先天 xiāntiān embryonic period (contrasted with 后天)
embryonic period (contrasted with 后天); inborn; innate; natural
How to remember 先天: 先 first + 天 day = embryonic period (contrasted with 后天).
Characters
How it is used
- Innate/congenital - present from birth - 先天不足 (xiāntiān bùzú) inherent deficiency; 先天性心脏病 (congenital heart disease).
- The opposite of 后天 (hòutiān, acquired later through environment/effort). This nature-vs-nurture pair is standard - 后天养成 (hòutiān yǎngchéng) formed later in life.
- Covers inborn traits, talents, and defects. 先天优势 = a natural-born advantage.