Translation and Meaning of: 生まれつき - umaretsuki

If you have ever wondered how the Japanese express innate characteristics or natural abilities, the word 生まれつき (うまれつき) is the key. It carries the meaning of something that comes "by nature" or "by birth," such as a natural talent or a genetic predisposition. In this article, we will explore in depth the etymology, everyday usage in Japanese, and even tips for memorizing this essential term. Furthermore, you will discover how the kanji 生 (life) connects with the idea of origin and essence.

In the largest online Japanese dictionary, Suki Nihongo, you can find not only the translation of 生まれつき, but also practical examples to use in sentences and even notes to include in your Anki deck. Want to understand why this word is so commonly used in contexts like personality, skills, and even medicine? Keep reading!

Etymology and Pictogram of 生まれつき

The word 生まれつき is composed of two crucial elements: the verb 生まれる (うまれる), which means "to be born", and the suffix つき, which indicates an inherent condition. The kanji 生 alone already conveys the idea of life, growth, and origin, while つき reinforces the notion of something intrinsic. Together, they form a concept that goes beyond just "from birth"—it’s about what is rooted in your existence.

The pictogram 生 is one of the oldest images in Chinese writing, representing a plant sprouting from the earth. It's no wonder that this ideogram appears in words like 人生 (human life) or 生鮮 (freshness). When you see 生まれつき in a text, : it's as if nature had planted something in you that cannot be easily uprooted.

Lies in Japanese Everyday Life

In Japan, 生まれつき is often used to describe inherited physical or psychological characteristics. For example, saying "生まれつき髪が茶色い" means someone was born with naturally brown hair, without dyes. But it goes further: in job interviews, you might hear phrases like "生まれつきのリーダー気質" (natural leader personality) to praise innate skills.

An interesting detail is that this word is rarely used for negative things. It is unlikely that a Japanese person would say "生まれつき不器用" (clumsy by nature) without a humorous tone. The culture values effort (努力), so attributing failures solely to nature would sound like an excuse. Pay attention to this nuance when consuming mangas or dramas—characters who are "born talented" are often contrasted with those who have fought to get there.

Tips for Memorizing and Curiosities

To never forget the meaning of 生まれつき, associate the kanji 生 with "life" and つき with "connected to." Imagine a baby holding a sign that says "I came like this." A Japanese friend once told me that her grandmother used this word to explain why everyone in the family was good at cooking: "生まれつきの味覚" (natural taste).

Did you know that this word also appears in searches related to DNA testing and ancestry? Many Japanese people search for "生まれつき 才能 遺伝" (innate talent and genetics) to understand their roots. And if you want a pun, try saying "生まれつきの生まれ損ない" (something like "natural manufacturing error")—it's a cheeky joke that comedians love.

How about practicing now? Write down a characteristic of yours that is 生まれつき and create a sentence in Japanese. This way, you reinforce the vocabulary while reflecting on what nature has given you best—or most peculiar!

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 先天的 (Sententeki) - Inborn, related to characteristics present from birth.
• 生来的 (Seitaide) - Natural, which refers to something that is inherent from birth.
• 生まれ持った (Umare motta) - With characteristics or abilities that the person already possesses at birth.