伸びる

のびる

to extend, to make progress, to grow

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Usage of びる

The verb びる is commonly used to describe physical stretching or elongation, such as clothes or body parts becoming longer or looser. It also frequently refers to growth or improvement, especially in skills or abilities, indicating progress over time. Additionally, it can describe natural growth, like plants or hair.

Common Collocations

  • びる (time to grow or extend): used when talking about deadlines or durations extending.
  • びる (ability to improve): often used in learning contexts.
  • びる (growing hair): natural physical growth.

Notes

When using びる for skills or abilities, it implies a positive development or progress. For physical objects, it often suggests a change in shape or size, sometimes undesired (like clothes stretching out). Avoid confusing びる with ばす, which is the transitive form meaning "to stretch" or "to extend" something actively.

Example Sentences

These pants started to stretch after being washed several times.

His Japanese ability improved significantly in a short time.

Plants grow faster in an environment with sufficient sunlight.