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-ish / like / prone to
Definition
The grammar pattern 'Noun + っぽい / Verb-stem + っぽい / Adj-stem + っぽい' is used to describe a tendency, a frequent occurrence, or a superficial quality of something. It often carries a slightly negative or casual nuance, suggesting that something isn't the 'real deal'. For example, when describing someone as 'forgetful', it implies that they tend to forget things, but it's not a permanent or defining characteristic. This pattern is often used in informal settings and can be used to express a range of emotions and attitudes, from mild disappointment to strong criticism.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun stem | Noun stem + っぽい | 年をとったせいか忘れっぽい |
| Verb stem | Verb stem + っぽい | 油っぽい |
| Adjective stem | Adjective stem + っぽい | 子供っぽい |
Examples
最近、年をとったせいか忘れっぽいなりました。
Saikin, toshigoro o tootta seika wasureppoi nari mashita.
Recently, I've become forgetful.
最近: recently, 年をとったせいか: as I've aged, 忘れっぽい: forgetful
この料理は油っぽいので、あまり好きではありません。
Kono ryouri wa abunai no de, amari suki de wa arimasen.
This food is oily, so I don't like it very much.
この料理: this food, 油っぽい: oily,ので: because, あまり: not very, 好きではありません: don't like
その服はちょっと子供っぽいですよ。もっと大人な服を選びましょう。
Sono fuku wa chotto kodomoppoi desu yo. Mottomo otona na fuku o erabimashou.
That outfit is a bit childish, let's choose a more adult one.
その服: that outfit, ちょっと: a bit, 子供っぽい: childish,ですよ: it is, もっと: more, 大人な: adult, 服を: clothes, 選びましょう: let's choose
この映画はちょっと面白っぽいです。
Kono eiga wa chotto omoshiroppoi desu.
This movie is a bit interesting.
この映画: this movie, ちょっと: a bit, 面白っぽい: interesting
その人には、ちょっとお金持ちっぽいです。
Sono hito ni wa, chotto o kanezukairoppoi desu.
That person seems a bit wealthy.
その人: that person, ちょっと: a bit, お金持ちっぽい: wealthy
Context
This pattern is often used in informal settings and can be used to express a range of emotions and attitudes, from mild disappointment to strong criticism. It's not typically used in formal writing or in situations where you want to convey a strong sense of certainty or authority. When using this pattern, be aware of the nuances of the words and phrases you're combining, as the meaning can shift depending on the context.
Watch out
While 'rashii' can be used to describe a tendency, it's more commonly used to describe a feeling or impression, and can imply a stronger sense of uncertainty or doubt. 'Ppoi' is a more straightforward way to describe a tendency or a superficial quality.
While both 'ppoi' and 'mitai' can be used to describe superficial qualities, they have different connotations and uses. 'Mitai' is more commonly used to describe colors, textures, or other sensory qualities, while 'ppoi' is more general and can be used to describe a wide range of superficial qualities.
When using 'ppoi' with a verb, make sure to use the correct verb stem. For example, 'tabeppoi' (tends to eat) uses the stem 'tabe-', while 'tabetai' (wants to eat) uses the stem 'tabe-'.
Strategy
When using 'ppoi' in the JLPT exam, be aware of the nuances of the words and phrases you're combining, and make sure to use the correct verb stem. Also, be prepared to recognize and use 'ppoi' in a variety of contexts, from describing superficial qualities to expressing emotions and attitudes.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N3 test-style questions. Each sentence shows Noun + っぽい / Verb-stem + っぽい / Adj-stem + っぽい used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
最近、年をとったせいか忘れっぽくなりました。
Pattern used: っぽく
Ppoi is used with verb stems like 'wasure' to indicate a negative tendency.
この料理は油っぽいので、あまり好きではありません。
Pattern used: っぽい
Ppoi is used to indicate a quality like 'oily' (abura-ppoi) that is perceived as excessive.
その服はちょっと子供っぽいですよ。もっと大人な服を選びましょう。
Pattern used: っぽい
Ppoi suggests a superficial or negative quality (childish) rather than an ideal one (rashii).
Interactive
最近、年をとったせいか忘れ______なりました。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.