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B1 noun, verb #1,500 most common 8 min read

倾向

qingxiang Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 倾向 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 倾向 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '倾向' (qīngxiàng) is a bit advanced, but you can think of it as a fancy way to say 'I like this one more' or 'I usually do this.' Imagine you have two apples, a red one and a green one. If you usually pick the red one, you have a '倾向' (tendency) for red apples. It's like a 'leaning' towards something. In very simple Chinese, we usually just say '喜欢' (like), but '倾向' is what you use when you want to sound a little more grown-up. You might hear it when someone asks which game you want to play or which food you want to eat. Just remember: it means you are 'leaning' to one side. It's not a big word to be scared of! You can use it to tell your teacher which homework you prefer to do first. Even at this level, knowing that '倾向' means 'leaning' helps you understand that not everything is a simple 'yes' or 'no.' Sometimes we are just leaning towards a 'yes.'

For A2 learners, '倾向' starts to appear in more structured sentences. You might use it to describe your habits or simple preferences. For example, '我倾向于喝茶' (I tend to drink tea). This is slightly different from '我喜欢喝茶' (I like drinking tea) because it suggests that when given a choice, you usually pick tea. It describes a pattern. You will also see it in simple descriptions of people, like '他有运动倾向' (He has a tendency toward sports). At this level, you should focus on the basic structure: [Subject] + 倾向于 + [Action]. It's a great way to move beyond basic verbs and start describing your personality and routine more accurately. You might also see it in simple news headlines about what people are buying or where they are going for vacation. It's a 'trend' word. If everyone is going to the beach, there is a '倾向' to go to the beach. It's a very useful word for talking about groups of people and what they usually do.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use '倾向' (qīngxiàng) to express nuanced opinions and analyze situations. This is the level where you distinguish between a noun ('一种倾向' - a tendency) and a verb ('倾向于' - to be inclined to). You should use it in debates to show that you are leaning toward one side of an argument without being 100% certain. For example, '我倾向于同意他的观点，但我也有些担心' (I am inclined to agree with his view, but I also have some concerns). This shows a high level of critical thinking. You will also encounter it in more formal texts, such as psychological descriptions or social analysis. You might read about '消费倾向' (spending tendencies) in an article about the economy. Understanding '倾向' at this level allows you to participate in more complex conversations about society, politics, and personal development. It's no longer just about 'liking' something; it's about identifying patterns and biases in yourself and others.

At the B2 level, '倾向' becomes a tool for sophisticated analysis. You should be able to use it to describe complex ideological leanings and subtle biases in literature or media. For instance, you might analyze a news report and say, '这篇文章有明显的政治倾向' (This article has a clear political bias). You will also start to distinguish '倾向' from similar words like '趋向' (trend/direction) and '趋势' (general trend). B2 learners use '倾向' to discuss abstract concepts like '审美倾向' (aesthetic preferences) or '价值倾向' (value orientations). You should be comfortable using it in written essays to describe the results of a survey or the behavior of a specific demographic. It's also used to describe potential risks, such as '犯罪倾向' (criminal tendencies) or '自杀倾向' (suicidal tendencies), in a professional or academic context. At this stage, your use of the word should reflect an understanding of its weight and the formal tone it carries.

For C1 learners, '倾向' (qīngxiàng) is used to navigate the nuances of academic discourse and professional critique. You will use it to discuss the 'leaning' of entire historical movements or philosophical schools. For example, '这种哲学思想倾向于唯心主义' (This philosophical thought leans toward idealism). You will also use it to describe the subtle 'bent' of a person's character or a company's strategy. In high-level business meetings, you might talk about '市场倾向' (market inclinations) to describe subtle shifts that aren't yet full '趋势' (trends). You should be able to use the word in complex sentence structures, incorporating it into formal reports and presentations. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are analyzing the '倾向' of others' arguments to find flaws or biases. It becomes a key term in your critical thinking toolkit, allowing you to describe the underlying forces that shape human behavior and social structures with precision and elegance.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '倾向' (qīngxiàng) is absolute. You use it to describe the most subtle and profound leanings in human thought and social evolution. You might use it in a doctoral thesis to discuss the '倾向性' (tendency/bias) of a particular data set or the '倾向' of a literary era. You understand the historical evolution of the word and can use it in classical-style formal Chinese (书面语) with ease. You can distinguish between the most minute differences in meaning when '倾向' is used in legal, medical, or political contexts. For a C2 speaker, '倾向' is not just a word but a concept used to deconstruct reality. You might discuss the '倾向' of a civilization or the '倾向' of the human species toward certain evolutionary paths. Your usage is characterized by perfect collocation, appropriate register, and a deep understanding of the word's psychological and sociological implications. It is a seamless part of your high-level vocabulary, used to express the most complex ideas with clarity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

倾向 in 30 Seconds

倾向 (qīngxiàng) means 'tendency' or 'inclination.'
It can be used as a noun (a bias) or a verb (to lean toward).
Commonly used in formal contexts like news, psychology, and debates.
The structure '倾向于' is essential for expressing preferences.

The term 倾向 (qīngxiàng) is a versatile Chinese word that functions as both a noun and a verb, primarily describing a lean, a bias, or a predisposition toward a specific direction, idea, or behavior. At its etymological root, '倾' (qīng) means to lean, tilt, or collapse, while '向' (xiàng) signifies direction or orientation. Together, they create a vivid image of something not standing perfectly upright but instead gravitating toward one side. In modern usage, this physical leaning is almost entirely metaphorical, representing psychological preferences, social trends, or political biases.

As a Noun: It refers to a 'tendency' or 'inclination.' For example, '消费倾向' (consumption tendency) or '自杀倾向' (suicidal tendencies). It suggests a pattern of behavior that is likely to continue or a bias that influences judgment.

这种政策有明显的保护主义倾向。 (This policy has a clear protectionist tendency.)

As a Verb: It is frequently followed by the particle '于' (yú) to mean 'to be inclined toward' or 'to favor.' For instance, '我倾向于支持他的提议' (I am inclined to support his proposal). It indicates a soft preference rather than a hard, unchangeable decision.

In academic and formal contexts, 倾向 is used to analyze data and social movements. It is less about a momentary 'like' (喜欢) and more about a deep-seated 'disposition' (性情) or a 'trend' (趋势). When you use 倾向, you are often looking at the 'why' behind a choice—the underlying force that pushes an individual or a group toward a specific outcome. It is a word of nuance, allowing speakers to express probability and bias without sounding overly definitive or aggressive.

年轻人有推迟结婚的倾向。 (Young people have a tendency to delay marriage.)

Furthermore, 倾向 can carry a neutral, positive, or negative connotation depending on the context. In a medical or psychological context, it might describe a 'predisposition' to a disease. In a political context, it might describe a 'leaning' toward a certain ideology. The word is essential for B1 learners because it bridges the gap between simple preferences and complex societal observations.

Using 倾向 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. It can act as a predicate (verb) or an object/subject (noun). The most common structure for the verb form is 倾向于 + [Action/Noun]. This structure is used to express a preference that isn't yet a final decision.

Structure 1: Verb + Preposition: [Subject] + 倾向于 + [Option A]. This implies that while Option B exists, the subject finds Option A more appealing or likely. Example: '我倾向于在家工作' (I tend to prefer working from home).

在两个方案中，经理更倾向于第一个。 (Between the two plans, the manager is more inclined toward the first one.)

Structure 2: Noun Phrase: [Adjective/Noun] + 倾向. This is used to describe a general trend or a specific bias. Example: '暴力倾向' (violent tendencies) or '艺术倾向' (artistic inclination).

In formal writing, 倾向 is often used to describe statistical data or social phenomena. You might see it in news reports discussing '市场倾向' (market trends) or '选民倾向' (voter leanings). It is a 'softer' word than '决定' (decide) or '主张' (advocate), making it perfect for expressing nuanced views in a debate. For example, instead of saying 'He is a socialist,' one might say 'He has socialist leanings' (他有社会主义倾向) to be more descriptive of his general outlook rather than a strict label.

这种艺术风格有回归自然的倾向。 (This art style has a tendency to return to nature.)

When comparing 倾向 with 趋向 (qūxiàng), remember that 倾向 is more about the internal 'bias' or 'inclination,' whereas 趋向 is more about the external 'direction' or 'trend' of a process. If a person is leaning toward a choice, use 倾向. If a situation is moving toward a result, use 趋向. Mastering this distinction will significantly elevate your Chinese proficiency from B1 to B2.

You will encounter 倾向 in a variety of settings, ranging from professional environments to psychological assessments. It is a staple of 'Standard Mandarin' (普通话) and is frequently used in news broadcasts, academic lectures, and corporate meetings. Because it deals with probabilities and trends, it is the language of analysis.

In the News: Journalists use it to describe shifts in public opinion or economic movements. '选民的投票倾向正在发生变化' (Voters' voting inclinations are changing). It provides a way to report on possibilities without making definitive claims.

专家指出，目前的经济倾向于通货紧缩。 (Experts point out that the current economic tendency is toward deflation.)

In Psychology and Medicine: Doctors and therapists use it to describe predispositions. '抑郁倾向' (depressive tendencies) or '遗传倾向' (genetic predisposition). Here, it serves as a clinical term to describe a likelihood of a condition developing.

In daily conversation, you might hear it during a debate about movies, food, or travel. If a group is deciding where to eat, someone might say, '我个人倾向于吃川菜' (I personally lean toward eating Sichuan food). This sounds more considered and slightly more formal than just saying '我想吃' (I want to eat). It implies that you have weighed the options and have a reasoned preference.

面试官想了解你的职业倾向。 (The interviewer wants to understand your career inclinations.)

Lastly, in literature and film criticism, 倾向 is used to describe the 'bent' or 'message' of a work. A book might have a 'feminist tendency' (女性主义倾向) or a 'romanticist tendency' (浪漫主义倾向). It helps critics categorize works based on their underlying themes and the author's apparent bias.

While 倾向 is a common word, learners often struggle with its collocation and its distinction from similar-sounding words. The most frequent error is treating it exactly like 'like' (喜欢) or 'want' (想), which ignores its nuance of 'leaning' or 'trend.'

Mistake 1: Misusing '于' (yú): Many learners forget that when '倾向' is used as a verb, it almost always requires '于' before the object. Saying '我倾向这个方案' is grammatically incomplete; it should be '我倾向于这个方案.'

Incorrect: 他倾向出国留学。
Correct: 他倾向于出国留学。

Mistake 2: Confusing with '趋势' (qūshì): '趋势' means 'trend' in a broad, objective sense (like market trends). '倾向' is more about an internal leaning or a specific bias. You wouldn't say a person has a '趋势' to be angry; you'd say they have a '倾向' (tendency) to be angry.

Another common error is using 倾向 for very simple, physical actions. You wouldn't say 'I am inclined to pick up this pen' unless you were speaking in a very strange, overly formal way. It is reserved for choices, behaviors, and ideologies. Furthermore, avoid using it for things that are 100% certain. If you have already decided to go to Beijing, don't say '我倾向于去北京'—that implies you are still just leaning that way. Use '决定' (decided) instead.

错误：价格上涨的倾向很明显。
正确：价格上涨的趋势很明显。

Finally, be careful with the word order when using it as a noun. It usually follows the descriptive noun: '暴力倾向' (violence tendency), not '倾向暴力'. Understanding these small syntactic rules will help you sound much more like a native speaker.

To truly master 倾向, you must understand how it sits within a family of related terms. Chinese has many words for 'trend,' 'leaning,' and 'preference,' and choosing the right one is key to precision.

倾向 (qīngxiàng) vs. 趋向 (qūxiàng): 倾向 is subjective and internal (inclination/bias). 趋向 is objective and external (trend/direction). You '倾向于' (lean toward) an opinion, but a situation '趋向于' (tends toward) stability.

虽然他倾向于保守，但局势正趋向于开放。 (Although he leans toward being conservative, the situation is tending toward openness.)

倾向 (qīngxiàng) vs. 趋势 (qūshì): 趋势 refers to a general direction in which something is developing or changing over time (e.g., 'economic trend'). 倾向 is more about a specific predisposition or bias.

Other similar words include 偏好 (piānhào), which means 'preference' or 'hobby' and is much more informal and personal. If you '偏好' spicy food, it's just a taste. If you have a '倾向' for spicy food, it sounds like a psychological or dietary trend. There is also 意向 (yìxiàng), which means 'intention' or 'purpose,' often used in business contexts like '合作意向' (intention to cooperate). While 倾向 is a lean, 意向 is a goal.

他的倾向是避开冲突，而他的意向是解决问题。 (His tendency is to avoid conflict, but his intention is to solve the problem.)

By distinguishing these terms, you can describe complex human behaviors and social changes with high accuracy. 倾向 remains the most useful word for describing that middle ground between a random thought and a firm decision.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

The use of '于' as a preposition.

Noun modification with '的'.

Degree adverbs like '更' and '比较'.

Examples by Level

我倾向于红色。

I lean toward red.

Simple subject + verb + object.

他倾向于在家吃饭。

He tends to eat at home.

Expressing a simple habit.

你倾向哪一个？

Which one do you lean toward?

Asking for a preference.

我们倾向于坐公共汽车。

We tend to take the bus.

Group preference.

她倾向于早起。

She tends to wake up early.

Describing a routine.

这个猫倾向于睡觉。

This cat tends to sleep.

Simple animal behavior.

我倾向于买这个。

I lean toward buying this.

Decision making.

他倾向于说中文。

He tends to speak Chinese.

Language preference.

我倾向于选择简单的衣服。

I tend to choose simple clothes.

Using '选择' (choose) with 倾向.

他有这种倾向吗？

Does he have this tendency?

Noun form in a question.

天气倾向于变冷。

The weather tends to get colder.

Describing natural trends.

我们倾向于在周末运动。

We tend to exercise on weekends.

Time-based preference.

她倾向于听轻音乐。

She tends to listen to light music.

Specific taste.

这个孩子有艺术倾向。

This child has artistic leanings.

Noun form describing potential.

我倾向于同意你的看法。

I am inclined to agree with your view.

Polite agreement.

价格倾向于上涨。

Prices tend to rise.

Simple economic observation.

我倾向于支持这个新的计划。

I am inclined to support this new plan.

Formal preference.

这种行为显示出一种危险的倾向。

This behavior shows a dangerous tendency.

Noun form with an adjective.

在两个工作中，我更倾向于前者。

Between the two jobs, I lean more toward the former.

Using '更' for emphasis.

他有过度工作的倾向。

He has a tendency to overwork.

Describing a negative habit.

目前的市场倾向于高科技产品。

The current market leans toward high-tech products.

Market analysis.

我倾向于认为这是个误会。

I am inclined to think this is a misunderstanding.

Expressing a tentative conclusion.

社会倾向于关注年轻人的需求。

Society tends to focus on the needs of young people.

Societal observation.

这种设计倾向于简约风格。

This design leans toward a minimalist style.

Aesthetic description.

这篇文章有明显的政治倾向。

This article has a clear political bias.

Identifying bias.

我们倾向于采取更保守的投资策略。

We are inclined to adopt a more conservative investment strategy.

Professional decision-making.

他表现出明显的领导倾向。

He shows clear leadership leanings.

Abstract noun usage.

这种药物有引起过敏的倾向。

This medicine has a tendency to cause allergies.

Medical context.

调查显示，选民倾向于改革。

Surveys show that voters lean toward reform.

Statistical reporting.

我倾向于把失败归结为缺乏沟通。

I am inclined to attribute the failure to a lack of communication.

Complex causal analysis.

这种文化倾向于集体主义。

This culture leans toward collectivism.

Sociological description.

他有逃避责任的倾向。

He has a tendency to avoid responsibility.

Psychological observation.

该学派的思想倾向于唯物主义。

The school of thought leans toward materialism.

Academic/Philosophical context.

这种政策倾向于保护大型企业。

This policy tends to protect large corporations.

Policy analysis.

他的写作风格倾向于意识流。

His writing style leans toward stream of consciousness.

Literary criticism.

我们必须警惕这种民粹主义倾向。

We must be wary of this populist tendency.

Political warning.

这种技术演进倾向于智能化。

This technological evolution leans toward intelligence.

Technological trend.

他倾向于从历史的角度看问题。

He is inclined to view issues from a historical perspective.

Methodological approach.

这种审美倾向反映了时代的变迁。

This aesthetic inclination reflects the changes of the times.

Cultural analysis.

研究表明，这种基因倾向于在特定环境下表达。

Research shows that this gene tends to express itself in specific environments.

Scientific precision.

其作品中蕴含着深沉的悲剧倾向。

His works contain a profound tragic tendency.

High-level literary analysis.

全球化进程中出现了逆全球化的倾向。

In the process of globalization, a counter-globalization tendency has emerged.

Complex geopolitical observation.

这种法律解释倾向于扩大行政权力。

This legal interpretation tends to expand administrative power.

Legal discourse.

人类文明似乎有一种向复杂性演化的倾向。

Human civilization seems to have a tendency to evolve toward complexity.

Philosophical/Evolutionary thought.

