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tending to / leaning towards
Definition
The grammar pattern "Verb-stem + ぎみ / Noun + ぎみ" is used to describe a slight physical or mental tendency toward a negative state that is currently occurring. This pattern is often used to convey a sense of being on the verge of something, such as feeling a bit tired or running slightly late. It is essential to note that this pattern is not used to describe positive tendencies, as it inherently implies a negative state.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masu-form of the verb | Verb-stem + ぎみ | 疲れぎみ (slightly tired) |
| Noun | Noun + ぎみ | 遅れぎみ (slightly late) |
| Noun | Noun + ぎみ | 太りぎみ (slightly overweight) |
Examples
最近、疲れぎみなので、今日は早く寝ます。
Saikin, tsukameru-gimi na no de, kyou wa hayaku nemasu.
I'm feeling slightly tired lately, so I'll go to bed early today.
最近 (lately), 疲れぎみ (slightly tired), なので (because), 今日は (today), 早く (early), 寝ます (go to bed)
電車が遅れぎみだったので、会議に遅刻しそうになった。
Densha ga okure-gimi datta no de, kaigi ni chokoku shi sou natta.
The train was slightly late, so I almost arrived late for the meeting.
電車 (train), 遅れぎみ (slightly late), だったので (because), 会議 (meeting), に (to), 遅刻 (arrived late)
緊張のせいか、少し太りぎみです。
Kincho no seika, shouka tori-gimi desu.
I think it's because of stress that I'm slightly overweight.
緊張 (stress), のせいか (because of), 少し (slightly), 太りぎみ (slightly overweight)
Context
This pattern is used to describe a negative state that is currently occurring. It is essential to note that this pattern is not used to describe positive tendencies. In terms of register, this pattern is used in informal conversation. It is often used in combination with other grammatical patterns to convey a sense of being on the verge of something.
Watch out
This pattern inherently implies a negative state, so it is not suitable for describing positive tendencies.
While both patterns describe a repeated action, 'gachi' implies a more frequent or repeated action than 'ぎみ'.
This pattern requires a noun or verb stem to form the correct grammatical structure.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use it correctly to describe a negative state that is currently occurring. Be careful not to confuse it with other patterns that describe positive tendencies or repeated actions.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N3 test-style questions. Each sentence shows Verb-stem + ぎみ / Noun + ぎみ used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
最近、疲れぎみなので、今日は早く寝ます。
Pattern used: ぎみ
Gimi indicates a current slight state of tiredness (tsukare-gimi).
電車が遅れぎみだったので、会議に遅刻しそうになった。
Pattern used: ぎみ
Gimi describes a temporary state of being slightly behind schedule.
緊張のせいか、少し太りぎみです。
Pattern used: ぎみ
Gimi is used to describe the onset of a negative physical trend like weight gain.
Interactive
最近、疲れ______なので、今日は早く寝ます。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.