an adverb referring to original states, initial conditions, or inherent qualities.

元々(もともと) vs. 元(もと)は: 元(もと)は focuses more on "formerly" (past state), while 元々(もともと) can also mean "by nature."
元々(もともと) vs. 本来(ほんらい): 本来(ほんらい) means "originally" with a nuance of "as it should be" or "properly speaking."
元々(もともと) vs. そもそも: そもそも means "in the first place" and is often used when questioning fundamentals or premises.

Can also be written as 元元(もともと) or in hiragana. 元々(もともと) is most common.

Related Words

core

Added 2026.1.13 15:25 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:00

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