生来 (shēng lái) — by nature, from birth, inherently

Definition

生来 (shēnglái) is an adverb meaning 'from birth' or 'by nature' — it appears before a verb/adjective to mark an inborn trait, often with 就. It contrasts with 后来 or 渐渐, which mark change over time.

adverb

by naturefrom birthinherently

Examples

生来。
Tā shēng lái jiù hěn cōng ming.
He was very smart from birth.
生来。
Tā shēng lái jiù yǒu yí fù hǎo sǎng zi.
She was born with a good voice.
生来。
Zhè zhǒng niǎo shēng lái jiù huì yóu yǒng.
This kind of bird can swim from birth.

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