“内在”常见的英文表达有 inner、intrinsic 或 internal,具体使用哪个词取决于语境:
inner:侧重指内心、心灵或事物内部的核心部分,常与情感、思想、灵魂等抽象概念搭配,也可用于描述物体内部。例如:
His inner struggles were evident in his face.(他内心的挣扎从脸上就能看出来。)
The inner layers of the Earth are extremely hot.(地球的内部层非常热。)
intrinsic:强调事物本身固有的、本质的属性或价值,不依赖于外部因素。例如:
Honesty is an intrinsic virtue.(诚实是一种内在的美德。)
This book has intrinsic value for scholars.(这本书对学者来说具有内在价值。)
internal:多用于描述身体内部、组织内部或事物内部的机构、部件等,也可指心理、情感上的内在状态,但相对更侧重于客观的“内部”概念。例如:
The doctor examined his internal organs.(医生检查了他的内脏器官。)
She has a strong internal drive to succeed.(她内心有强烈的成功动力。)