Translation and Meaning of: びり - biri

The word 「びり」 (biri) is an informal Japanese expression that has several different connotations depending on the context in which it is used. One of the most common meanings is to indicate the last position or ranking in some competition or list. In Japanese culture, where group performance is particularly emphasized, coming in last can have a stronger connotation than in other cultures.

As for the etymology of 「びり」 (biri), it is difficult to trace its exact origin, as it is a more colloquial than formal term. However, it is speculated that the word may have evolved from the abbreviation or modification of that mean end or last in other Japanese words. Many suggest that it may be related to 「尾」 (o), which means "tail" or "end," used in expressions that indicate end or posteriority.

In addition to its use to indicate position in competitions, 「びり」 can also have applications in everyday contexts to describe a situation or person that is "behind" others. This could be applied, for example, to students in an exam or even to participants in a race. In contrast with Western cultures, where individual competition is more common, in Japan, the group result often holds greater importance, and finishing last can be viewed negatively.

The variety of uses of the word in Japanese society reflects much of the importance attributed to the group, collective performance, and social harmony. This focus on the collective versus the individual is a key characteristic in many aspects of Japanese life, from education to the professional environment. Although being 「びり」 in a ranking is not ideal, it often serves as motivation for improvement and as an opportunity for learning.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• ビリ (biri) - Last place
• 最下位 (saikai) - Last place, lowest position
• 最下級 (saikakyuu) - Lowest class, lowest level
• 最下位者 (saikai-sha) - Last place person
• 最下位の (saikai no) - From the last place
• 最下位クラス (saikai kurasu) - Last place class
• 最下位ランク (saikai ranku) - Rank last place
• 最下位グループ (saikai guruupu) - Last place group
• 最下位チーム (saikai chiimu) - Time in last place
• 最下位ポジション (saikai pojishon) - In last place
• 最下位成績 (saikai seiseki) - Performance in last place
• 最下位争い (saikai arasoi) - Fight for the last position
• 最下位決定戦 (saikai ketteisen) - Competition to determine the last place
• 最下位降格 (saikai kougaku) - Relegation to last place
• 最下位独走 (saikai dokusou) - Lonely race in last place
• 最下位脱出 (saikai dasshutsu) - Escape from the last place
• 最下位回避 (saikai kaihi) - Avoid the last place
• 最下位更新 (saikai kōshin) - Update to the last place
• 最下位更新記録 (saikai kōshin kiroku) - Last place update log
• 最下位更新達成 (saikai kōshin tassei) - Reaching the update of the last place
• 最下位更新チャレンジ (saikai kōshin charenji) - Last place update challenge
• 最下位更新目指して (saikai kōshin mezashite) - Looking for the update on the last place
• 最下位更新目標 (saikai kōshin mokuhyou) - Objective of updating the last place
• 最下位更新成功 (saikai kōshin seikou) - Success in updating the last place
• 最下位更新記念 (saikai kōshin kinen) - Celebration of the last place update
• 最下位更新祝賀 (saikai kōshin shukuga) - Celebration of the update of the last place