N286/217

ぶりに

Noun + ぶりにVた + ぶりにい-adjective + ぶりにな-adjective + ぶりに

Meanings

  • for the first time in a long time
  • after a long interval
  • after not doing something for a while

About this pattern

Explanation

ぶりに marks that something happens after a long interval since the previous occurrence. It emphasizes the passage of time since the last time and often expresses that the current event or action is notable or special because of the gap. It is commonly used with time expressions (e.g., 三年ぶりに) but can also pair with other periods to convey “the first time in …”. The nuance is one of relief, surprise, or renewal after a long absence or delay. Note that the basic pattern is a time expression before ぶりに; the verb following ぶりに describes the new action.

Learn in context

Example sentences

三年ぶりに故郷へ帰った。

I returned to my hometown for the first time in three years.

久しぶりに友達と会った。

I met my friend for the first time in a long while.

十年ぶりに病院へ行った。

I went to the hospital for the first time in ten years.

あの店は去年ぶりに入った。

I went into that shop for the first time since last year.

子どものころ以来、久しぶりに走ってみた。

I tried running again for the first time since I was a child.