Translation and Meaning of: 綻びる - hokorobiru

The word 「綻びる」 (hokorobiru) in Japanese is rich in nuances and stories. In its basic meaning, this expression conveys the idea of something that begins to open or to slightly tear. It is often used to refer to seams of clothes that start to come undone, small holes that appear due to wear, or even to describe the opening of a flower bud, symbolizing the beginning of something new. The poetic interpretation of this term involves the transitions and changes that are subtle but significant.

Etymologically, 「綻びる」 is composed of two main elements: 「綻」 (ho) which carries the meaning of "blooming" or "breaking" in a visual context, and 「びる」 (biru), a suffix that implies action or change of state. The radical of "to spin" or "to weave" present in the kanji 「糸」, embedded within the kanji 「綻」, suggests an original connection with fabrics, clearly linked to the notion of "fraying" or "opening." This implicit connection with clothing and textiles adds texture to the understanding of the word, making it multifaceted.

The origin of these nuances can be traced back to the historical social and cultural habits of Japan, where the maintenance of clothing was closely linked to daily life and held deep meanings. For example, in times of tranquility, small repairs to kimonos and other garments were signs of meticulous care and dedication to detail. Thus, a stitch that 「綻びる」 was not just an indication of physical wear, but also a metaphor for the attention required in the face of the continuous and inevitable changes of life.

Furthermore, the use of 「綻びる」 can extend to less tangible contexts, such as human relationships or plans that begin to show signs of tension or cracks. When something starts to crumble, it often reveals previously hidden facets, reinforcing the importance of this term in daily and literary descriptions. Therefore, 「綻びる」 not only reflects on the physical and the visible but also on the emotional and intangible aspects of contemporary existence, making it a timeless expression deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 裂ける (sakeru) - Tear; split; be broken.
• ほころびる (hokorobiru) - To come undone; to open (seam); to show signs of wear.
• はじける (hajikeru) - Burst; explode; open forcefully.
• とびだす (tobidasu) - Burst forth; break out; leap out.
• はじく (hajiku) - Reject; repel; push away with a quick movement.
• はじけ出す (hajikedasu) - Start to burst; emerge (referring to something that was contained).
• はじけ飛ぶ (hajiketobu) - Burst and fly; explode and take off flying; jump quickly.
• はじけ散る (hajikichiru) - Burst and scatter; if it breaks with dispersed fragments.
• はじけ破る (hajike yaburu) - Burst and break; to shatter into pieces.
• はじけ割れる (hajike wareru) - Burst and split; fracture when breaking.
• はじけ裂ける (hajike sakeru) - Burst and tear; to be broken forcefully.
• はじけ開く (hajike hiraku) - Burst and open; to open up almost explosively.
• はじけこぼれる (hajike koboreru) - Overflow; to be spilled upon bursting.
• はじけこぼす (hajike kobosu) - Spill; to make something overflow when it bursts.
• はじけこぼれ出す (hajike kobore dasu) - Start to overflow; to hatch while spilling.
• はじけこぼれ散る (hajike kobore chiru) - Overflow and spread; spill in pieces.
• はじけこぼれ破る (hajike kobore yaburu) - Overflow and break; spill and shatter.
• はじけこぼれ割れる (hajike kobore wareru) - Overflow and fracture; spread and divide.
• はじけこぼれ裂ける (hajike kobore sakeru) - Overflow and tear; spill and be broken.

綻びる

Romaji: hokorobiru
Kana: ほころびる
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: separate at the seams; start to open; smile widely

Meaning in English: to come apart at the seams;to begin to open;to smile broadly

Definition: Things fall apart, flaws appear.