Processing keyword: ～ぶる (〜buru)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～ぶる (〜buru)
1. Introduction
The grammar point ～ぶる (〜buru) is a suffix used in Japanese to express the idea of someone pretending, acting like, or putting on airs of something or someone they're not. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting insincerity or pretentiousness.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- To pretend to be...
- To act like...
- To behave as if...
Structure
To use ～ぶる, attach it to the stem of an adjective, noun, or in some cases, the plain form of a verb.
[Adjective/Noun] + ぶる
Formation Diagram
| Part of Speech | Stem | + ぶる | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjective | 偉い(えらい) | 偉ぶる | To act important |
| Noun | 知ったか | 知ったかぶる | To pretend to know everything |
| Noun | 先生 | 先生ぶる | To act like a teacher |
3. Comparative Analysis
～ぶる vs. ～ふりをする
- ～ぶる
- Implies pretending in a way that's often noticeable to others.
- Has a negative tone, suggesting someone is being pretentious.
- ～ふりをする
- More neutral, simply stating that someone is pretending.
- Can be used for deliberate acts of pretending, not necessarily negative. Example:
- 彼は専門家ぶっている。
- He is acting like an expert (but isn't one).
- 彼は専門家のふりをしている。
- He is pretending to be an expert (may have a reason to pretend).
4. Examples in Context
Example Sentences
- 彼女は知らないことも知ったかぶって話している。 Kana: かのじょはしらないこともしったかぶってはなしている。 Romaji: Kanojo wa shiranai koto mo shittakabutte hanashite iru. Translation: She is talking as if she knows things she doesn't.
- あの人は金持ちぶるから、あまり好きじゃない。 Kana: あのひとはかねもちぶるから、あまりすきじゃない。 Romaji: Ano hito wa kanemochiburu kara, amari suki janai. Translation: I don't really like him because he pretends to be rich.
- 子供たちは大人ぶって背伸びをしている。 Kana: こどもたちはおとなぶってせのびをしている。 Romaji: Kodomotachi wa otonabutte senobi o shite iru. Translation: The kids are acting grown-up and stretching themselves.
- 彼はいつも冷静ぶるけど、本当は緊張している。 Kana: かれはいつもれいせいぶるけど、ほんとうはきんちょうしている。 Romaji: Kare wa itsumo reiseiburu kedo, hontō wa kinchō shite iru. Translation: He always acts calm, but he's actually nervous.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
In Japanese culture, modesty and humility are valued traits. Pretending to be more than one is can be seen negatively. Using ～ぶる highlights this pretense and is often used critically.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 先輩ぶる (せんぱいぶる) To act like a senior (in an overbearing way).
- いい子ぶる To pretend to be a good child (often to gain favor).
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Using ～ぶる with the wrong part of speech Incorrect: 美しいぶる (×) Correct: 美人ぶる (○) - To act like a beautiful woman
- Confusing with similar expressions Ensure you're using ～ぶる to indicate pretentious behavior, not just any kind of pretending.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device Think of "ぶる" as "bully" – someone pretending or putting on airs can feel like they're bullying their way into a role they don't belong.
- Tip Remember that ～ぶる often attaches to nouns and na-adjectives, and carries a sense of criticism.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ～ぶる is used to indicate pretending or acting like something one is not.
- It carries a negative connotation, implying pretentiousness.
- Attach ～ぶる to nouns or adjectives to form the expression.
Quick Recap Quiz
- What does ～ぶる imply when added to a noun or adjective?
- A) Admiration
- B) Pretending or acting like something/someone
- C) Transformation into something
- Choose the correct usage of ～ぶる:
- A) 彼は疲れぶる。
- B) 彼は専門家ぶる。
- Translate the following sentence:
- 彼女は有名人ぶっている。
Answers:
- B) Pretending or acting like something/someone
- B) 彼は専門家ぶる。 (He acts like an expert.)
- She is pretending to be a celebrity.