〜きらいがある

〜きらいがある expresses tend to (negative tendency) — communicating the speaker's degree of certainty, judgment, or attitude about a statement. Modal expressions in Japanese range from strong conviction to vague possibility, and choosing the right one conveys important nuance about how sure you are.

This is a highly advanced pattern found mainly in literary works, formal speeches, legal documents, and academic writing. It is rarely used in casual conversation.

When to Use#

• When describing a person's regrettable habitual tendency
• When criticizing a recurring negative pattern

When NOT to Use#

• In casual conversation — this sounds literary or stiff; use a simpler expression

Example Sentences#

• 彼は自己反省を避けるきらいがあります。 — He tends to avoid self-reflection.
• 彼女は他人の意図を誤解するきらいがあります。 — She tends to misinterpret others' intentions.
• 彼は第一印象で人を判断するきらいがあります。 — He tends to judge people based on first impressions.

Practice#

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

Common Mistakes#

1. Using 〜きらいがある in casual conversation — This pattern sounds overly formal or literary in casual speech. Reserve it for formal writing, presentations, or situations that call for elevated language.
2. Direct translation from English — The concept expressed by 〜きらいがある may not map one-to-one with its English translation. Focus on understanding the Japanese usage through example sentences rather than relying on the English gloss.

Related Patterns#

• 〜がちだ (tend to (negative)) — Next step