Fueru is the go-to intransitive verb to describe something becoming more numerous or greater in quantity.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Indicates an increase in quantity or number.
- Used as an intransitive verb.
- Commonly used in everyday life situations.
概要：「増える」は、数量や程度が以前の状態よりも大きくなることを示す自動詞です。何かが加わって合計が増すという状況で使われます。
- 1使用パターン：名詞＋が＋増えるという形が基本です。対象が人であれ物であれ、主語として「何が増えるのか」を明確にします。また、変化の幅を示すために「～が少し増える」「～が急激に増える」といった副詞と一緒に使われることが非常に多いです。
一般的な文脈：日常生活では「人口が増える」「貯金が増える」「仕事が増える」など、非常に多岐にわたる場面で使用されます。また、気温や体重など、数値で表せるものが上昇する場合にも用いられます。
- 1類語比較：「増える」は自動詞であり、主語が自発的に、あるいは自然に増加する状況を指します。対して他動詞の「増やす」は、誰かが意図的に数量を増加させるという動作に焦点を当てます。また、「増加する」という言葉は「増える」よりも硬い表現であり、ニュースや論文などのフォーマルな文脈で好まれます。
Examples
最近、体重が増えました。
everydayI have gained weight recently.
海外からの観光客が増加しています。
formalThe number of tourists from overseas is increasing.
お小遣いが増えたらいいな。
informalI wish my allowance would increase.
この地域では高齢者の割合が増えている。
academicThe percentage of elderly people is increasing in this area.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
数が増える
The number increases
種類が増える
The variety increases
被害が増える
The damage increases
Often Confused With
This is the transitive pair of 'fueru'. It means 'to increase something' and requires a direct object marked with 'o'.
This is a Sino-Japanese compound verb. It is synonymous with 'fueru' but is used in formal or technical writing.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Fueru is a very versatile verb used across all registers. While 'fueru' is standard for daily conversation, 'zoka suru' is preferred in written reports. Always ensure you use the particle 'ga' with this intransitive verb.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'o' instead of 'ga' with this verb, which is incorrect. Another common error is using 'fueru' when they mean 'fuyasu', essentially confusing the intransitive and transitive forms.
Tips
Focus on the particle GA
Since 'fueru' is an intransitive verb, always use the particle 'ga' to mark the subject that is increasing. Do not use 'o' with this verb.
Intransitive vs Transitive Confusion
Beginners often confuse 'fueru' with 'fuyasu'. Remember that 'fueru' is for natural or result-based increase, while 'fuyasu' requires an agent.
Usage in business settings
In professional emails, using 'zoka' (increase) instead of 'fueru' sounds more polite and sophisticated. Keep 'fueru' for casual conversations.
Word Origin
The word stems from the classical Japanese verb 'furu', which originally meant to multiply or accumulate. It has evolved into the modern intransitive form used today.
Cultural Context
In Japan, discussing numbers or statistics is common in both social and business settings. Using the correct level of formality when describing increases is a key part of polite communication.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'fueru' (full) bag that keeps getting more things inside it. The sound 'fue' sounds like 'full' getting bigger.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「増える」は自動詞で、物事の数が勝手に増える状況に使います。一方、「増やす」は他動詞で、誰かが意図的に数を増やすという動作に使います。
はい、使えます。「人口が増える」や「メンバーが増える」のように、集団の数が増す場合によく使われます。
「増加する」は「増える」の硬い表現です。日常会話では「増える」を使い、レポートやニュースなどの書き言葉では「増加する」を使うのが一般的です。
「増えました」や「増えた」となります。過去の時点から現在にかけて数が増加したことを説明する際に使用します。
Test Yourself
最近、日本語を勉強する学生___増えました。
自動詞の前の主語には「が」を使います。
次のうち、正しいものはどれですか？
「貯金」は自動詞「増える」の主語になります。
（仕事 / が / 急に / 増えた）
一般的な語順として、主語＋副詞＋動詞の順が自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
Fueru is the go-to intransitive verb to describe something becoming more numerous or greater in quantity.
- Indicates an increase in quantity or number.
- Used as an intransitive verb.
- Commonly used in everyday life situations.
Focus on the particle GA
Since 'fueru' is an intransitive verb, always use the particle 'ga' to mark the subject that is increasing. Do not use 'o' with this verb.
Intransitive vs Transitive Confusion
Beginners often confuse 'fueru' with 'fuyasu'. Remember that 'fueru' is for natural or result-based increase, while 'fuyasu' requires an agent.
Usage in business settings
In professional emails, using 'zoka' (increase) instead of 'fueru' sounds more polite and sophisticated. Keep 'fueru' for casual conversations.
Examples
4 of 4最近、体重が増えました。
I have gained weight recently.
海外からの観光客が増加しています。
The number of tourists from overseas is increasing.
お小遣いが増えたらいいな。
I wish my allowance would increase.
この地域では高齢者の割合が増えている。
The percentage of elderly people is increasing in this area.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
