がち
Meanings
apt to; liable to; prone to; tend to
Attaches to nouns or the -masu stem of verbs to describe a negative tendency or frequent occurrence. Often used for undesirable habits or states.
He tends to be late.
People are prone to catching colds this time of year, so please be careful.
mostly; predominantly; having lots of
Indicates that something is mostly or predominantly of a certain kind, often with a nuance of excess. Common in phrases like 黒がち (mostly black) or 病気がち (sickly).
She is sickly and often misses school.
This painting is predominantly black and gives a somewhat dark impression.
... reaps the rewards; ... takes the prize; ... wins
Used in the pattern ...もの〜 to mean that the person or thing described is the one who benefits or wins. Often in set phrases like 早い者勝ち (first come, first served).
It's first come, first served, so let's go early.
In this world, the strong win.
Usage patterns
- 〈動詞〉がちtends to (do); apt to (do), often habitually or unintentionally
He tends to forget his promises.
- 〈色〉がちpredominantly (a color); mostly (a color)
This painting uses mostly black colors.
- 〈物〉がちprone to (a state); often afflicted with
This child has been sickly since she was little.
- 遠慮がちhesitantly; with reserve
She asked the question hesitantly.
Expressions
- 早い者勝ちfirst come, first served; the early bird catches the worm