Processing keyword: ～ぶり (〜buri)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ぶり (〜buri)

Grammar Lesson: ～ぶり (〜buri)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～ぶり (〜buri). This suffix is used to express the passage of time since a previous event or to describe the manner or style of an action. Understanding how to use ～ぶり will enhance your ability to articulate experiences and observations in Japanese with greater nuance.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning:

1. Elapsed Time Usage: Indicates that something is happening after a certain period has passed. Translates to "for the first time in (duration)" or "after (duration)".
2. Manner or Style Usage: Describes the way or style in which an action is performed.

Structure:

1. Elapsed Time Usage

• Formation:

  Noun (Time Expression) + ぶり
  

• Examples of Time Expressions: 一年 (one year), 三日 (three days), 十年 (ten years)

2. Manner or Style Usage

• Formation:

  Verb Stem + ぶり
  Noun + の + ぶり
  

• Verb Stem: The base form of a verb (e.g., 食べ from 食べる)

Formation Diagram:

3. Comparative Analysis

～ぶり vs. ～以来 (～いらい)

• ～ぶり
  • Emphasizes the duration since the last occurrence and the fact that the event is happening again.
  • Often used when an event is repeated after the time gap.
• ～以来
  • Means "since" and indicates that something has continued from a point in the past up to the present.
  • Used when an event has been ongoing without interruption. Example Comparison:
• ～ぶり
  • 5年ぶりに友達に会った。
    • "I met my friend for the first time in five years."
• ～以来
  • 卒業以来、彼に会っていない。
    • "I haven't seen him since graduation."

4. Examples in Context

1. Elapsed Time Usage

Formal Context

• Japanese: 社長とは10年ぶりに会いました。
• Romaji: Shachō to wa jū-nen buri ni aimashita.
• English: I met the company president for the first time in ten years.

Informal Context

• Japanese: 昨日、半年ぶりに映画を見た。
• Romaji: Kinō, han-toshi buri ni eiga o mita.
• English: Yesterday, I watched a movie after half a year.

2. Manner or Style Usage

Verb Stem + ぶり

• Japanese: 彼の働きぶりは素晴らしい。
• Romaji: Kare no hataraki-buri wa subarashii.
• English: His way of working is wonderful.
• Japanese: 部長の話しぶりはいつも面白い。
• Romaji: Buchō no hanashi-buri wa itsumo omoshiroi.
• English: The manager's manner of speaking is always interesting.

Noun + の + ぶり

• Japanese: 彼女の成長ぶりに驚いた。
• Romaji: Kanojo no seichō-buri ni odoroita.
• English: I was surprised at her growth.

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

• Neutral Usage: ～ぶり is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Politeness: The level of politeness is adjusted through other parts of the sentence, not by ～ぶり itself.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 久しぶり (Hisashiburi): A common expression meaning "it's been a long time."
  • Example: 久しぶり！元気だった？
    • "Long time no see! How have you been?"

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using ～ぶり with Non-Time Nouns for Elapsed Time
   • Incorrect: 彼とは楽しいぶりに会った。
     • "I met him for the first time in fun." (Incorrect)
   • Correct: 彼とは半年ぶりに会った。
     • "I met him for the first time in half a year."
2. Confusing Verb Forms in Manner Usage
   • Incorrect: 彼の食べますぶりは早い。
   • Correct: 彼の食べぶりは早い。

Tips

• Tip 1: For elapsed time, always use a time expression before ～ぶり.
• Tip 2: In manner/style usage, ensure you use the verb stem (remove ます from the polite form).

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～ぶり has two main usages: expressing elapsed time and describing manner or style.
• For elapsed time, attach ～ぶり to a time noun.
• For manner/style, attach ～ぶり to a verb stem or use noun + の + ぶり.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Question: How would you say "I played tennis for the first time in three months" using ～ぶり?
2. Question: What is the correct way to express someone's "driving style" with ～ぶり?

Answers:

1. Answer:
   • Japanese: 3か月ぶりにテニスをした。
   • Romaji: San-kagetsu buri ni tenisu o shita.
   • English: I played tennis for the first time in three months.
2. Answer:
   • Using Verb Stem + ぶり: 運転ぶり
   • Example:
     • Japanese: 彼の運転ぶりは安全です。
     • Romaji: Kare no unten-buri wa anzen desu.
     • English: His driving style is safe.

Additional Practice

Try creating your own sentences using ～ぶり in both elapsed time and manner/style contexts.

• Elapsed Time Example: "I went back to my hometown after five years."
• Manner/Style Example: "Her way of speaking is polite."

Remember, practice makes perfect! Use ～ぶり in your daily conversations to become more comfortable with its usage.