飘

• Pinyin: piāo
• Hanzi breakdown: 飘 = 票 (phonetic) + 风 (wind, drifting)

Meaning

To float; to drift; to flutter. As an adjective, floating or drifting.

Describes light objects moving through air or water without control, such as leaves, clouds, or fragrances. Can also describe an unstable lifestyle or wandering state of mind.

Examples

1. 秋风中落叶飘落满地。 In the autumn wind, fallen leaves drifted to the ground and covered it.
2. 空气中飘着淡淡的花香。 A faint floral scent drifted through the air.
3. 他常年在外飘泊，很少回家。 He’s spent years drifting from place to place and rarely goes home.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, weather, lifestyle

Tone: poetic

Do Say

• 雪花飘飘洒洒地落下。(Snowflakes drifted down gracefully.)
• 厨房里飘出饭菜的香味。(The aroma of food wafted from the kitchen.)

Don't Say

• 石头飘了 — heavy objects cannot 飘; use 飞 or 落 for thrown or falling stones

Origin & History

飘 = 风 (wind) + 票 (phonetic)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal