ふりをする

to pretend to be or do something

The phrase ふりをする (furi o suru) expresses the act of pretending or feigning a certain state or behavior, often to avoid detection or to create a specific impression.

N3

Meaning

to pretend to be or do something

The phrase ふりをする (furi o suru) expresses the act of pretending or feigning a certain state or behavior, often to avoid detection or to create a specific impression.

Formation

Noun + の + ふりをする
Verb (dictionary form) + ふりをする

Explanation

In Japanese, the expression ふりをする (furi o suru) means 'to pretend' or 'to feign.' This construction is versatile and can be used with nouns or verbs to indicate an act of imitation or deception. It is often used to describe instances where someone is not being genuine and is instead presenting a false image or action. For example, if someone is pretending to be happy when they are actually sad, you might say that they are 'doing a happy furi.' This phrase can encapsulate both subtle and elaborate forms of deception.

There are a few nuances to be aware of when using this phrase:

  • Social Context: Using ふりをする can carry both a light-hearted and a serious tone, depending on context. In some cases, it might be employed humorously.
  • Intent: It usually implies a conscious decision to mislead, so it's essential to consider the intent behind the action.
  • Non-verbal Situations: This phrase can apply not only to spoken deception but also to non-verbal cues where someone may act differently than they feel.