Translation guide
The English word "tendency" refers to a general inclination or likelihood. In Japanese, it is expressed through nouns, verbs, and grammatical patterns that indicate a trend, habit, or predisposition. The most common and versatile option is 傾向 (keikou), but other expressions like がち (gachi) and やすい (yasui) are used for specific nuances such as negative tendencies or ease of occurrence.
Expressing a general inclination, trend, or pattern that is observed in people, things, or situations.
The most common and neutral noun for 'tendency' or 'trend'. Can be used in both spoken and written Japanese. Often followed by がある (ga aru) to mean 'there is a tendency'.
Recently, young people have a tendency not to read books.
This region tends to have a lot of rain.
A slightly more formal pattern meaning 'is in a state of tending to'. Often used in news or reports.
Prices are on an upward trend.
Refers to a trend or movement, especially in social, economic, or political contexts. More formal and often used in business or news.
We need to keep an eye on market trends.
Describing a person's habitual tendency or inclination to do something, often with a negative connotation.
Attached to the stem of a verb or a noun to indicate a tendency to do something, often something undesirable. Implies 'apt to' or 'prone to'.
He tends to be late.
With this weather, I tend to feel down.
Attached to the stem of a verb to mean 'easy to do' or 'tends to happen'. Often used for things that happen easily or frequently, not necessarily negative.
Means 'habit' or 'tendency', often a personal quirk or bad habit. Can be used in phrases like 癖がある (have a habit/tendency).
Referring to an innate or natural tendency of things, substances, or people.
Means 'nature' or 'property', often used to describe an inherent tendency or characteristic of something.
This substance has a tendency to burn easily.
A formal term for 'inclination' or 'propensity', often used in psychology or academic contexts.
Describing a tendency observed in data, statistics, or research.
傾向 (keikou) is a noun meaning 'tendency' or 'trend' and is neutral. がち (gachi) is a suffix that attaches to verb stems or nouns to indicate a negative tendency, like 'prone to'. やすい (yasui) is a suffix meaning 'easy to' or 'tends to', and can be used for both positive and negative tendencies, but often implies something happens easily or frequently.
He has a tendency to be forgetful. (neutral observation)
He tends to forget (and it's a problem).
This glass breaks easily.
English often uses 'tend to' as a verb. In Japanese, there is no direct verb equivalent. Instead, use patterns like 傾向がある, がち, or やすい. Do not try to translate 'tend' directly as a single verb.
These shoes tend to come off easily.
He catches colds easily.
He has a tendency to lie.
He has a naturally gentle disposition.
人間には攻撃的な性向があるという説もある。
There is a theory that humans have an aggressive tendency.
データにはある傾向が見られる。
A certain tendency can be seen in the data.