(ほころ)びる

ほころびる
ichidan verb
to come apart at the seams; to break into a smile; to begin to bloom
1. to come apart at the seams; to become undone
For stitching or fabric to come loose or fall apart.
()()(ほころ)びている。
The seam is coming apart.
2. to break into a smile; to relax one's expression
For one's face to soften into a smile, as if the tightness is coming undone.
彼女(かのじょ)(かお)(おも)わず(ほころ)んだ。
Her face broke into an involuntary smile.
3. to begin to bloom; to start opening (of flowers)
For flower buds to begin opening.
(さくら)(つぼみ)(ほころ)(はじ)めた。
The cherry blossom buds are beginning to bloom.

VERB TYPE:
自動詞(じどうし) (intransitive verb)
Ichidan verb (一段動詞(いちだんどうし)/上一段(かみいちだん))

CONJUGATION:

  • (ほころ)びない (negative)
  • (ほころ)びて (te-form)
  • (ほころ)びた (past)

NOUN FORM:
(ほころ)び - a flaw, coming apart, crack (in a plan or facade)

LITERARY USE:
This verb is often used poetically, especially for describing smiles breaking through a stern expression or flowers starting to bloom in spring.