Explanation
Used when someone is acting or pretending to be something they are not (often a negative connotation).
Formation
Noun / (Adjective stem) + ぶる
Detailed explanation
The ～ぶる grammar point is used when someone pretends or acts like something they aren't. It often has a negative nuance, suggesting insincerity or putting on airs. Common usage includes nouns or descriptive words before ぶる (e.g., 学者ぶる, 偉そうぶる, etc.).
Examples
Kare wa atakamo shitteiru ka no you ni gakusha buru.
He acts like a scholar, as if he knows everything.
Joyu buru no wa yamete, jibun jishin de iro.
Stop acting like you’re an actress and just be yourself.
Kanojo wa tsune ni ojou-sama butte iru.
She’s always putting on the airs of a refined lady.
Watashi ga ijimerarete iru to mujaki buru kanojo o mite, ikari ga komiageta.
Seeing her act innocent while I was being bullied made my anger surge.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.