びる
(biru)
To appear to be
Usage Frequency
SOMEWHAT COMMON
N1
JLPT
Definition
To appear to be; to give off an impression of something
How to Use
Usually used with nouns or adjectives to form verbs that indicate appearance or impression (e.g., 大人びる, 古びる).
Common Usage
[noun/adjective] + びる
Context, Limitations and Specificities
When to use?
Used to describe something or someone as appearing to have a quality, though it may not actually possess that quality.
Limitations and specificities
Limited set of commonly used words; not all nouns/adjectives can form this structure.
Example Sentences
大人びた話し方
おとなびたはなしかた
otonabita hanashikata
A mature way of speaking.
古びた家
ふるびたうち
furubita uchi
An old-looking house.
子供なのに大人びる
こどもなのにおとなびる
kodomo nanoni otonabiru
Despite being a child, (they) appear mature.
安っぽびたジュース
やすっぽびたじゅーす
yasupobita jūsu
A juice that looks cheap.
少し古びるもの
すこしふるびるもの
sukoshi furubiru mono
Something that appears a bit old.
大人びたふりをする
おとなびたふりをする
otonabita furi o suru
Pretend to look mature.
昔びた服
むかしびたふく
mukashibita fuku
Old-fashioned clothes.
寂びた雰囲気
さびたふんいき
sabita fun'iki
A melancholic atmosphere.
甘びる味
あまびるあじ
amabiru aji
A taste that seems sweet.
若いが老びて見える
わかいがおいびてみえる
wakai ga oibite mieru
Young but looks old.