The JLPT N1 grammar pattern ～きらいがある is used to express a person or thing has a tendency to do something — typically something undesirable or negative. While not overly strong, it subtly criticizes habitual or common behavior in a polite and indirect way.
1. Meaning & Nuance
- ～きらいがある = “tends to…,” “has a tendency to…” (often negative or undesirable behavior)
- This grammar has a soft criticism or judgmental nuance. It is commonly used in written or formal language to point out a recurring pattern.
- It is NOT used for positive tendencies and is rarely used in casual conversations.
2. Formation
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| Verb (dictionary form) + きらいがある | 考えすぎるきらいがある (tends to overthink) |
| Noun + の + きらいがある | 独断のきらいがある (has a tendency to act arbitrarily) |
3. Example Sentences
A. Verb + きらいがある
- 彼は何事も深く考えすぎるきらいがある。
He tends to overthink everything. - 部長は感情的に判断するきらいがある。
The manager tends to make emotional decisions. - 彼女はネガティブに物事を捉えるきらいがある。
She tends to see things negatively.
B. Noun + の + きらいがある
- 最近の若者は努力不足のきらいがある。
Young people these days tend to lack effort. - 日本のメディアは一方的な報道のきらいがある。
Japanese media has a tendency to report one-sidedly.
4. Notes on Usage
- ～きらいがある usually carries a formal and intellectual tone.
- It’s a “soft criticism” used in essays, formal speech, analysis, or editorials.
- It focuses on recurring tendencies, not one-time events.
5. Commonly Used Verbs/Nouns
| Expression | Translation |
|---|---|
| 考えすぎるきらいがある | Tends to overthink |
| 決めつけるきらいがある | Tends to make assumptions |
| 怠けるきらいがある | Tends to slack off |
| 独断のきらいがある | Has a tendency to act arbitrarily |
| 感情的な判断のきらいがある | Has a tendency to judge emotionally |
6. Comparison with Similar Expressions
| Expression | Meaning | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| ～きらいがある | Tends to (negative pattern) | Soft criticism, formal |
| ～がち | Frequently, tends to (physically or emotionally) | Neutral, common in speech |
| ～やすい | Easy to do, likely to do | Neutral, tendency by nature or situation |
| ～傾向がある | Has a tendency to (neutral) | Used for statistical or societal trends |
7. Practice Exercises
A. Fill in the blanks
- 彼は何でも自分で決めたがる__________。
- あの学生は勉強を後回しにする__________。
- 最近の若者は人付き合いを避ける__________。
- あの社長は感情で判断する__________。
- 部下の意見を聞かない__________上司もいる。
B. Translate into Japanese
- She tends to complain even about small things.
- Some politicians tend to ignore the opinions of the public.
- He has a tendency to act before thinking.
- Our boss tends to favor certain employees.
- That media outlet has a tendency to twist the truth.
C. Create your own sentences
Write 3 original sentences using ～きらいがある to describe real-life or social tendencies in your country or workplace.
8. Summary Table
| Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Grammar | ～きらいがある |
| Meaning | Has a tendency to… (usually bad) |
| Form | Verb dict. / Noun + の + きらいがある |
| Tone | Slight criticism, formal |
| Context | Used in writing, essays, presentations |
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