Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
Verbる 嫌いがある (~ru kirai ga aru)

Verbる 嫌いがある (~ru kirai ga aru)

Short explanation:

Tendency to do a negative action; have a habit of.

Formation:

Verb-dictionary form + 嫌いがある

Examples:

彼女は遅刻する嫌いがある。
Kanojo wa chikoku suru kirai ga aru.
She has a tendency to be late.
私の父はお酒を飲み過ぎる嫌いがある。
Watashi no chichi wa osake o nomisugiru kirai ga aru.
My father has a habit of drinking too much alcohol.
彼は物をすぐ忘れる嫌いがある。
Kare wa mono o sugu wasureru kirai ga aru.
He has a tendency to forget things quickly.
彼女は人の話を途中で切る嫌いがある。
Kanojo wa hito no hanashi o tochuu de kiru kirai ga aru.
She has a habit of interrupting people while they are speaking.

Long explanation:

The ~る嫌いがある grammar point is used to express a negative tendency or habit that someone has. It is often used to point out a negative habit or to criticize someone. This structure is made by attaching 嫌いがある to the verb in the dictionary form.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: Verbる 嫌いがある (~ru kirai ga aru)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verbる 嫌いがある (~ru kirai ga aru)

Verbる 嫌いがある (~るきらいがある)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point Verbる 嫌いがある (~るきらいがある). This expression is used to describe someone's tendency or inclination towards a certain behavior or action, often with a slightly negative connotation. Understanding this grammar point will help you express subtle nuances about habits and tendencies in Japanese.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

  • Meaning: Indicates that someone has a tendency or is prone to do something, usually undesirable.
  • Connotation: Often carries a subtle criticism or negative judgment about the tendency.
  • Usage: Used to describe habitual behaviors or tendencies that are not overtly negative but are somewhat undesirable.

Structure

Formation Diagram:

[Verb (Dictionary Form)] + 嫌いがある

Components:

  • Verb (Dictionary Form): The basic form of the verb.
  • 嫌いがある: Literally means "has a dislike," but in this context, it expresses "has a tendency to." Example Formation:
    Verb (Dictionary Form) + 嫌いがある Full Expression
    考える (to think) 嫌いがある 考える嫌いがある (tends to think)

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

  1. Verb (Stem) + がちだ
    • Meaning: Tends to; prone to (often unintentional and negative tendencies).
    • Example: 彼は遅刻しがちだ。(He tends to be late.)
  2. Verb (て形) + しまう
    • Meaning: Ends up doing (often with regret).
    • Example: お菓子を食べてしまった。(I ended up eating the sweets.)

Differences

  • 嫌いがある focuses on habitual tendencies with slight criticism.
  • がちだ often refers to unintentional tendencies due to circumstances.
  • てしまう expresses completion with regret or unintended outcomes.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

  1. 彼は物事を複雑に考える嫌いがある。 He has a tendency to overcomplicate things.
  2. 上司は結果よりも過程を重視する嫌いがある。 The boss tends to prioritize the process over the result.

Informal Context

  1. 彼女は人の話を聞かない嫌いがある。 She tends not to listen to others.
  2. 僕は締め切りを忘れる嫌いがある。 I tend to forget deadlines.

Written Context

  1. 現代社会は効率を追求する嫌いがある。 Modern society tends to pursue efficiency.
  2. 彼の作品は理想主義に偏る嫌いがある。 His works tend to lean towards idealism.

Spoken Context

  1. あの人は細かいことにこだわる嫌いがあるね。 That person tends to fuss over small details, doesn't he?
  2. 彼、すぐに諦める嫌いがあるよ。 He has a tendency to give up quickly.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • Politeness Level: Generally used in formal or written Japanese.
  • Social Norms: Expresses a subtle critique, so it's used carefully to avoid offending someone directly.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • "偏る嫌いがある" (かたよるきらいがある): Has a tendency to be biased.
  • "忘れがちな嫌いがある": Has a tendency to be forgetful.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  1. Using the Wrong Verb Form
    • Incorrect: 考えている嫌いがある
    • Correct: 考える嫌いがある Use the verb in its dictionary form before 嫌いがある.
  2. Misinterpreting 嫌い
    • Mistake: Thinking 嫌いがある means "has a dislike."
    • Tip: In this expression, it means "has a tendency to," not "dislike."

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Remember that 嫌いがある shifts from "dislike" to "tendency" when following a verb.
  • Observation: Notice the slight negative tone, indicating an undesirable habit.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • Meaning: Verbる 嫌いがある expresses a tendency or inclination towards an action.
  • Usage: Formed by adding 嫌いがある to the dictionary form of a verb.
  • Connotation: Often carries a subtle negative or critical tone.
  • Context: Commonly used in formal or written Japanese.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. How do you form the expression that means "has a tendency to do"?
    • Answer: [Verb (Dictionary Form)] + 嫌いがある
  2. Does Verbる 嫌いがある have a positive or negative connotation?
    • Answer: It has a slightly negative connotation.
  3. True or False: 嫌いがある can be used with the ている form of a verb.
    • Answer: False. Use the dictionary form of the verb.

By understanding and practicing this grammar point, you'll be able to express subtle critiques and observations about tendencies in Japanese, adding depth to your language skills.

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