〜がちだ

〜がちだ is a verb form expressing tend to (negative). Understanding this conjugation pattern is essential for expanding what you can express in Japanese. Verb forms are the backbone of Japanese grammar — each form unlocks new ways to describe actions, states, and intentions.

This is an upper-intermediate pattern common in natural conversation and media like news, novels, and dramas.

When to Use#

• When describing an undesirable tendency or habit
• When something bad happens frequently

When NOT to Use#

• When a different nuance than "tend to (negative)" is intended — check the related patterns below

Example Sentences#

• 祖父は無理をしがちです。 — My grandfather tends to overdo things.
• 弟は夜更かしをしがちです。 — My younger brother tends to stay up late.
• 薬を飲むのを忘れがちです。 — I tend to forget to take my medicine.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

Common Mistakes#

1. Wrong verb group conjugation — Group 1 and Group 2 verbs conjugate differently. Common pitfall: treating Group 1 verbs ending in る (like 帰る) as Group 2 verbs.

Related Patterns#

• 〜きらいがある (tend to (negative tendency)) — Next step