noun, takes genitive case の, adverb

  1. originally, primarily.
  2. essentially, intrinsically, naturally, by nature, in (and of) itself.
  3. proper, rightful, legal, normal.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
本来 ほんらい

Contained Kanji Breakdown

book, present, main
ホン もと まと (1st, N5)
tree, wood
き モク こ- (1st, N5)
come, due, next
く.る ライ き.たす (2nd, N5)
one, one radical (no.1)
イチ いっ ひと- (1st, N5)
rice, USA, metre
ベイ こめ マイ (2nd, N3)
to divide
tree, wood
き モク こ- (1st, N5)