流す

• Reading: ながす
• Romaji: nagasu
• Kanji breakdown: 流 (ryuu/naga) — flow, stream
• Pronunciation: /na.ɡa.sɯ/

Meaning

To drain; to let flow; to shed. Causing liquid or other things to move along a current.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb conjugated with the す row (流さない, 流します). The transitive pair of 流れる. Very versatile: flush a toilet (トイレを流す), play music (音楽を流す), shed tears (涙を流す), spread a rumor (噂を流す), or let something slide (聞き流す). Context determines meaning.

Examples

1. 使った後はちゃんとトイレを流してください。 Please make sure to flush the toilet after using it.
2. カフェでジャズの音楽を流していた。 They were playing jazz music in the café.
3. 映画を見て思わず涙を流した。 I couldn't help shedding tears while watching the movie.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, music, emotions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 流 combines 氵 (water radical) and a phonetic element suggesting flow. Originally depicted water streaming through a channel.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal