At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '傾向' (keikou) yourself. It is a bit too difficult for beginners. Instead, you would use simple words like 'yoku' (often) or 'taitei' (usually) to talk about things you do a lot. For example, instead of saying 'I have a tendency to drink coffee,' you would say 'I often drink coffee' (yoku koohii o nomimasu). However, it is good to know that 'keikou' means 'a pattern.' If you see it in a simple sentence, just think of it as 'usually happens this way.' You might see it on very simple charts or news for kids. At this stage, focus on basic verbs and adjectives before worrying about this analytical word.
At the A2 level, you might start seeing '傾向' (keikou) in simple reading materials or news summaries. You should recognize it as meaning 'tendency' or 'trend.' You can start using the basic pattern '[Verb] + koto ga ooi' (there are many times when...) to express a similar idea. If you want to try using 'keikou,' remember the simple phrase 'keikou ga aru' (there is a tendency). For example, 'Fuyu wa kaze o hiku keikou ga aru' (In winter, there is a tendency to catch a cold). It helps you sound a little more observant than just saying 'often.' Focus on recognizing the kanji: 傾 (leaning) and 向 (direction).
At the B1 level, '傾向' (keikou) becomes a very useful word for expressing your opinions more clearly. Instead of making broad generalizations, you can use 'keikou ga aru' to show that you are observing a pattern. This is very common in the JLPT N3 level. You should be able to use it to describe your own habits or general social facts. For example, 'Saikin no hito wa amari hon o yomanai keikou ga aru' (People lately have a tendency not to read books much). You will also hear this word in weather reports or simple business news. It's a great 'bridge' word that moves you from basic Japanese to more academic or professional Japanese.
At the B2 level (the target level for this word), you are expected to use '傾向' (keikou) fluently in both speaking and writing. You should use it to analyze data, discuss social issues, and describe complex personality traits. You should be familiar with related expressions like 'joushou keikou' (upward trend) and 'keikou ni aru' (to be in a trend of). At this level, you use 'keikou' to sound objective and professional. For example, in a business presentation, you might say, 'Uriage wa kaifuku keikou ni arimasu' (Sales are in a recovery trend). You should also be able to distinguish 'keikou' from similar words like 'doukou' (movements) or 'shukan' (habits).
At the C1 level, you use '傾向' (keikou) with nuance and precision. You can discuss the 'shutsudai keikou' (pattern of questions) in high-level exams or the 'shouhi keikou' (consumer trends) in complex economic markets. You will use it in combination with advanced vocabulary to create sophisticated arguments. For instance, you might discuss how 'the tendency toward individualism is impacting traditional family structures.' You should also recognize the word in high-level literature and editorials where it might be used metaphorically. Your use of 'keikou' should be seamless, appearing in the correct register depending on whether you are writing a formal report or having a deep philosophical discussion.
At the C2 level, '傾向' (keikou) is a basic tool in your vast vocabulary. You use it effortlessly to describe subtle shifts in thought, complex scientific phenomena, or historical tides. You might use it to critique a 'keikou' (inclination) in modern literature or to analyze the 'keikou' of a specific political ideology over decades. You understand the deep etymological roots of the kanji and can use the word in highly specialized contexts, such as statistical theory or advanced psychology. At this level, you also know when *not* to use it, opting for even more specific terms like 'suusei' (tide) or 'kin-ou' (function) when the context demands even greater precision.

傾向 30秒了解

  • Keikou means 'tendency' or 'trend' and is used for patterns in behavior, society, or data.
  • It is commonly used in the pattern 'Verb + keikou ga aru' (have a tendency to...).
  • It is more formal and analytical than 'shukan' (habit) or 'ryukou' (fad).
  • Essential for JLPT N3/N2 levels and professional communication in Japanese.

The Japanese word 傾向 (けいこう - keikou) is a sophisticated noun that translates primarily as 'tendency,' 'trend,' or 'inclination.' At its core, it describes a pattern where things are moving in a specific direction or a predisposition for a certain outcome to occur. Unlike simple habits, keikou often implies a broader, more analytical observation of behavior or data. It is composed of two kanji: (kei), meaning to lean, incline, or tilt, and (kou), meaning direction or to face. Together, they literally paint a picture of 'leaning in a certain direction.'

