〜がち

Tends to...; Prone to...

1. Overview

「〜がち」 is a grammatical structure used to describe a tendency or inclination toward a certain behavior or state. It implies that the subject frequently experiences or exhibits a particular characteristic, often with a slightly negative connotation.

2. Structure

• Noun + がち
• Verb (ます form) + がち
• Adjective (stem form) + がち

3. Usage Explanation

• Indicating Tendency:
  This structure indicates that someone or something tends to do or be something, highlighting a habitual or common behavior.

• Slightly Negative Connotation:
  While it can be neutral, it often carries a negative nuance, suggesting an undesirable tendency.

• English Translation:
  It can be translated as "tends to...", "prone to...", or "apt to...".

4. Example Sentences

1. 彼は最近、遅刻がちです。
   He tends to be late recently.

2. 彼女は自分の意見を押し付けがちだ。
   She tends to impose her opinions on others.

3. 子供たちは、甘いものを食べがちです。
   Children are prone to eating sweets.

4. 彼は心配がちなので、いつも不安そうです。
   He tends to worry, so he always looks anxious.

5. この時期は風邪をひきがちです。
   People are prone to catching colds during this season.

5. Key Points to Note

• Common Use:
  「〜がち」 is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe habitual behaviors or characteristics.

• Context:
  It is often used to express observations or general statements about people or situations.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜傾向がある: Indicates a tendency but is more neutral.
  • Example: 彼には遅刻する傾向がある。
    He has a tendency to be late.

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜やすい: Indicates that something is easy to do, often focusing on the likelihood of an action.
  • Example: 彼は忘れやすい。
    He is likely to forget.

8. Summary

「〜がち」 is used to express a tendency or inclination toward certain behaviors or states. It often carries a slightly negative nuance and is commonly used in everyday conversations to describe habitual actions or characteristics.