Japanese grammar
What does ～ふり mean? Japanese grammar N3
～ふり means pretending; acting as if.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vる／Vない／A／Nの + ふりをする |
| Romaji | furi |
| Meaning | pretending; acting as if |
Forming it
| Connection | Vる／Vない／A／Nの + ふりをする |
|---|
How to use it
States the act of PRETENDING — deliberately appearing different from reality. Usually carries a mildly critical tone.
- 「～ふりをする」 = to pretend, to act as if. The speaker KNOWS that reality is not actually so.
- How to connect: dictionary form/ない form/た form of verbs, adjectives, nouns + 「の」 → 「知らないふり」, 「病気のふり」.
- Different from 「～そうにする」 (looking like): 「ふりをする」 is DELIBERATELY putting on an act.
Examples
彼は聞こえないふりをした。
He pretended not to hear.
知らないふりをしないでください。
Please do not pretend not to know.
Keep in mind
- Nouns connect with 「の」.
- Implies intentional pretense, usually with a slightly critical nuance.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong知らないのふりをした。
Correct知らないふりをした。
The plain form of a verb connects directly to ふり; の is not added.
Exam tips
- 「ふりをする」 = to pretend (deliberate); a noun connects with 「の」.