Japanese grammar
What does ～ぶり mean? Japanese grammar N1
～ぶり means for the first time in (time period); manner / style.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | 期間 + ぶり(に) Vます形 + ぶり |
| Romaji | buri |
| Meaning | for the first time in (time period); manner / style |
Forming it
| Duration | 三年 + ぶりに |
|---|---|
| Verb (masu-stem) | 話し + ぶり |
How to use it
Two meanings: (a) for the first time in a while (time); (b) a manner/way of doing something.
- Meaning (a): 「期間＋ぶりに」 = for the first time again after that much time — 「三年ぶりに会った」 (met again for the first time in three years).
- Meaning (b): 「Vます形＋ぶり」 = a manner/way of doing something — 「話しぶり」 (way of speaking), 「仕事ぶり」 (way of working).
- Meaning (a) ALWAYS implies "once again"; it's not used for something happening for the very first time.
Examples
三年ぶりに故郷へ帰った。
I returned home for the first time in three years.
彼の落ち着いた話しぶりに好感を持った。
I took a liking to his calm way of speaking.
Keep in mind
- Meaning (a) requires an implication of repetition.
- Meaning (b) attaches to the masu-stem.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong生まれて初めて、三年ぶりに海を見た。
For the first time in three years, I saw the ocean again.
Correct三年ぶりに海を見た。
Meaning (a) implies AGAIN, which contradicts "for the very first time in my life".
-
Wrong話すぶりがいい。
His way of speaking is nice.
Correct話しぶりがいい。
Meaning (b) connects to the ます-STEM (話し), not the dictionary form.
Exam tips
- 「ぶり」 = (a) for the first time in a while / (b) a manner of doing (connects to ます-stem).