傾向がある | Grammar

Structure

Verb[dictionary form] + 傾向がある
Verb[ない form] + 傾向がある
Noun + の + 傾向がある
Noun + という + 傾向がある
～傾向がある / あった / ない / なかった (ある conjugates for tense/negation)
～傾向が見られる / 強い (variant predicates)

Description

傾向がある (けいこうがある) means "there is a tendency to ~" or "to tend to ~." It is used to describe a general trend, inclination, or pattern observed in people, things, or situations. It is a relatively formal expression commonly found in written language, academic texts, news reports, and formal discussions.

Basic usage

Attach 傾向がある to a verb in its dictionary form or to a noun with the particle の or という.

えすえぬえすSNS。

Young people tend to use social media.

、。

Recently, there is a tendency for prices to rise.

With nouns

When used with a noun, connect it using の or という.

。

This region has a tendency toward depopulation.

Past tense and negative

The ある part can be conjugated freely to express past tense or negation.

、。

There used to be that tendency, but it's different now.

。

There isn't really such a tendency.

Nuance

傾向がある describes an objective observation about a general pattern rather than a specific instance. It does not express the speaker's personal desire or intention. Compare this with 〜～がちだ, which carries a more negative nuance and often refers to personal habits, whereas 傾向がある is more neutral and analytical. Another related expression is 〜～きらいがある, which implies a negative tendency and is even more formal.

傾向が見られる (けいこうがみられる) is a common variation meaning "a tendency can be observed," often used in academic or analytical contexts.

Examples

。

In Japan, there is a tendency for the declining birth rate to continue.

。

Recent students tend not to read books.

。

Elderly people tend to wake up early in the morning.

。

This illness tends to worsen in winter.

、。

When the economy is bad, consumers tend to save money.

。

In urban areas, there is a tendency for the number of people living alone to increase.

。

He has a tendency to think about things pessimistically.

、。

According to the data, a tendency for temperatures to rise can be observed.

。

It is said that there is a trend of increasing participation of women in society.

、。

When you're stressed, don't you tend to overeat?

。

Children tend to imitate their parents' behavior.

、。

There used to be that tendency, but it has been improving recently.

References

傾向があるBunpro