Indicates a tendency or proneness to do something, usually with a negative connotation. It suggests that something happens frequently or easily, and is often an undesirable habit or state.
Verb [stem] + がちPrimary
Noun + がち
This means something happens often. It is usually something you do not want to happen.
最近、どうも考え方が悲観的になりがちだ。
Lately, my way of thinking has been tending towards pessimism.
学生時代、私は授業を休みがちでした。
During my student days, I tended to be absent from class.
彼は約束を忘れがちな人なので、前日に確認したほうがいい。
He's a person who tends to forget promises, so it's better to confirm with him the day before.
この機械は古くて、故障しがちだから、あまり信用しない方がいいですよ。
This machine is old and prone to breaking down, so you probably shouldn't rely on it too much.
彼は努力家で、決して怠けがちではない。
He is a hard worker and is by no means prone to being lazy.
This grammar often points out bad habits. It is like saying someone 'tends to' do something wrong. Think of it as a little red flag for actions.
This is different from "~kirai ga aru". That phrase talks about a bad habit someone has. It is also different from "~osore ga aru". That phrase means there is a future risk. It is used for warnings.
Don't use this when something good happens often. For example, you cannot say "He tends to help people."
Contrasts with(2)
Less formal alternatives(3)
Track your mastery
Kumi's KMT system tracks your mastery across kanji, vocabulary, grammar, and reading. Create a free account to use it on 220,000+ concepts.