Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
~ぶり (〜buri)

~ぶり (〜buri)

Short explanation:

Express the amount of time elapsed since doing something last.

Formation:

Time expression + ぶり

Examples:

三年ぶりに彼に会いました。
San-nen buri ni kare ni aimashita.
I met him for the first time in three years.
一週間ぶりにジムに行った。
Isshūkan buri ni jimu ni itta.
I went to the gym for the first time in a week.
一ヶ月ぶりに彼からの手紙が来た。
Ikkagetsu buri ni kare kara no tegami ga kita.
I received a letter from him for the first time in a month.
五年ぶりに雪が降った。
Go-nen buri ni yuki ga futta.
It snowed for the first time in five years.

Long explanation:

The ~ぶり grammar point is used to express that a certain amount of time has passed since you last did something. It can be attached to time words to express this and is often translated as 'for the first time in', 'after' or 'since'.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~ぶり (〜buri)

Japanese Grammar Point: ~ぶり (〜buri)

Grammar Point: ~ぶり (〜buri)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~ぶり (〜buri) is used to express the manner or way in which something is done. It is often used to convey how much time has passed since a certain event, emphasizing the experience or situation that has elapsed. This point is common in conversational Japanese.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The structure of ~ぶり is as follows:

  • Noun + ぶり (buri): Indicates a manner, way, or style in which an action occurs.
  • Verb in た form + ぶり (buri): Indicates the time since a certain state or action occurred.

Meaning, Structure, Formation Diagram

  • Meaning: Refers to "the manner of" or "after a certain time has passed."
  • Structure:
[Noun] + ぶり → manner/way of [doing something]
[Verb た form] + ぶり → after [doing something] for a certain period

Example Diagram

+-----------------+
|   Time Elapsed  |
+-----------------+
|    Action (Verb)|
+-----------------+
           |
           v
  +------------------+
  |      ぶり        |
  +------------------+
           |
           v
+------------------+
|   New Situation   |
+------------------+

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar grammar points include:

  • 〜以来 (〜irai): Indicates "since" an event occurred, without emphasizing manner.
  • 〜て以来 (〜te irai): Expresses "since" in a similar way but is more common in written Japanese.

Differences

  • ぶり (-buri) emphasizes the manner of the subsequent action after some time has passed.
  • 以来 (-irai) focuses more on the fact that something has not occurred since a certain time.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. Informal Context
    彼に会うのは五年ぶりだ。
    Kare ni au no wa go-nen buri da.
    "It's been five years since I saw him."
  2. Formal Context
    この料理を食べるのは初めてぶりです。
    Kono ryouri o taberu no wa hajimete buri desu.
    "It’s the first time I’ve eaten this dish."
  3. Written Context
    昨年を振り返って、私の成長ぶりが分かった。
    Sakunen o furikaette, watashi no seichou buri ga wakatta.
    "Looking back at last year, I realized my growth."
  4. Spoken Context
    子どもが産まれてから、遊びに行くのは久しぶりだ。
    Kodomo ga umarete kara, asobi ni iku no wa hisashiburi da.
    "Since the baby was born, it’s been a long time since I went out to play."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using ~ぶり can reflect on the Japanese value of time and relationships, often highlighting the emotional aspect of reuniting after a long separation. It showcases the importance of recognizing the passage of time in personal connections.

Levels of Politeness

The usage of ぶり can be adapted based on the context. Using polite forms (like です) is appropriate in formal situations.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 何年ぶり (nannen buri): Used to express "after several years."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Mistake: Using the wrong verb form (e.g., using the dictionary form instead of the past form).
  • Correction: Always use the verb in its past tense (た form) before adding ぶり.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Think of ぶり as a "time benchmark" that relates past actions to the present.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ぶり indicates the manner or time since an event happened.
  • It highlights emotional or experiential significance regarding past actions.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What form of the verb must be used with ぶり?
    • a) Dictionary form
    • b) Past tense (た form)
  2. What does 山ぶり mean?
    • Translate 山ぶり into English.
  3. Which of the following is a similar expression to ぶり?
    • a) 〜以来 (〜irai)
    • b) 〜てもいい (〜te mo ii) (Answers: 1. b, 2. Any example referring to "the way of the mountain" (contextual), 3. a) 〜以来 (〜irai).)
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