「〜がちだ」- Tendency Structure
Explanation
「〜がちだ」 is a commonly used grammatical structure in Japanese that describes something negative or prone to happen frequently. It is formed by attaching 「がちだ」 to the ます-form of a verb or a noun, indicating that a certain behavior or state occurs often or is likely to occur.
Grammar Pattern
| Grammar Point | Connection | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Verb ます-form + がちだ | Verb ます-form | Indicates that a certain behavior is prone to happen or occurs frequently, often with a negative connotation. |
| Noun + がちだ | Noun | Indicates that a certain state is prone to happen or occurs frequently, often with a negative connotation. |
Basic Usage and Examples
「〜がちだ」 is used to emphasize the frequency or tendency of a certain behavior or state. Here are some basic examples:
先日 、病気がちのおばを見舞 いに行 った。- Senjitsu, byouki gachi no oba o mimai ni itta.
- The other day, I visited my aunt who is often sick.
学校 を卒業 すると、かつての友達 とは疎遠になりがちだ。- Gakkou o sotsugyou suru to, katsute no tomodachi to wa soen ni nari gachi da.
- After graduating, people often drift apart from their former friends.
暑 いときは冷たいものを食べがちで、よくお腹 を壊 す。- Atsui toki wa tsumetai mono o tabe gachi de, yoku onaka o kowasu.
- When it's hot, I tend to eat cold things and often end up with an upset stomach.
Deep Dive
1. Verb ます-form + がちだ
When 「がちだ」 is attached to the ます-form of a verb, it indicates that a certain behavior is prone to happen or occurs frequently. This usage often carries a negative connotation, emphasizing the repetition and adverse effects of the behavior.
忙 しくなると、食事を抜きがちだ。- Isogashiku naru to, shokuji o nuki gachi da.
- When I get busy, I tend to skip meals.
彼 は会議に遅れがちだ。- Kare wa kaigi ni okure gachi da.
- He often arrives late to meetings.
2. Noun + がちだ
When 「がちだ」 is attached to a noun, it indicates that a certain state is prone to happen or occurs frequently. This usage often carries a negative connotation, emphasizing the repetition and adverse effects of the state.
彼女 は病気がちで、よく休 みがちだ。- Kanojo wa byouki gachi de, yoku yasumi gachi da.
- She is often sick and frequently takes time off.
この 地域 は雨がちで、よく洪水 になる。- Kono chiiki wa ame gachi de, yaku kouzui ni naru.
- This area often gets rain and is prone to flooding.
Real-Life Scenarios
In everyday conversations and writing, 「〜がちだ」 is often used to describe negative behaviors or states that occur frequently. For example:
私 は人 の名前 を忘れがちです。- Watashi wa hito no namae o wasure gachi desu.
- I tend to forget people's names.
最近 、仕事 が忙 しくて、体調を崩しがちだ。- Saikin, shigoto ga isogashikute, taichou o kowashi gachi da.
- Lately, I've been busy with work and often feel unwell.
Summary
「〜がちだ」 is a highly practical Japanese grammar point used to describe negative behaviors or states that occur frequently. Mastering this structure allows for more accurate and vivid expression of tendencies, making your Japanese more natural and nuanced.