If you’re learning Japanese, you’ve probably come across っぽい. This small but powerful word lets you describe something as “-ish,” “like,” or “seeming.” It’s casual, conversational, and perfect for giving your Japanese a natural, everyday feel.

But there’s a catch—not every noun, verb, or adjective works with っぽい. Let’s break it down carefully.

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What っぽい Means

っぽい conveys:

• “-ish” → similar to something
• “seems like” → your impression of something
• “tends to” → a characteristic or habit

It is mostly used in casual conversation to describe people, things, or tendencies.

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How to Use っぽい

1. With Nouns

Attach っぽい to nouns that describe traits, styles, or types:

Examples:

• 子こどもっぽい → childish / kid-like
• 大人おとなっぽい → adult-like / mature
• 日本にほんっぽい → Japanese-like

Sentence:

• 彼かれはまだ子こどもっぽいけど、頑張がんばってる。
  He’s still childish, but he’s trying hard.

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2. With Verbs (Masu-stem)

You can attach っぽい to the stem of certain verbs to describe a habit or tendency:

Examples:

• 忘わすれっぽい → tends to forget / forgetful
• 怒おこりっぽい → quick-tempered / easily angered

Sentence:

• 彼女かのじょは忘わすれっぽいから、メモを取とった方ほうがいい。
  She is forgetful, so it’s better to take notes.

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3. With Adjectives

Some adjectives, especially colors, flavors, and subtle impressions, can be used with っぽい:

Examples:

• 赤あかっぽい → reddish
• 白しろっぽい → whitish

Sentence:

• このシャツは青あおっぽい色いろですね。
  This shirt is bluish, isn’t it?

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Be Careful! ⚠️

っぽい is not universal. Using it with the wrong word can sound unnatural.
Tip: If you’re unsure, ask yourself: Does this word describe a trait, style, tendency, or vague quality? If not, っぽい might not be appropriate.

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Mini Practice

Try filling in the blanks using っぽい:

1. 彼かれは大人おとな______行動こうどうをしている。 → (adult-like)
2. 母ははは忘わすれ__人ひとです。 → (forgetful / tends to forget)
3. その絵えは子こども__感かんじがする。 → (child-like / childish)

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Quick Tip

Using っぽい makes your Japanese sound natural and conversational. Start spotting it in daily conversation and try using it to describe people, things, or impressions!

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