Translation and Meaning of: 伸びる - nobiru

The Japanese word 伸びる (のびる, nobiru) is a verb that carries interesting and useful meanings in everyday life. If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, understanding its use can open doors to more natural communication. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which this word appears, as well as tips to memorize it easily.

Meaning and usage of 伸びる

伸びる is a verb that can be translated as "to stretch," "to grow," or "to extend." It is often used to describe physical objects that increase in size, such as hair, plants, or even dough. For example, when someone says that the hair is 伸びた (nobita), it means that it has grown.

In addition to its literal meaning, 伸びる can also have a more abstract meaning. In professional or academic contexts, it can indicate that a person is developing or improving their skills. This versatility makes the word quite common in everyday Japanese.

Origin and writing in kanji

The kanji 伸 is composed of the radical 人 (person) and 申 (to declare), suggesting the idea of something that stretches or expands. This combination reflects well the meaning of the word, as 伸びる is related to growth and extension, whether physical or metaphorical.

It is noteworthy that 伸びる is an intransitive verb, meaning it describes an action that occurs on its own, without the need for a direct object. This differs from verbs like 伸ばす (nobasu), which is its transitive version and means "to stretch something." This distinction is important to avoid confusion when forming sentences.

Tips for memorizing 伸びる

An effective way to fix the meaning of 伸びる is to associate it with concrete situations. Imagine a plant growing or an elastic stretching – these images help to remember the main sense of the verb. Another strategy is to practice with simple sentences, like "私の髪が伸びた" (my hair grew) or "この生地は伸びる" (this fabric stretches).

Additionally, observing the kanji 伸 can facilitate memorization. The radical 人 (person) reminds us that growth is often related to human development, whether physical or intellectual. With these associations, it becomes easier to incorporate 伸びる into your active vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 伸びる

• 伸びる: form of the dictionary
• 伸びて: Shape ~ continuous form
• 伸びます: Polite or formal form
• 伸びない: negative form
• 伸びよう: Conditional or potential form

Synonyms and similar words

• 伸ばす (nobasu) - Lengthen, extend, increase something.
• 伸べる (noberu) - Extend or apply something (often used in more formal contexts).
• 延びる (nobiru) - To stretch, extend, or expand, usually used to indicate growth.
• 延ばす (nobasu) - Extend or prolong something, similar to 伸ばす, but often used in contexts related to time or deadlines.
• 伸び上がる (nobiagaru) - To grow to a certain height, often used to describe plants or vertical growth.
• 伸びるようにする (nobiru you ni suru) - To become a state of stretching or growing; referring to an effort for growth.
• 伸び続ける (nobitsuzukeru) - Continue to stretch or grow without stopping.
• 伸びをする (nobi o suru) - Perform a stretch, as in the context of exercises.
• 伸びやかにする (nobiyaka ni suru) - To become softer or freer, often used in artistic or expressive contexts.
• 伸びやかになる (nobiyaka ni naru) - Transforming into something that extends or flows smoothly.

伸びる

Romaji: nobiru
Kana: のびる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: stretch out; extend; to progress; Grow (beard body height); Grow obsolete (Soba); stretches

Meaning in English: to stretch;to extend;to make progress;to grow (beard body height);to grow stale (soba);to lengthen;to spread;to be postponed;to be straightened;to be flattened;to be smoothed;to be exhausted

Definition: The stretching of something.

Example Sentences - (伸びる) nobiru

See below some example sentences:

身体が伸びると気持ちが良いです。

Karada ga nobiru to kimochi ga ii desu

It's good to feel the body stretching.

It's good when your body grows.

• 身体が伸びる - the body stretches
• と - connects the previous sentence with the next
• 気持ちが良い - is nice
• です - is