〜っぽい
-ish / tends to
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜っぽい” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜っぽい」 means "-ish / tends to". Structure: Noun/Verb stem + っぽい. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1彼は忘れっぽいので、修理をメモします。
かれ は わすれっぽい ので、しゅうり を めも します。
kare wa wasureppoi node, shuuri o memo shimasu.
He is forgetful, so he writes down the repair.
At work
Example 2彼は忘れっぽいので、資料をメモします。
かれ は わすれっぽい ので、しりょう を めも します。
kare wa wasureppoi node, shiryou o memo shimasu.
He is forgetful, so he writes down the materials.
Everyday life
Example 3彼は忘れっぽいので、機械をメモします。
かれ は わすれっぽい ので、きかい を めも します。
kare wa wasureppoi node, kikai o memo shimasu.
He is forgetful, so he writes down the machine.
Everyday life
Example 4彼は忘れっぽいので、材料をメモします。
かれ は わすれっぽい ので、ざいりょう を めも します。
kare wa wasureppoi node, zairyou o memo shimasu.
He is forgetful, so he writes down the ingredients.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 4
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
He is forgetful, so he writes down the repair.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜っぽい.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.