傾向

• Reading: けいこう
• Romaji: keikou
• Kanji breakdown: 傾 (kei) — lean, incline; 向 (kou) — direction, toward
• Pronunciation: /ke.i.ko.ɯ/

Meaning

Tendency; trend; inclination toward a particular direction.

A noun describing a general direction or pattern of change. Often paired with がある (to have a tendency) or が見られる (a tendency can be observed). Very common in academic writing, news reports, and data analysis.

Examples

1. 最近、物価が上がる傾向にある。 Recently, there's been a tendency for prices to rise.
2. 若者の間で読書離れの傾向が見られる。 A trend of declining interest in reading can be seen among young people.
3. 彼は何でも心配する傾向がある。 He has a tendency to worry about everything.

Usage Guide

Context: academic writing, news, data analysis

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 傾 (lean, incline) and 向 (direction, toward). Together they describe the direction something naturally leans or tends toward.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal