Translation guide
The English word "inclination" can refer to a tendency, a preference, a slope, or a leaning. This guide covers natural Japanese ways to express these meanings, from common everyday phrases to more formal or literary terms.
This road has a steep inclination.
Expressing a natural tendency to do something or a habitual behavior.
Attached to the masu-stem of verbs or nouns to indicate a tendency, often negative. Common in spoken and written Japanese.
He has an inclination to be late.
Lately, I've been inclined to forget things.
A more formal pattern meaning "there is a tendency to." Used with verbs and nouns. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
Young people have an inclination to use smartphones.
A formal, somewhat technical term for a natural disposition or inclination. Often used in psychology or character descriptions.
Expressing a personal liking or leaning toward something.
Literally "have a feeling of wanting to do." A natural way to express an inclination as a desire.
Referring to a surface that is not level, like a hill or ramp.
The standard word for a slope or incline. Used for roads, roofs, land, etc.
Expressing a mental leaning, bias, or predisposition toward a particular idea or viewpoint.
Both express tendency, but 傾向がある is more formal and neutral, while 〜がち is often used for undesirable habits and is more colloquial.
He has a tendency to be forgetful. (neutral)
She has an inclination to worry too much.
彼の性向は楽観的だ。
His inclination is optimistic.
I have an inclination to go out today.
Refers to one's intention or inclination, often used in formal contexts like business or official statements.
Please confirm his inclination (intention).
Used in phrases like 〜する気がある (have the inclination/mind to do). Very common in casual speech.
If you have the inclination to do it, help me.
This road has a steep inclination.
The inclination of the roof is gentle.
Often used for gradients in engineering, construction, or roads. Slightly more technical than 傾斜.
The inclination of this slope is 10 percent.
A more general term for slant or tilt, can be used for physical objects or abstract leanings.
I'm concerned about the inclination of the tower.
Means bias or inclination, often with a negative connotation of being skewed or partial.
That newspaper has a political inclination (bias).
A strong inclination or devotion toward something, like an ideology or art. Often used in literary contexts.
He has a strong inclination toward Buddhism.
A suffix meaning "leaning toward" or "inclined to." Attached to nouns. Common in casual and spoken Japanese.
His opinion is inclined to the left.
My taste is inclined toward sweet things.
彼は忘れがちだ。
He tends to forget (and it's a problem).
Direct translations like 傾向 or 性向 can sound stiff or unnatural in casual conversation. Use patterns like 〜がち, 〜気がある, or rephrase with 〜したいと思う.
She has an inclination toward art.
Literary nuance.