Meaning and Usage
The verb かぶれる has two main uses. First, it describes a physical reaction, especially a skin rash or irritation caused by an allergen or irritant. For example, when someone uses a new cosmetic product and their skin reacts negatively, you can say 肌がかぶれる.
Second, it is used figuratively to mean being influenced or affected by a particular culture, style, or ideology. This usage often implies a strong or enthusiastic influence, sometimes with a nuance of being somewhat obsessed or deeply affected.
Common Collocations
- 肌がかぶれる: skin gets irritated or rashy
- 文化にかぶれる: to be influenced by a culture
- 影響をかぶれる: to be influenced by something
Register and Nuance
The physical reaction sense is neutral and common in everyday conversation, especially when talking about allergies or skin problems. The figurative sense is more literary or conversational and often used to describe someone who has adopted a foreign culture or trend enthusiastically.
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse かぶれる with かぶる (to wear or to cover). かぶれる specifically implies a reaction or influence, not just the act of putting something on. Also, the figurative use is not about superficial interest but a deeper influence or obsession.