JLPT N2 Upper Intermediate
ボケる
「ぼける」
To grow senile, become unfocused or blurry, or play the fool.
Readings
Other forms
ボケます polite form
ボケて te-form
ボケた past form
呆ける less common kanji
1 Ichidan verb (intransitive)
To go senile
Refers to a decline in cognitive function or mental sharpness, typically associated with aging.
Example
祖父 は 最近 少し ボケて きた よう だ 。
It seems my grandfather has gotten a little senile recently.
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2 Ichidan verb (intransitive)
To be out of it / To be blurry
Indicates a lack of clarity or sharpness, applying either to a person’s mental state or a visual image.
Usage notes & examples
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3 Ichidan verb (intransitive)
To play the fool (in comedy)
To intentionally say something silly, absurd, or incorrect to provoke a reaction or laughter.
Usage notes & examples
available in the
mobile app