()(まえ)

もちまえ
noun
natural trait; inherent quality; one's own
1. natural trait; inherent quality; innate characteristic
A quality, ability, or characteristic that someone naturally possesses. Almost always used in a positive sense to describe admirable traits that come naturally to a person.
()(まえ)(あか)るさで()()えた。
She got through it with her natural cheerfulness.
(かれ)()(まえ)体力(たいりょく)最後(さいご)まで(はし)()いた。
He ran all the way to the end with his natural stamina.
()(まえ)行動力(こうどうりょく)()かして、(あたら)しいプロジェクトを成功(せいこう)させた。
She leveraged her natural drive to action and made the new project a success.

Literally 'what one holds from before' — a quality that has been part of someone since birth or from a very early stage. Almost exclusively used in a positive or admiring context to describe desirable traits. Typically used as a modifier in the pattern ()(まえ)の + [positive trait].

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • ()(まえ)(あか)るさ: natural cheerfulness
  • ()(まえ)(ねば)(づよ)さ: innate perseverance
  • ()(まえ)体力(たいりょく): natural stamina
  • ()(まえ)行動力(こうどうりょく): natural drive to act
  • ()(まえ)のセンス: natural sense/flair

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • ()まれつき: innate, from birth — can describe both positive and negative traits; more neutral
  • 天性(てんせい): natural disposition — more literary; emphasizes heaven-given talent
  • 素質(そしつ): natural aptitude — focuses on latent ability rather than observable traits