〜ぶる

To pretend to be...; To act as if...

1. Overview

「〜ぶる」 is a grammatical structure used to indicate that someone is pretending to be or acting in a certain way. It often carries a connotation of insincerity or affectation, suggesting that the person's behavior is not genuine.

2. Structure

• Verb (dictionary form) + ぶる
• Noun + ぶる
• Adjective (plain form) + ぶる

3. Usage Explanation

• Indicating Pretense:
  This structure is used to express that someone is pretending to possess certain qualities or to act in a particular manner that is not authentic.

• Connotation of Insincerity:
  It often implies that the pretense is superficial or that the individual lacks the true characteristics they are trying to portray.

• English Translation:
  It can be translated as "to pretend to be..." or "to act as if..."

4. Example Sentences

1. 彼はお金持ちぶるけど、実際は借金がある。
   He pretends to be wealthy, but in reality, he is in debt.

2. そんなに詳しいことを知っているぶるの？
   Are you pretending to know that much?

3. 彼女は優しいぶっているが、実際は冷たい。
   She acts as if she is kind, but in reality, she is cold.

4. それを知っているぶるのはやめてくれ。
   Stop pretending that you know about that.

5. 彼は教師ぶるけど、実際は教えたことがない。
   He acts like a teacher, but he has never taught anyone.

5. Key Points to Note

• Common Usage:
  「〜ぶる」 is often used in casual conversations to comment on someone's behavior or to criticize their lack of authenticity.

• Variety of Contexts:
  This structure can be applied to various situations, including emotions, knowledge, and social status.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜気取り（きどり）: Indicates a similar meaning of pretending or acting in a certain way, often with a sense of pride.
  • Example: 彼は知識人気取りで話すが、実際はそうではない。
    He talks as if he is an intellectual, but in reality, he is not.

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜ように見える: A more neutral way to express that someone appears to be a certain way, without the connotation of insincerity.
  • Example: 彼は若く見える。
    He looks young.

8. Summary

「〜ぶる」 is used to indicate that someone is pretending to be or act in a certain manner. It often carries a negative connotation of insincerity and is commonly used in casual speech to comment on someone's behavior.