Meaning

Primary

Instinct

Word Type

noun, の adjective

Explanation

The abilities you originally start out with are instincts. Animals have lots of them because they aren't very good at learning. They have to start out knowing them from the start.

Reading

ほんのう
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word that uses the on'yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own.

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 本能をコントロールする

    to control one's instincts

    本能を持つ

    to have an instinct for

    本能をくすぐる

    to excite one's instincts

Context Sentences

本能的にヤバイって感じたんだよね。

I instinctively felt it was dangerous.

かわいい!母性本能くすぐられる。

Cute! It tickles my maternal instincts.

それは人間の本能です。

That's a human instinct.

Kanji Composition