振る舞い

• Reading: ふるまい
• Romaji: furumai
• Kanji breakdown: 振 (furu) — swing, wave; 舞 (mai) — dance
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.ɾɯ.ma.i/

Meaning

Behaviour; conduct. How a person acts in social situations.

Derived from the verb 振る舞う (to behave/to act). Has a slightly more formal or literary nuance than 態度, and often implies conscious social conduct. Also used in computing as 'behaviour' in technical contexts.

Examples

1. 大人としての振る舞いを心がけてください。 Please try to conduct yourself as an adult.
2. 彼女の上品な振る舞いにみんなが感心した。 Everyone was impressed by her elegant behavior.
3. 子供の振る舞いは親を見て学ぶものだ。 Children learn how to behave by watching their parents.

Usage Guide

Context: social etiquette, education, literature

Tone: refined

Origin & History

Noun form of 振る舞う, a compound verb from 振る (to swing/wave) and 舞う (to dance). Originally described physical gestures and movements, later broadened to mean general conduct.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal