N3 · Structured courses

Ppoi: -Ish, Tends To

Learn っぽい for tendency or characteristic — "like, -ish, tends to." This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn っぽい for tendency or characteristic — "like, -ish, tends to."
  • Form and connection: [Noun/Verbます形] っぽい
  • Nuance in real use: This intermediate pattern adds sophistication to your Japanese.

Form and connection

[Noun/Verbます形] っぽい

Core Explanation

Learn っぽい for tendency or characteristic — "like, -ish, tends to."

Cultural Note

This intermediate pattern adds sophistication to your Japanese.

Practical examples

He has a childish side.
I've become forgetful lately.
This soup is kind of watery.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Noun/Verbます形] っぽい
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerHe has a childish side.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answerこのスープ、水みずっぽいね。 ([Noun/Verbます形] っぽい)

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