Meaning and Usage
The verb 膨れる (ふくれる) primarily means "to swell," "to expand," or "to bulge." It is used both for physical swelling, such as balloons or dough, and for describing a person's facial expression when they puff out their cheeks, often indicating anger or sulking.
Common Contexts
- Physical swelling: balloons, dough, body parts (like cheeks).
- Emotional expression: puffing cheeks to show displeasure or stubbornness.
Collocations and Patterns
- 膨れる + 体の部分 (e.g., 頬が膨れる): describing cheeks puffing out.
- 風船が膨れる: balloon swelling.
- 生地が膨れる: dough rising.
Register and Nuance
This verb is neutral in formality and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. When used for facial expressions, it often conveys a childish or playful mood but can also indicate genuine irritation.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 膨れる with 腫れる (はれる), which means "to swell" due to inflammation or injury. 膨れる is more about expansion or puffing up, not medical swelling.
Use 膨れる when talking about things inflating or puffing out, and 腫れる for swelling caused by injury or illness.