漂う

• Reading: ただよう
• Romaji: tadayou
• Kanji breakdown: 漂 (hyō/tadayo) — drift, float, bleach
• Pronunciation: /ta.da.jo.ɯ/

Meaning

To drift; to float; to hang in the air. Describes something moving without direction or lingering in a space.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb describing aimless floating or drifting. Used for physical objects on water or in air, as well as abstract things like atmosphere, scent, or feelings pervading a space. Conveys a sense of weightlessness, uncertainty, or ambient presence. Very common in literary and descriptive writing.

Examples

1. 部屋にコーヒーの香りが漂っている。 The smell of coffee is drifting through the room.
2. 小舟が波に揺られて漂っていた。 A small boat was drifting, rocked by the waves.
3. 会場には緊張した雰囲気が漂っていた。 A tense atmosphere hung over the venue.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, atmosphere, nature

Tone: evocative

Origin & History

From the kanji 漂 (drift, float), combining 氵 (water) with 票 (slip, ticket — phonetic element). Originally described objects floating on water, later extending to anything drifting through space.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal