Translation guide
Expresses a tendency or predisposition toward a certain action, state, or way of thinking. Japanese uses various suffixes, adverbs, and set phrases to convey 'being inclined to' depending on whether the tendency is habitual, emotional, or situational.
Describing a general inclination or habitual tendency to do something, often with a nuance of 'apt to' or 'prone to'.
Attaches to the stem of a verb or a noun to indicate a tendency, often negative or undesirable. Commonly used for things that happen frequently or are prone to occur.
彼は遅刻しがちだ。
He is inclined to be late.
In this weather, I tend to feel down.
A more formal or analytical way to say 'there is a tendency to'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
若者はスマホを使いすぎる傾向がある。
Young people tend to overuse smartphones.
An adverb meaning 'apt to' or 'tending to', often used with verbs like する or なる. Slightly literary or formal.
人はとかく自分の都合のいいように考えがちだ。
People are apt to think in ways that suit themselves.
Expressing a feeling of being drawn to do something, or a state of mind that leans toward a certain action.
Literally 'I'm in the mood to do ~'. A natural way to express a current inclination or desire.
今日は何か甘いものを食べたい気分だ。
I'm inclined to eat something sweet today.
Means 'to feel like doing' or 'to be in the mood to do'. Often used when the inclination arises from a change in feeling.
やっと勉強する気になった。
I finally felt inclined to study.
Suffix indicating a slight tendency or state, often with a negative nuance. Attaches to nouns or verb stems.
最近、疲れ気味だ。
I've been feeling a bit tired lately (inclined to be tired).
Expressing a leaning toward a particular viewpoint, ideology, or preference.
Means 'leaning toward' or 'biased toward'. Used for opinions, political stances, or preferences.
彼の意見はどちらかというと保守寄りだ。
His opinion is somewhat inclined toward conservatism.
Literally 'leaning toward', used for tendencies in thought, public opinion, or balance.
世論は反対に傾いている。
Public opinion is inclined toward opposition.
Describing an inherent quality or natural inclination, often used for personality or physical traits.
Means 'to have an innate tendency to'. Used for inborn characteristics.
彼女は生まれつき心配性の傾向がある。
She has an innate tendency to worry.
One's nature or disposition. Often used in phrases like 〜する性分だ to mean 'it's in one's nature to do'.
彼は細かいことを気にする性分だ。
He is inclined by nature to worry about small things.
がち is used for frequent, often negative tendencies. 傾向がある is more neutral and analytical. ぎみ indicates a slight, often temporary state or feeling.
English 'being inclined to' does not have a single direct equivalent. Using 傾く (katamuku) for all cases will sound unnatural. Choose the appropriate pattern based on context.