Processing keyword: ～ふりをする (〜furi wo suru)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ふりをする (〜furi wo suru)

Grammar Point: ～ふりをする (〜furi wo suru)

Introduction

The grammar point ～ふりをする (〜furi wo suru) is used to express the act of pretending or feigning. It indicates that a person is behaving in a way that suggests they have a particular state, feeling, or role that they do not genuinely possess or feel. This expression can be used in various contexts, from everyday conversation to literary works.

Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: To pretend to be or do something; to make a show of something.

• Structure: The phrase is formed by combining a noun or a verb in the nominalized form (which turns it into a noun) with ふりをする.

  • Structure: [Noun/Verb (in nominalized form)] + ふりをする
  • Example:
    • Noun: 子供 (kodomo, child) + ふりをする → 子供ふりをする (kodomo furi wo suru, to pretend to be a child)
    • Verb: 行く (iku, to go) → 行くのふりをする (iku no furi wo suru, to pretend to go)

Formation Diagram

      Verb/Noun 
          ↓
      Nominalize 
          ↓
       [Xの]
          ↓
     ふりをする

Comparative Analysis

Comparing ～ふりをする with similar expressions can highlight their nuances:

• ～ようにする (〜you ni suru): This means "to try to do (something)" and is about making an effort rather than pretending.
  • Example: 毎日運動するようにしています (Mainichi undou suru you ni shiteimasu) - "I try to exercise every day."
• ～に見える (〜ni mieru): This means "to appear" or "to be seen as" and focuses more on the perception of others rather than the act of pretending.
  • Example: 彼は優しそうに見える (Kare wa yasashisou ni mieru) - "He appears to be kind."

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal: 彼は医者のふりをして、患者を診察した。
   Kare wa isha no furi wo shite, kanja o shinsatsu shita.
   (He pretended to be a doctor and examined the patient.)
2. Informal: 彼女は忙しいふりをして、遊ぶのを断った。
   Kanojo wa isogashii furi wo shite, asobu no o datta.
   (She pretended to be busy and declined to hang out.)
3. Written: 彼は成功者のふりをして、他人を欺いている。
   Kare wa seikousha no furi wo shite, tanin o azamuite iru.
   (He is pretending to be successful and deceiving others.)
4. Spoken: 友達との電話中に、元気なふりをした。
   Tomodachi to no denwa-chuu ni, genki na furi wo shita.
   (During the phone call with my friend, I pretended to be fine.)

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, showing humility and not boasting about oneself is essential. Hence, pretending (ふりをする) can sometimes be linked to modesty or avoiding discomfort in social situations. For example, one may pretend to know about a topic to fit in, even if they are not knowledgeable.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 笑ってごまかす (waratte gomakasu): To obscure the truth with a laugh; this relates to pretending in a social context.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Confusing with ふり (furi): Learners might omit "をする" when using this grammar point. Remember, the complete form is necessary.

2. Incorrect Nominalization: Not changing the verb into its nominalized form properly can lead to confusion. Always use the correct form before attaching ふりをする.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that ふり sounds like "fury"; it could remind you of pretending to mask one's true feelings (like putting on a "frozen" face).

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The expression ～ふりをする is used to indicate pretending or feigning.
• It can be constructed with nouns or nominalized verbs followed by ふりをする.
• It is important to understand the cultural context in which this grammar is used.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ～ふりをする mean?
2. Provide an example sentence using this grammar point.
3. Compare ～ふりをする with one similar grammar point and explain the difference.