備わる

• Reading: そなわる
• Romaji: sonawaru
• Kanji breakdown: 備 (sona) — to equip, prepare, possess
• Pronunciation: /so.na.wa.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be endowed with; to be equipped with; to possess naturally. To have a quality, ability, or feature as an inherent attribute.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb. 備わる describes qualities or capabilities that are inherently present in a person, thing, or system — 才能が備わる (to be endowed with talent), 安全機能が備わる (to be equipped with safety features). It emphasises that the attribute exists naturally or as a built-in part rather than being added later. Its transitive counterpart is 備える (sona-eru — to prepare, equip). 備わる often appears in formal descriptions of systems, people, and institutions.

Examples

1. 彼女には生まれつき人を惹きつける魅力が備わっていると感じる。 I feel that she has been naturally endowed from birth with a charm that draws people to her.
2. 最新モデルには自動緊急ブレーキ機能が標準で備わっている。 The latest model comes standard with an automatic emergency braking system.
3. 指導者に必要な資質がすべて備わっている人物は、そう多くはいない。 There are not many people who possess all the qualities required of a leader.

Usage Guide

Context: talent, product features, leadership, nature, systems

Tone: formal to neutral

Origin & History

Intransitive counterpart of 備える (sona-eru — to prepare, equip, install). The kanji 備 depicts a person standing near an arrow rack, suggesting readiness and provision. The intransitive 備わる focuses on the state of being equipped rather than the act of equipping.

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional-Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal