JLPT N3 Grammar
· Intermediate
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· Intermediate
tending to / leaning towards
Category: Characteristics and Emotions
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.
| 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) |
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)
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.
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.
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.
最近、疲れ______なので、今日は早く寝ます。
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