English–Japanese

“originally” in Japanese

Japanese

Alsoもともと (motomoto)

Pronunciation

Romajihonrai

Example

私は本来明日来る予定でした。watashi wa hon rai asu ku ru yo tei de shi ta

I was originally supposed to come tomorrow.

Illustration for 本来 (originally)

How to say “originally” in Japanese

“Originally” in Japanese is 本来 (honrai).

Shows the original condition or essential nature of something rather than a later change or temporary situation.

Full entry for 本来: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 本来

本来なら、私たちはもっと早く出発するはずです。hon rai na ra watashi ta chi wa mo tto haya ku shup patsu su ru ha zu de su

Under normal circumstances, we should leave much earlier.

Tips for using 本来

  • In everyday conversation, 本来は (honrai wa) commonly presents an expected situation that differs from what actually happens.

Other Japanese words for “originally”

私はもともと東京に住んでいました。watashi wa mo to mo to tō kyō ni su n de i ma shi ta

I originally lived in Tokyo.

“originally” in other languages