adverb

  1. originally, essentially, naturally, by nature, really, actually.
  2. in the first place, to begin with.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
元来 がんらい

Contained Kanji Breakdown

beginning, former time, origin
ゲン もと ガン (2nd, N4)
two, two radical (no. 7)
ニ ふた ふだ (1st, N5)
legs radical (no. 10)
ジン ニン がい (Kentei 1)
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)