JLPT · Level 85
45 words
Japanese word
振舞う
Pronunciation
Romajifurumau
Meaning
- verbbehave
Example
人前では礼儀正しく振舞います。hito mae de wa rei gi tada shi ku furu ma i ma su
I behave politely in public.
More examples
子どもたちは友達の家で、行儀よく振舞います。ko do mo ta chi wa tomo dachi no ie de gyō gi yo ku furu ma i ma su
The children behave well at their friend's house.
Core concept
Expresses carrying oneself in a particular way through one's actions, with the broader idea of acting toward others by providing something for them.
Common phrases
行儀よく振舞うgyō gi yo ku furu ma u
behave well
大人らしく振舞うotona ra shi ku furu ma u
behave like an adult
控えめに振舞うhika e me ni furu ma u
behave modestly
Similar words
行動するkōdōsuru: To act or respond in a particular situation.
立ち振る舞うtachifurumau: To conduct oneself through one's actions and manner in a particular setting.
Definition in Japanese
その場に応じた態度や様子を外に表して行動する。また、人に食事や飲み物などを出してもてなす。so no ba ni ō ji ta tai do ya yō su o soto ni arawa shi te kō dō su ru ma ta hito ni shoku ji ya no mi mono na do o da shi te mo te na su
Word origin
The native Japanese verb 振る舞う (furumau) is a compound of 振る (furu, "move or swing") and 舞う (mau, "dance or move"), and its meanings extend from acting or moving to conduct and hospitality.
Usage tips
- English learners may expect a word meaning behave to concern only personal actions, but this Japanese verb is also used in descriptions of generous hospitality at events.
Other meanings
- serveverb
Related words
- 振舞いfurumaibehaviornoun