本来
ほんらい
honrai
JLPT N2adjectiveVocabularyLevel 71 - JLPT N2
Quick answer
本来 (ほんらい (honrai)) means "Essentially". Use this page for pronunciation, example sentences, and related kanji.
Meaning
Essentially
Also : Naturally · By nature · Originally · Primarily
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Example Sentences
本来ならば、このプロジェクトはもっと早く終わるはずだった。
ほんらいならば、このプロジェクトはもっとはやくおわるはずだった。
Originally, this project should have finished much sooner.
Kanji in this word
Grammar to study at this level
- [Noun] + に伴い～に伴い (ni tomonai) - Along with / In accordance with
- [Noun] + をはじめ～をはじめ (wo hajime) - Starting with / Including
- [Noun] + に応じて～に応じて (ni oujite) - According to / In response to
- [Noun] + から + [Noun] + にかけて～にかけて (ni kakete) - From...to / In the area of
- [Noun] + に限り～に限り (ni kagiri) - Limited to / Only
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
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