Statistical Context
In data analysis, it refers to a trend line or a consistent movement in variables, such as 'an upward trend in prices' (物価の上昇傾向).
Psychological Context
It describes a person's natural predisposition or personality traits, such as 'a tendency to worry' (心配しすぎる傾向).
Social Context
It captures shifts in societal values or behaviors, like 'the trend of late marriage' (晩婚化の傾向).

最近の若者は、安定した職業を求める傾向が強い。 (Young people these days have a strong tendency to seek stable professions.)

— Example of social observation

Understanding 傾向 requires recognizing that it is not a definitive rule but a probabilistic observation. If someone says there is a 'tendency,' they are acknowledging that while exceptions exist, the general movement or likelihood points toward a specific result. This makes it an essential word for academic writing, business reporting, and nuanced daily conversation. For instance, in a business meeting, you wouldn't just say 'sales are up'; you would say 'sales are showing an upward trend' (売上は増加傾向にある) to sound more professional and analytical.

この病気は、冬に流行する傾向があります。 (This disease has a tendency to spread in winter.)

円安の傾向が続いています。 (The trend of the weak yen is continuing.)

Grammatical Usage
Commonly used as [Verb Dictionary Form] + 傾向がある or [Noun] + の傾向.

彼は何でも一人で抱え込む傾向がある。 (He has a tendency to take everything on himself.)

試験の出題傾向を分析する。 (Analyze the tendency/pattern of questions appearing in the exam.)

Using 傾向 (けいこう) correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement and the formal tone it carries. It is most frequently paired with the verb ある (aru - to exist/to have) to state that a tendency exists. The structure is typically [Phrase/Noun] + 傾向がある. This allows you to describe general patterns without making absolute claims, which is a hallmark of polite and professional Japanese communication.

1. Describing Personal Habits or Traits

When describing a person's personality or recurring behavior, keikou adds an analytical layer. Instead of saying 'He is lazy,' you might say 'He has a tendency to be lazy' to sound more objective. For example: 「彼は仕事を後回しにする傾向がある」 (He has a tendency to procrastinate on his work). This phrasing is softer and more descriptive than a direct character judgment.

2. Analyzing Trends and Statistics

In business and academic settings, keikou is indispensable. It is often combined with directional nouns like 上昇 (joushou - rise), 低下 (teika - fall), or 減少 (genshou - decrease). A common compound is 〜傾向にある (keikou ni aru), which means 'to be in a trend of...'. Example: 「出生率は低下傾向にある」 (The birth rate is in a downward trend).

3. Identifying Patterns in Data

When preparing for exams or analyzing market data, you talk about 出題傾向 (shutsudai keikou - exam question patterns) or 消費傾向 (shouhi keikou - consumption trends). Here, keikou functions almost like a suffix, defining the specific type of pattern being discussed.

Common Grammatical Patterns:

  • [Dictionary Verb] + 傾向がある: Tend to [verb].
  • [Noun] + の傾向がある: Have a tendency of [noun].
  • [Noun] + 傾向にある: To be in a trend of [noun].
  • [Noun] + 傾向が強い/弱い: Strong/weak tendency.

One important stylistic note: keikou is rarely used for positive personal habits like 'I have a tendency to exercise every day.' For those, 習慣 (shukan) or 心がけている (kokoro-gakete iru) is better. Keikou is best reserved for neutral observations, negative traits, or large-scale phenomena.

You will encounter 傾向 in various professional and academic environments. It is a 'high-frequency' word in media and formal reporting. Here are the primary domains where you will hear it used most often:

1. News and Economic Reports

News anchors and economists use keikou to describe market shifts. Phrases like 「株価は回復傾向にあります」 (Stock prices are in a recovery trend) or 「円安傾向が続いています」 (The trend of the weak yen continues) are staples of daily financial news. It provides a sense of continuity and pattern rather than just a single data point.

2. Academic Lectures and Research

In university settings, professors use keikou to discuss sociological shifts or scientific data. A psychology professor might discuss 「集団心理の傾向」 (tendencies in group psychology), while a scientist might refer to the 「温暖化の傾向」 (trend of global warming). It is the standard word for 'trend' in any research context.

