〜きらいがある: has a (bad) tendency to is a JLPT N1 grammar point. Points out an undesirable tendency, with reproach. Structure: V-dictionnaire/[Nom] の + きらいがある. This page explains the construction, gives Japanese examples with furigana readings, and links to related grammar points at this level.

〜きらいがある: has a (bad) tendency to

Structure

V-dictionnaire/[Nom] の + きらいがある

Explanation

きらいがある (written 嫌いがある but unrelated to “dislike” きらい as na-adjective) notes a regrettable habit: 悲観的に 考えるきらいがある “tends to see things pessimistically”. Formal, critical, never used for good tendencies: those take 〜傾向がある.

Examples

He has a tendency to look at things pessimistically.

This company tends to value formality too much.

Quiz preview

  • きらいがある ✓
  • おそれがない
  • ことになる
  • しだいだ

A regrettable tendency, stated critically → きらいがある.

  • きらいがある ✓
  • きらいだ
  • きらいになる
  • べきである

きらいがある ≠ the adjective きらい “disliked”: it means “tends to”.

More N1 grammar points

〜を踏まえ(たうえ)で: based on / taking … into account〜ならではの: unique to / only possible for〜や否や: as soon as / no sooner than〜を余儀なくされる: be forced to〜にひきかえ: in contrast to / unlike〜を禁じ得ない: can't help feeling〜んばかりに: as if about to〜ながらも: even while / despite〜ゆえ(に): therefore / owing to〜といえども: even (a)…〜そばから: no sooner than (again and again)

See all N1 points →