本能

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 本能 is read as ほんのう and is a noun for an innate behavioral tendency or impulse that precedes learned or deliberate judgment.
• Basic usage: Use 危険を避ける本能 for the content of an instinct and 本能のままに走る for acting as instinct directs.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Innate tendency and plan
  • An instinct such as avoiding danger is distinguished from a consciously reasoned plan.
• Meaning of のままに
  • 本能のままに means following an instinctive impulse rather than regulating the action through deliberation.