Japanese grammar
What does ～びる mean? Japanese grammar N1
～びる means take on the appearance of; exude the air of.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + びる |
| Romaji | biru |
| Meaning | take on the appearance of; exude the air of |
Forming it
| Noun (old) | 古 + びる |
|---|---|
| Noun (adult) | 大人 + びる |
How to use it
A suffix: to take on/give off a certain quality. Very few usable root words.
- 「～びる」 is a suffix meaning "to take on the look of…": 「大人びる」 (to seem grown-up), 「古びる」 (to become old/worn).
- Almost always used in the form 「～びている」 (a state) or as a modifier 「～びた＋N」.
- Very few usable roots: 大人・古・田舎・所帯; don't combine freely.
Examples
彼は年齢より大人びている。
He seems more grown-up than his age.
この看板もすっかり古びてしまった。
This sign has grown thoroughly weathered.
Keep in mind
- Only with a few fixed stems.
- Often used in the form 「びている」/「びた」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrongあの子は最近子供びてきた。
That child has been looking more grown-up lately.
Correctあの子は最近大人びてきた。
「びる」 only combines with a few fixed roots (大人びる, 古びる); 「子供びる」 doesn't exist.
-
Wrong彼は大人びる。
He seems grown-up.
Correct彼は大人びている。
This pattern is usually used in the STATE form 「びている」.
Exam tips
- 「びる」 = to take on the look of (大人びる/古びる); often used as 「びている」/「びた＋N」.