Search pages and navigate
Have a tendency to (negative)
Definition
The grammar pattern "V-辞書形 / N-の + きらいがある" is used to describe a tendency or characteristic that is undesirable or negative. It is often used to point out a flaw or a weakness in someone's behavior or a situation. This pattern is not used to describe positive traits or characteristics. It is a nuanced way to express a negative tendency, and it is often used in formal or written Japanese.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-辞書形 | V-辞書形 / N-の + きらいがある | 彼は物事を大げさに言う傾向がある |
| N-の | N-の + きらいがある | あの会社は形式を重んじる傾向がある |
| V-連用形 | V-連用形 + する + きらいがある | 最近の若者は自分の意見をはっきり言う傾向がある |
Examples
彼は物事を大げさに言う傾向がある
Kare wa monota o ōge-sa ni iu keikō ga aru
He has a tendency to exaggerate things
彼は (he) + 物事を (things) + 大げさに (exaggerate) +言う (say) + 傾向がある (tendency exists)
あの会社は形式を重んじる傾向がある
Ano kaisha wa keirei o tsukamu keikō ga aru
That company has a tendency to value form over substance
あの (that) + 会社 (company) + は (is) + 形式を (form) + 重んじる (value) + 傾向がある (tendency exists)
最近の若者は自分の意見をはっきり言う傾向がある
Saikin no wakamono wa jibun no iken o hikkiri iu keikō ga aru
Young people these days have a tendency to express their opinions clearly
最近の (these days) + 若者 (young people) + は (is) + 自分の (one's own) + 意見を (opinion) + はっきり (clearly) +言う (say) + 傾向がある (tendency exists)
Context
This pattern is used to describe a tendency or characteristic that is undesirable or negative. It is often used in formal or written Japanese. It is not used to describe positive traits or characteristics. It is a nuanced way to express a negative tendency.
Watch out
This pattern is specifically used to describe negative tendencies, so using it to describe positive traits would be incorrect.
While both patterns express a negative sentiment, they have different connotations and uses. 'Osore ga aru' is used to express fear or risk, whereas this pattern is used to describe a negative tendency.
This pattern requires the auxiliary verb 'aru', not 'da'. Using 'da' would change the meaning of the sentence.
Strategy
When using this pattern on the JLPT, make sure to use it to describe a negative tendency or characteristic. Be careful not to confuse it with other patterns, such as 'osore ga aru' or 'da'. Also, be sure to use the correct auxiliary verb, 'aru', not 'da'.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-辞書形 / N-の + きらいがある used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
彼は物事を大げさに言うきらいがある。
Pattern used: きらいがある
'Kirai ga aru' specifically highlights an undesirable habit or trait.
あの会社は形式を重んじるきらいがあり、実質が伴っていない。
Pattern used: きらいがあり
It describes a negative organizational culture or trend.
最近の若者は、自分の意見をはっきり言わないきらいがある。
Pattern used: きらいがある
It expresses a mild criticism or observation of an unfortunate trend.
Interactive
彼は物事を大げさに言う______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.