3. Business Meetings and Strategy

In a corporate environment, keikou is used to analyze customer behavior. 「顧客のニーズは多様化する傾向にあります」 (Customer needs are tending toward diversification). Managers use it to justify strategic decisions based on observed patterns in the market or employee performance.

4. Medical and Health Advice

Doctors use keikou to describe symptoms or predispositions. 「血圧が高くなる傾向があります」 (You have a tendency for high blood pressure). It sounds more professional and less alarming than saying 'Your blood pressure is high,' as it suggests a pattern to be monitored.

TV News

Used for weather trends, economic shifts, and social surveys.

Office / Work

Used in reports, performance reviews, and market analysis.

Education

Used when discussing exam patterns or student behavior.

Daily Life

Used when talking about personality traits or general habits.

If you are reading a Japanese newspaper like the Nikkei or watching NHK News, you will likely see or hear keikou multiple times in a single segment. It is the go-to word for making sense of the world's movements.

While 傾向 (けいこう) is a versatile word, learners often confuse it with other similar-sounding or similar-meaning terms. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Japanese sound much more natural.

1. Confusing 'Keikou' with 'Shukan' (習慣)

This is the most common error. 習慣 (shukan) means a 'habit'—something a person does intentionally and regularly (like brushing teeth). 傾向 (keikou) is a 'tendency'—an underlying pattern or inclination that might not be a conscious choice.
❌ Incorrect: 毎日ジョギングする傾向がある (I have a tendency to jog every day).
✅ Correct: 毎日ジョギングする習慣がある (I have a habit of jogging every day).

2. Confusing 'Keikou' with 'Ryukou' (流行)

流行 (ryukou) refers to a 'fad' or 'fashion'—something that is popular right now. 傾向 (keikou) is a 'trend' in a more analytical or statistical sense.
❌ Incorrect: 今、この服が傾向です (This clothing is the tendency now).
✅ Correct: 今、この服が流行っています (This clothing is in fashion now).

3. Using 'Keikou' for Definite Facts

Keikou implies a pattern or likelihood, not a 100% certainty. If something is a hard fact, don't use keikou.
❌ Incorrect: 太陽は東から昇る傾向がある (The sun has a tendency to rise in the east).
✅ Correct: 太陽は東から昇る (The sun rises in the east).

Quick Check:

If you can replace the word with 'often' or 'usually' and it refers to a broad pattern, use 傾向. If it's a specific personal routine, use 習慣. If it's about being popular, use 流行.

4. Overusing 'Keikou ga aru'

While keikou ga aru is common, using it in every sentence can make you sound indecisive. In formal writing, vary your expressions with 〜傾向が見られる (a tendency is observed) or 〜傾向が強まっている (the tendency is strengthening).

To truly master 傾向, you should understand how it relates to its synonyms and near-synonyms. Each has a slightly different flavor and use case.

動向 (どうこう - Doukou)
Meaning: Movement, trend, or developments.
Difference: 'Doukou' is more active. It's used for the 'movements' of a market or the 'developments' of a political situation. While 'keikou' is a static pattern, 'doukou' is the dynamic movement.
趨勢 (すうせい - Suusei)
Meaning: General trend, tide, or drift.
Difference: This is a very formal, literary word. It describes large-scale historical or global shifts (e.g., 'the tide of the times'). You wouldn't use this for personal habits.
性質 (せいしつ - Seishitsu)
Meaning: Nature, character, or property.
Difference: 'Seishitsu' refers to an inherent quality of a person or object. 'Keikou' is how that nature manifests as a pattern of behavior.
トレンド (Torendo)
Meaning: Trend (loanword).
Difference: Usually used for fashion, social media trends, or modern business buzzwords. It feels more casual and 'current' than the analytical 'keikou'.

Synonym Comparison Table:

WordBest For...Tone
傾向General patterns/statsFormal/Neutral
動向Market/Political movesProfessional
趨勢Global/Historical tidesVery Formal
トレンドFashion/Social mediaCasual/Modern

By choosing the right word, you can convey exactly whether you are talking about a statistical pattern (keikou), a dynamic shift (doukou), or a passing fad (torendo).

How Formal Is It?

难度评级

需要掌握的语法

〜がち (Tending to - often negative)

〜っぽい (-ish / like)

〜め (Slightly / -ish)

〜気味 (A touch of)

〜つつある (In the process of)

按水平分级的例句

1

冬は、かぜをひく傾向があります。

In winter, there is a tendency to catch a cold.

