自然な
shizen na
In Japanese, 'natural' can be expressed using several terms depending on the context. The default form is 自然な (shizen na). Wiktionary also lists 天然の (tennen no).
Meaning: of or relating to nature (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 自然な | shizen na |
| 天然の | tennen no |
The term 自然 (shizen) is a common way to express the concept of nature and the natural world. When used as an adjective, 自然な describes something as being natural. For things that are physically sourced from nature and are non-synthetic or unadulterated, such as minerals or gas, the term 天然の is used. Additionally, the loanword ナチュラル is used colloquially to mean 'natural'.
Which one should you use?
Use 自然な when describing something that is unforced, intuitive or follows a natural progression, such as a natural reaction or a natural translation. Use 天然の when describing something that is physically occurring in nature and is not man-made, such as natural mineral water.
How do you pronounce it?
shizen na
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture, the term 天然 (tennen) is used as slang to describe a person who is airheaded or quirky in a charming way.
- The characters for 自然 (shizen) literally mean 'of itself' or 'spontaneously', reflecting a philosophical view of nature as something that happens on its own.
- While 自然な means 'natural', the loanword ナチュラル is frequently used specifically in the context of fashion and interior design to describe a 'natural look' featuring beige or earth tones.
Examples in context
- 自然な成り行きだった。It was the natural outcome.This sentence shows how to use 自然な to describe a natural outcome.Tatoeba #12698909 by small_snow, translation #13664302 by terrywallwork
- 天然のミネラルウォーターを飲むのが好きです。I like to drink natural mineral water.This sentence demonstrates the use of 天然の when referring to natural mineral water.Tatoeba #13795168 by Kojimano, translation #540113 by gracehero
- 私たちが求めているのは、一語一語の直訳ではなく、自然な翻訳です。We want natural-sounding translations, not word-for-word direct translations.This sentence illustrates how 自然な can be used to describe a natural-sounding translation.Tatoeba #2225905 by tommy_san, translation #611375 by CN
- 自然の美しさを大切にしましょう。Let's cherish the beauty of nature.
- 天然の素材だけを使用しています。We only use natural ingredients.
- 彼女の表現は自然な感じがする。Her expression feels natural.
- このコスメはナチュラルさを引き立てます。This cosmetic accentuates your naturalness.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are talking about a painting of a forest.
- 結衣 Yuiこの絵の色使いはとても自然な感じですね。Kono e no irozukai wa totemo shizen na kanji desu ne.The use of colors in this painting feels very natural.
- 大翔 Hirotoそうですね。本物の森にいるみたいです。Sou desu ne. Honmono no mori ni iru mitai desu.I agree. It's like being in a real forest.
- 結衣 Yui自然な光の表現が素晴らしいと思います。Shizen na hikari no hyougen ga subarashii to omoimasu.I think the expression of natural light is wonderful.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣さんの言う通りだね。Yui-san no iu toori da ne.You are right, Yui.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “natural” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
