1.
to look or act mature, to seem grown-up
Describes a young person whose appearance, behavior, or manner seems older or more mature than their actual age. Can apply to physical appearance, speech, or demeanor.
大人びた表情をしている。
She has a mature expression on her face.
あの子は同じ年の子より大人びて見える。
That child looks more mature than kids the same age.
久しぶりに会った姪は、すっかり大人びた話し方をするようになっていた。
My niece, whom I hadn't seen in a while, had come to speak in a very grown-up way.
大人びる is an intransitive verb most commonly used in the past participle form 大人びた as a modifier.
TRANSITIVITY:
- Type: 自動詞 (intransitive)
- Pattern: [person]が大人びる
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 大人びた顔: a mature-looking face
- 大人びた話し方: a grown-up way of speaking
- 大人びた雰囲気: a mature atmosphere/aura
- 大人びて見える: to look mature
The word carries a generally positive or neutral connotation, suggesting poise or composure beyond one's years. It is primarily used about children or teenagers, not about adults.