N3 Integrated Dialogue Lesson 2: Expressing Tendency with ～がち
Learn how to use the grammar pattern ～がち to describe tendencies or frequent occurrences, often with a negative nuance.
Observing Habits
In daily conversation, we often describe patterns in behavior or health. Whether it is a friend who catches colds often or a coworker who tends to forget things, Japanese uses specific structures to express these tendencies.
さいきん、かぜをひくひとがおおいですね。
最近、風邪をひく人が多いですね。
There are many people catching colds lately, aren't there?
ええ、このじきはたいちょうをくずしがちですからね。
ええ、この時期は体調を崩しがちですからね。
Yes, people tend to get sick during this time of year.
Understanding ～がち
The pattern ～がち is used to indicate that something happens frequently or that a person has a tendency to do something. It often implies a negative or undesirable outcome.
Watch out
Examples in Context
See how 'gachi' is applied to various verbs and nouns.
最近、忙しくて運動不足になりがちです。
Lately, I've been busy and tend to lack exercise.
彼は子供のころ、病気がちでした。
He was prone to illness when he was a child.
一人暮らしだと、食事が偏りがちになります。
When living alone, one's diet tends to become unbalanced.
雨の日は家に【い】がちです。
Hint: Use the stem of いる (to be/stay).
On rainy days, I tend to stay home.
Nuance and Usage
It is important to distinguish 'gachi' from other patterns that describe tendencies.
～がち vs ～っぽい
～がち
Negative tendency or frequency
忘れがち (tend to forget)
～っぽい
Appears to be, or has the quality of
忘れっぽい (forgetful/absent-minded)
Which sentence correctly uses 'gachi' to describe a common negative tendency?
- 彼は毎日勉強しがちです。
- ✓ 最近、会議が長引きがちです。
- 彼女は親切がちです。
会議が長引きがち (meetings tend to drag on) describes an undesirable tendency. 'Studying' is usually positive, and 'kindness' is a trait, not a frequency.
Advanced Nuances
Some nuances regarding the usage of 'gachi'.
Is 'gachi' always negative?
Summary
The suffix ～がち is a powerful way to describe tendencies, especially those that are undesirable or happen frequently. By attaching it to verb stems or nouns, you can concisely express habits or states that occur often.