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
I returned to my hometown for the first time in three years.
I met my friend for the first time in a long while.
I went to the hospital for the first time in ten years.
I went into that shop for the first time since last year.
I tried running again for the first time since I was a child.
Keep studying
More N2 patterns
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View detailsUnable to; Cannot; Cannot possibly
View detailsCan't help doing; Have no choice but to...
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View detailsanyhow; at any rate; in any case; I have no doubt that; probably
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