他的言论带有强烈的民族主义倾向。

His remarks carry a strong nationalist leaning.

Critical analysis of rhetoric.

这种市场波动显示出非理性的倾向。

This market volatility shows an irrational tendency.

Economic theory.

该研究揭示了大脑在决策时的某种倾向性。

The study reveals a certain bias in the brain during decision-making.

Scientific discovery.

这种艺术流派倾向于打破传统的空间观念。

This art movement leans toward breaking traditional concepts of space.

Advanced art theory.

Synonyms

趋势偏向意向爱好

Antonyms

背离反感

Common Collocations

政治倾向

消费倾向

艺术倾向

暴力倾向

明显的倾向

倾向于同意

倾向于保守

倾向于简单

这种倾向

个人倾向

Common Phrases

有...的倾向

表现出倾向

明显的倾向

一种倾向

职业倾向

价值倾向

审美倾向

心理倾向

社会倾向

发展倾向

Often Confused With

倾向 vs 趋势 (General trend)

倾向 vs 趋向 (Direction of movement)

倾向 vs 偏好 (Personal preference)

Idioms & Expressions

"人心所向 (Where the people's hearts lean)"

"一边倒 (Leaning to one side/total bias)"

"各有所好 (Everyone has their own preferences)"

"大势所趋 (The general trend of events)"

"偏听偏信 (Listen only to one side/bias)"

"先入为主 (First impressions bias)"

"厚此薄彼 (Favor one over the other)"

"重男轻女 (Preference for boys over girls)"

"趋炎附势 (Leaning toward the powerful)"

"随波逐流 (Go with the flow/no personal leaning)"

Easily Confused

倾向 vs 趋势

Objective trend over time.

倾向 vs 趋向

The direction something is moving.

倾向 vs 意向

A conscious intention.

倾向 vs 偏向

A stronger, often unfair bias.

倾向 vs 风气

A social atmosphere or common practice.

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

noun usage

Can be modified by adjectives like '明显', '危险', '潜在'.

verb usage

Always use '于' when followed by an object.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting '于' in '倾向于'.
Using '倾向' for physical leaning (should be '倾斜').
Confusing '倾向' with '趋势' in economic contexts.
Using it for a final, firm decision.
Incorrect word order in noun phrases.

Tips

Verb vs Noun

Remember that '倾向于' is the verb form, while '...的倾向' is the noun form.

Synonym Choice

Use '趋势' for big data and '倾向' for human choices.

Softening Opinions

Use '我倾向于认为...' to sound polite in a debate.

Formal Essays

This is a great word for writing about social issues.

Indirectness

In China, expressing a 'leaning' is often better than a hard 'no'.

News Keywords

This is a high-frequency word in Chinese news.

Visualizing

Visualize a scale tipping to one side.

Avoid '倾向' + Noun

Don't forget the '于'!

C1/C2 Usage

Try using '倾向性' to describe the bias of a text.

Choices

Use it when choosing between two similar options.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Qing (lean) + Xiang (direction) = Leaning in a direction.

Word Origin

Classical Chinese. '倾' originally meant a head leaning to one side. '向' meant a window facing north, later meaning direction.

Cultural Context

Essential for HSK 4-6 and professional exams.

Used to soften opinions.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"你倾向于哪种工作方式？"

"你觉得这个计划有什么倾向？"

"在两个城市中，你更倾向于住在哪儿？"

"你认为现在的年轻人有什么消费倾向？"

"你倾向于同意他的观点吗？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你个人的职业倾向。

描述一下你观察到的社会倾向。

你是否有某种不好的倾向？你打算怎么改变它？

分析一部电影中的思想倾向。

讨论一下你对未来科技发展的倾向性看法。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should say '我倾向于这个'. The '于' is necessary when it acts as a verb.

No, it is neutral. You can have a 'positive tendency' (积极倾向) or a 'negative tendency' (消极倾向).

'喜欢' is personal and emotional. '倾向' is more analytical and describes a leaning or pattern.

Usually no. For physical leaning, use '倾斜' (qīngxié).

It is '政治倾向' (zhèngzhì qīngxiàng).

Yes, it is more formal than '想' or '要', but it is still used in daily conversation.

Yes, to describe their behavioral patterns.

It means 'tendency' or 'bias' as an abstract quality.

Yes, it is typically found in HSK 4 or 5 (B1/B2 level).

Yes, but it usually needs a modifier, like '有明显的倾向'.