idiom / adjective HSK 5
Traditional 與生俱來
shēng lái
innate · inborn · inherent · present from birth

Meaning

This is a formal chengyu meaning that something exists from the moment of birth—an inherent quality or characteristic that a person is born with. It emphasizes natural, unlearned traits that are part of one's fundamental nature rather than acquired through experience or training.

Usage

Used in formal writing and speech to describe inherent abilities, rights, or characteristics. Commonly appears in discussions about human nature, talents, and fundamental rights. Often followed by 的 when modifying a noun (与生俱来的才能). More literary than everyday conversational Mandarin.

Examples

  1. 01
    每个人都有与生俱来的尊严和平等权利。
    Měi rén dōu yǒu shēng lái de zūn yán píng děng quán .
    Every person has inherent dignity and equal rights.
  2. 02
    她对音乐有与生俱来的敏感度。
    duì yīn yuè yǒu shēng lái de mǐn gǎn .
    She has an innate sensitivity to music.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 与生俱来的权利
    shēng lái de quán
    innate rights, natural rights
  • 与生俱来的才能
    shēng lái de cái néng
    inborn talent
  • 与生俱来的使命
    shēng lái de shǐ mìng
    inherent mission

Antonyms

Origin

Literally means 'with birth all come'—the traits come together with birth itself. This classical construction uses 俱 (all/together) rather than the modern 都, marking it as a formal, literary expression.

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