Meaning
〜びる is a Japanese suffix that suggests someone or something has a certain characteristic or behavior, often with a negative or critical connotation. It implies that the behavior or characteristic seems artificial or substandard.
Limited to specific words like "adult-like," "old-fashioned," "countryside-like."
Typically used in the て form "〜びて" or the past form "〜びた."
Formation
Examples
-
父の部屋の本棚には何やら古びた本がたくさん並んでいた。
My father's bookshelf was lined with many old-looking books. -
老後は田舎びた街でゆっくりと静かに暮らしたいと思っています。
I want to live slowly and quietly in a quaint rural town in my old age. -
彼は同級生とは思えないほど、大人びて見えます。
He looks so mature that it's hard to believe he's the same age as his classmates. -
彼女、ずいぶん幼びて見えますね。未成年じゃないの？
She looks quite young. Isn't she underage?
Summary
- 〜びる means "looks like ； feels like"
- Formation: イ形容詞 → イ形容詞 + びる; 名詞 → 名詞 + びる
- This is an N1-level grammar pattern