Translation guide
Expresses a tendency or likelihood, often with a negative connotation. In Japanese, this is conveyed through various grammatical patterns and adverbs rather than a single word.
Describing someone or something that has a tendency to do something, often implying it is a characteristic or habit.
Attaches to the masu-stem of verbs or nouns to indicate a tendency, often negative. Implies something happens often or is prone to happen.
He is apt to be late.
In this weather, one is apt to get sick.
Attaches to the masu-stem of verbs to mean 'easy to do' or 'apt to happen'. More neutral than 〜がちだ, and can be used for both positive and negative tendencies.
This glass is apt to break.
He is apt to be misunderstood.
Adverb meaning 'apt to', 'tending to', often used with 〜がち or 〜やすい. Somewhat literary.
Rumors are apt to be unreliable.
Indicating that something is likely to happen based on circumstances or nature.
Attaches to the masu-stem of verbs to mean 'could easily happen', 'apt to happen', often with a negative outcome. Stronger than 〜がちだ.
Saying that is apt to hurt him.
At this rate, an accident is apt to occur.
Formal expression meaning 'there is a risk/danger that', used for negative possibilities. Often in news or official contexts.
Heavy rain is apt to cause flooding.
Indicates an undesirable tendency, often used in critical or formal contexts. Attaches to dictionary form of verbs or nouns with の.
〜がち focuses on frequency and habitual tendencies, often negative. 〜やすい indicates ease or propensity, neutral in tone. 〜かねない expresses a stronger possibility of a negative outcome, implying 'could easily lead to'. Choose based on the degree of likelihood and connotation.
In winter, I tend to catch colds. (habitual)
This knife rusts easily. (propensity)
Driving like that could easily cause an accident. (risk)
There is no single Japanese word that directly translates 'apt to'. Using a dictionary form alone will not convey the meaning. Always use a grammatical pattern or adverb to express tendency or likelihood.
He is apt to exaggerate things.