Noun + 傾向がある

2

このテストは、漢字が多い傾向です。

This test has a tendency to have many kanji.

Simple noun usage

3

日本人は、お辞儀をする傾向があります。

Japanese people have a tendency to bow.

Describing a general pattern

4

猫は、夜に動く傾向があります。

Cats have a tendency to move at night.

Animal behavior

5

最近は、雨が多い傾向にあります。

Lately, there is a trend of a lot of rain.

傾向にある (to be in a trend)

6

彼は、よく食べる傾向があります。

He has a tendency to eat a lot.

Personal tendency

7

この店は、いつも混む傾向があります。

This shop has a tendency to always be crowded.

Place characteristic

8

子供は、甘いものが好きな傾向があります。

Children have a tendency to like sweet things.

General preference

1

最近の若者は、お酒を飲まない傾向があります。

Young people lately have a tendency not to drink alcohol.

Verb (negative) + 傾向がある

2

物価が上がる傾向にあります。

Prices are in a trend of rising.

Economic trend

3

彼女は、考えすぎる傾向があります。

She has a tendency to overthink.

Psychological trait

4

この地域は、夏に暑くなる傾向が強いです。

This region has a strong tendency to get hot in summer.

傾向が強い (strong tendency)

5

新しいゲームは、難しくなる傾向があります。

New games have a tendency to become difficult.

General trend in products

6

日曜日は、道が混む傾向にあります。

On Sundays, roads tend to be crowded.

Time-based pattern

7

彼は、嘘をつく傾向があるから気をつけて。

Be careful, because he has a tendency to tell lies.

Warning about character

8

この花は、日光を好む傾向があります。

This flower has a tendency to prefer sunlight.

Biological tendency

1

最近、共働きの家庭が増える傾向にあります。

Recently, there is a trend of dual-income households increasing.

Social trend

2

彼は失敗すると、すぐに諦める傾向がある。

He has a tendency to give up immediately when he fails.

Behavioral pattern

3

今年の冬は、例年より暖かい傾向が見られます。

This winter, a trend of being warmer than usual is seen.

傾向が見られる (a trend is observed)

4

インターネットの普及により、テレビを見る時間が減る傾向にある。

Due to the spread of the internet, the time spent watching TV tends to decrease.

Cause and effect trend

5

この作家の作品は、悲しい結末になる傾向が強い。

This author's works have a strong tendency to have sad endings.

Artistic style

6

都会では、隣人と交流しない傾向が強まっている。

In cities, the tendency not to interact with neighbors is strengthening.

傾向が強まっている (tendency is strengthening)

7

健康志向の高まりで、野菜を多く摂る傾向がある。

With rising health consciousness, there is a tendency to consume more vegetables.

Reason for a trend

8

試験では、過去問と似た問題が出る傾向があります。

In exams, there is a tendency for questions similar to past ones to appear.

Academic pattern

1

景気は緩やかに回復傾向にありますが、予断を許しません。

The economy is in a gradual recovery trend, but we cannot be complacent.

Formal business report style

2

現代社会では、情報の真偽を確かめずに拡散する傾向が顕著だ。

In modern society, the tendency to spread information without verifying its truth is prominent.

傾向が顕著だ (tendency is prominent)

3

このデータからは、若者の消費傾向の変化が読み取れます。

From this data, we can read the changes in young people's consumption trends.

消費傾向 (consumption trend)

4

彼はストレスが溜まると、衝動買いをする傾向がある。

He has a tendency to go on impulsive shopping sprees when stressed.

Psychological coping mechanism

5

少子高齢化の影響で、労働人口は減少傾向を辿っている。

Due to the declining birthrate and aging population, the working population is following a downward trend.

減少傾向を辿る (to follow a downward trend)

6

欧米諸国と比較して、日本は貯蓄を重視する傾向が根強い。

Compared to Western countries, Japan has a deep-rooted tendency to value savings.

傾向が根強い (tendency is deep-rooted)

7

新製品の売れ行きは、発売直後にピークを迎える傾向がある。

Sales of new products tend to peak immediately after release.

