本来(ほんらい)

ほんらい
adverb, noun, no-adjective
originally; by nature
descriptive
1. originally; by nature; essentially; properly
Refers to the original, inherent, or proper state or nature of something, or how something should be.
本来(ほんらい)の目的(もくてき)を忘(わす)れないでください。
Please don't forget the original purpose.
本来(ほんらい)なら今日(きょう)届(とど)くはずだった。
It was supposed to arrive today originally.
この言葉(ことば)の本来(ほんらい)の意味(いみ)を調(しら)べた。
I looked up the original meaning of this word.

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

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.

Related Words

Synonym: 元々(もともと) (casual, conversational)
Compare: 元来(がんらい) (by nature, inherently)
Compare: 本意(ほんい) (real intention)
general
Added 2026.2.3 11:58 · Revised 2026.10.4 4:43
09500/09644_honrai