天性(てんせい)

Composed of 天(てん) (heaven; nature) + 性(せい) (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.

Common patterns

• 天性(てんせい)の + noun: an innate / natural X
• 天性(てんせい)の才能(さいのう): innate talent
• 天性(てんせい)の明(あか)るさ: a natural cheerfulness
• 天性(てんせい)のリーダー: a born leader
• noun + は + 天性(てんせい) + だ: X is part of one's nature
• 天性(てんせい) + を + verb:
• 天性(てんせい)を生(い)かす: to make use of one's natural gift
• 天性(てんせい)を伸(の)ばす: to develop an innate talent

Similar words

• 生(う)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(そしつ): aptitude; raw material — potential that can be developed, not necessarily visible at birth.
• 才能(さいのう): talent; ability — a more general word; can be either innate or cultivated.
• 性分(しょうぶん): one's nature; disposition — usually about habits and temperament rather than skills.
• 本能(ほんのう): instinct — automatic, unlearned behavior shared across a species.

Usage

天性(てんせい) is mildly admiring. Saying someone has 音楽(おんがく)の天性(てんせい) 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(う)まれつき or 性分(しょうぶん) 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(う)まれつき or 才能(さいのう)がある.