JLPT · Level 178
15 words
Japanese word
鈍る
Pronunciation
Romajiniburu
Meaning
- verbgrow dull
Example
勉強しないと、頭の働きが鈍ります。ben kyō shi na i to atama no hatara ki ga nibu ri ma su
If you do not study, your mind grows dull.
More examples
長く練習を休むと、運動選手の勘が鈍ります。naga ku ren shū o yasu mu to un dō sen shu no kan ga nibu ri ma su
When an athlete takes a long break from practice, their instincts become less sharp.
Core concept
Describes something becoming less sharp, responsive, or capable than it was before.
Common phrases
頭の働きが鈍るatama no hatara ki ga nibu ru
one's mental sharpness declines
腕が鈍るude ga nibu ru
one's skills get rusty
判断力が鈍るhan dan ryoku ga nibu ru
one's judgment becomes less sharp
Similar words
衰えるotoroeru: To lose strength, ability, or vigor gradually.
錆びるsabiru: To lose skill or sharpness through lack of use or practice.
Definition in Japanese
頭の働きや能力が、使わないことで以前より低下する。atama no hatara ki ya nō ryoku ga tsuka wa na i ko to de i zen yo ri tei ka su ru
Word origin
鈍る (niburu) is a native Japanese verb related to 鈍い (nibui, "dull"), expressing a change into the state described by the adjective.
Usage tips
- Although English dull can describe something boring, this Japanese verb in this sense describes a decline in mental sharpness.