1.
a quality one is born with, rather than something acquired through effort or training
A slightly formal word for something that is innate — a natural ability, disposition, or character trait a person has from birth. Often used admiringly of talented people, with the implication that no amount of training could fully substitute for this gift.
天性の才能。
An innate talent.
彼には音楽の天性がある。
He has a natural gift for music.
子どもが好きなのは彼女の天性で、保育士の仕事がとても合っている。
Loving children is part of her nature, and the job of nursery teacher suits her very well.
どれだけ練習しても、天性のリズム感を持つ演奏者にはかなわないと感じることがある。
Sometimes you feel that no matter how much you practice, you can't match a performer who has an innate sense of rhythm.
Composed of 天 (heaven; nature) + 性 (nature; quality). Literally, "nature given by heaven." Used to describe something inborn — an ability, personality trait, or tendency that one has from birth and that sets a person apart.
TYPICAL PATTERNS:
- 天性の + noun: an innate / natural X
- 天性の才能: innate talent
- 天性の明るさ: a natural cheerfulness
- 天性のリーダー: a born leader
- noun + は + 天性 + だ: X is part of one's nature
- 天性 + を + verb:
- 天性を生かす: to make use of one's natural gift
- 天性を伸ばす: to develop an innate talent
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 生まれつき: by birth — a slightly more conversational word, used as both a noun and an adverb; focuses on the simple fact of being born a certain way.
- 素質: aptitude; raw material — potential that can be developed, not necessarily visible at birth.
- 才能: talent; ability — a more general word; can be either innate or cultivated.
- 性分: one's nature; disposition — usually about habits and temperament rather than skills.
- 本能: instinct — automatic, unlearned behavior shared across a species.
NUANCE:
天性 is mildly admiring. Saying someone has 音楽の天性 suggests that their musical ability seems almost supernatural — as though granted by heaven rather than earned by practice. It is used almost exclusively in positive or neutral contexts; negative traits are described with 生まれつき or 性分 instead.
REGISTER:
Written or semi-formal. Common in essays, biographies, sports commentary, and artistic reviews. In casual speech, speakers are more likely to say 生まれつき or 才能がある.