本来(ほんらい)

本来(ほんらい) expresses the original, inherent, or proper state of something. It can function as an adverb ("originally"), a noun ("one's true nature"), or a modifier with の.

Common patterns

• 本来(ほんらい)の + noun: the original/inherent ~ (本来(ほんらい)の目的(もくてき), 本来(ほんらい)の意味(いみ))
• 本来(ほんらい)なら: if things were as they should be, originally
• 本来(ほんらい)は: originally, essentially
• 本来(ほんらい)あるべき姿(すがた): the way something should properly be

Similar words

• 元々(もともと): originally (more casual, conversational)
• 元来(がんらい): by nature, inherently (more formal, literary)
• もともと: from the start (overlaps but less formal)

Usage

本来(ほんらい) often implies a gap between the ideal or original state and the current reality. It frequently appears in slightly formal contexts — essays, speeches, news commentary.