godan verb (-ku), intransitive verb
feign ignorance; pretend not to know; act nonchalant
Used when someone deliberately acts as if they don't know something or are indifferent, often to avoid involvement or responsibility.
彼は都合が悪くなると、すぐにそらうそぶく。
He quickly feigns ignorance when things get awkward.
質問されても、そらうそぶいて答えなかった。
Even when asked, he pretended not to know and didn't answer.
godan verb (-ku), intransitive verb
assume a contemptuous attitude; act disdainful
Rare literary use; conveys a dismissive or scornful pretense, often with an air of superiority.
彼は相手をそらうそぶいて、話も聞こうとしなかった。
He acted contemptuously toward the other person and wouldn't even listen.