Noun / Verb (masu-stem) + がましい

[Resembling; -ish; smacking of (derogatory)]

Connection: Noun / Verb (masu-stem) + がましい (conjugates as an i-adjective)

Usage: A suffix that gives the meaning of "resembling" or "smacking of" something, with a strongly negative or derogatory nuance. Implies the quality is unwelcome or unpleasant.

Common combinations:

• 押しつけがましい (pushy; forcing things on others)
• 恩着せがましい (acting as if doing a favor; patronizing)
• 言い訳がましい (making excuse-like remarks)
• 未練がましい (showing pathetic attachment/lingering feelings)

Examples:

恩着せがましい態度はやめてほしい。(I wish you'd stop acting like you're doing me a favor.)

言い訳がましいことを言うな。(Don't say things that sound like excuses.)

押しつけがましい親切は迷惑だ。(Pushy kindness is unwelcome.)