Market behavior

8

政治への無関心が、投票率の低下傾向に拍車をかけている。

Indifference to politics is accelerating the downward trend in voter turnout.

Social analysis

1

グローバル化の進展に伴い、文化の均質化が進む傾向が危惧されている。

With the progress of globalization, there are concerns about the trend toward cultural homogenization.

Advanced social critique

2

その学説は、人間の行動を遺伝的要因に帰結させる傾向が強すぎる。

That theory has too strong a tendency to attribute human behavior solely to genetic factors.

Academic criticism

3

近年の文学界では、内省的な独白を多用する傾向が散見される。

In the literary world of recent years, the tendency to frequently use introspective monologues is seen here and there.

傾向が散見される (tendency is seen here and there)

4

市場の動向を注視すると、投資家がリスクを回避する傾向が鮮明になった。

Closely observing market movements, the investors' tendency to avoid risk became clear.

傾向が鮮明になる (tendency becomes clear)

5

教育格差が固定化する傾向は、社会の流動性を阻害する要因となる。

The tendency for educational disparities to become fixed becomes a factor that hinders social mobility.

Complex societal analysis

6

心理学的な観点から、自己肯定感の低い人は他者を攻撃する傾向が指摘されている。

From a psychological perspective, it is pointed out that people with low self-esteem tend to attack others.

傾向が指摘されている (tendency is pointed out)

7

都市開発において、歴史的建造物を保存するよりも再開発を優先する傾向が続いてきた。

In urban development, the tendency to prioritize redevelopment over preserving historical buildings has continued.

Historical/Urban trend

8

彼の発言には、事実を誇張して伝える傾向が多分に含まれている。

His statements contain a significant tendency to exaggerate the facts.

傾向が多分に含まれる (contains much tendency)

1

ポストモダニズムの思潮は、絶対的な真理を否定し、相対化する傾向を加速させた。

Postmodernist thought accelerated the tendency to deny absolute truths and relativize them.

Philosophical discourse

2

マクロ経済の視点に立てば、過度な緊縮財政はデフレ傾向を固定化させかねない。

From a macroeconomic perspective, excessive fiscal austerity could potentially fix a deflationary trend.

Economic theory

3

その法案の修正案には、中央政府の権限を強化しようとする意図的な傾向が読み取れる。

In the proposed amendment to the bill, an intentional tendency to strengthen the central government's authority can be discerned.

Political legal analysis

4

科学的探究において、既存のパラダイムに固執する傾向は、革新的な発見を遅らせる。

In scientific inquiry, the tendency to cling to existing paradigms delays innovative discoveries.

Epistemological observation

5

言語の変遷を辿ると、複雑な文法体系が簡略化される傾向は普遍的であると言える。

Tracing the evolution of language, the tendency for complex grammatical systems to be simplified can be said to be universal.

Linguistic evolution

6

地政学的な緊張の高まりは、諸国が軍備を拡張する傾向を助長している。

Rising geopolitical tensions are encouraging the tendency of nations to expand their armaments.

Geopolitical analysis

7

情報過多の時代において、人々は自分の信じたい情報のみを選択的に受容する傾向が先鋭化している。

In an era of information overload, the tendency for people to selectively accept only the information they want to believe is becoming more acute.

傾向が先鋭化している (tendency is becoming acute/sharpened)

8

芸術作品の評価が市場価値に還元される傾向は、文化の多様性を損なう恐れがある。

The tendency for the evaluation of artworks to be reduced to market value poses a risk of damaging cultural diversity.

Cultural critique

近义词

動向 風潮 潮流 性質 性向

反义词

逆行 特異

常见搭配

上昇傾向 (じょうしょうけいこう) - Upward trend
減少傾向 (げんしょうけいこう) - Downward trend
消費傾向 (しょうひけいこう) - Consumption trend
出題傾向 (しゅつだいけいこう) - Exam pattern
傾向がある (けいこうがある) - Have a tendency
傾向に見られる (けいこうにみられる) - Seen in the trend
傾向が強い (けいこうがつよい) - Strong tendency
傾向が顕著だ (けいこうがけんちょだ) - Prominent tendency
傾向を分析する (けいこうをぶんせきする) - Analyze a trend
傾向を辿る (けいこうをたどる) - Follow a trend

常用短语

〜する傾向がある
上昇傾向にある
右肩上がりの傾向
時代の傾向
最近の傾向として
〜という傾向が見られる
一般的な傾向
顕著な傾向
逆の傾向
同様の傾向

容易混淆的词

傾向 vs 習慣 (shukan)

傾向 vs 流行 (ryukou)

傾向 vs 癖 (kuse)

容易混淆

傾向 vs

傾向 vs

傾向 vs

傾向 vs

傾向 vs

句型

如何使用

nuance

Objective and analytical.

antonym usage

To express the opposite, use 'fubun' (unchanging) or 'reigai' (exception).

collocation note

Often paired with 'joushou' (rise) or 'teika' (fall).

常见错误
  • Using it for fixed facts (e.g., the sun rising).
  • Confusing it with personal habits (shukan).
  • Using it for short-term fads (ryukou).
  • Using the wrong verb form before it.
  • Using it for positive personal achievements (use 'shukan' instead).

小贴士

Softening Opinions

Use 'keikou ga aru' to make your opinions sound less like a personal attack and more like an objective observation.

Verb Form

Always use the dictionary form of a verb before 'keikou ga aru'. Never use the -masu form.

Business Japanese

Memorize 'joushou keikou' (upward) and 'genshou keikou' (downward) for any business presentation.

Kanji Tip

The first kanji 傾 is also in 'katamuku' (to lean). Think of a graph leaning up or down.

News Keywords

When you hear 'keikou', the speaker is about to summarize a pattern or a result of a survey.

Essay Writing

In essays, use 'keikou ga mirareru' (a tendency is seen) to sound more academic.

Politeness

Japanese people use 'keikou' to avoid being too certain, which is considered polite and humble.

JLPT Tip

This word often appears in the reading section when the author is analyzing a social phenomenon.

Self-Description

Use it when talking about your personality: 'Watashi wa shinpai-shousugi-ru keikou ga arimasu' (I tend to worry too much).

Pattern Recognition

Think of 'keikou' as the 'average' or 'most likely' path things take.

记住它

词源

Literally 'leaning in a direction.' It implies a movement away from the center or the norm toward a specific point.

文化背景

Used to discuss sensitive topics like 'Hikikomori' or 'Parasite Singles' as social trends.

A staple word in 'Ronbun' (theses) and research papers.

Used in 'Hou-Ren-So' (Report-Inform-Consult) to provide objective data analysis.

在生活中练习

真实语境

对话开场白

"最近の若者のファッションの傾向についてどう思いますか?"

"あなたの国では、どんな仕事が人気になる傾向がありますか?"

"最近、物価が上がる傾向にありますが、生活に影響はありますか?"

"自分にはどんな性格の傾向があると思いますか?"

"この冬の天気の傾向はどうなりそうですか?"

日记主题

最近の自分の生活習慣の傾向について書いてください。

あなたの国の経済の傾向について分析してください。

SNSの普及が人々のコミュニケーションの傾向をどう変えたか考えてください。

自分がストレスを感じた時の行動の傾向を記述してください。

将来、どのような技術が流行する傾向にあるか予想してください。

常见问题

10 个问题

It is neutral to formal. You can use it in casual speech, but it sounds slightly analytical. In very casual talk, people might just say 'yoku ... suru' (often do ...).

Yes, but it's more common for neutral or negative patterns. For positive personal habits, 'shukan' is better.

'Keikou ga aru' means 'has a tendency' (often for people or general facts). 'Keikou ni aru' means 'is in a trend' (often for statistics or ongoing shifts).

It is typically introduced at N3 but used extensively in N2 and N1 level materials.

No, it is a noun. You must use it with 'aru', 'suru' (in some compounds), or other verbs.

It refers to the pattern of questions that appear on an exam (e.g., 'The JLPT has a tendency to ask many grammar questions').

You say 'joushou keikou' (上昇傾向).

Yes, for example, 'This summer has a tendency to be rainy' (Kotoshi no natsu wa ame ga ooi keikou ga aru).

'Torendo' is usually for fashion or social media. 'Keikou' is for data and behavior.

There isn't a single direct opposite, but 'reigai' (exception) or 'fubun' (unchanging) are often used in contrast.

自我测试 180 个问题

/ 180 correct

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