English–Japanese
“instinct” in Japanese
Japanese
Pronunciation
Romajihonnō
Example
動物は本能に従って行動します。dō butsu wa hon nō ni shitaga tte kō dō shi ma su
Animals act on instinct.
How to say “instinct” in Japanese
“Instinct” in Japanese is 本能 (honnō).
Describes an inborn drive that guides behavior without deliberate learning or reasoning.
Example sentences with 本能
赤ちゃんは危険を避ける本能を持っています。aka cha n wa ki ken o sa ke ru hon nō o mo tte i ma su
Babies have an instinct to avoid danger.
Tips for using 本能
- In everyday Japanese, 本能 (honnō, "instinct") often describes an immediate reaction to danger or hunger, making it useful when a speaker contrasts a quick response with a carefully considered choice.