to drift, to float

JLPT N1 10 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of (fú)

The character primarily means "to float" or "to drift" on a surface, often water. It describes physical floating, such as leaves or objects on water. Beyond the literal sense, is also used metaphorically to describe things that appear or arise in the mind, like memories or thoughts "surfacing".

Additionally, appears in contexts related to fluctuation or instability, especially in economics or markets, where prices or values "float" or change.

Common Collocations

  • 水面 (fú zài shuǐ miàn): to float on the water surface — used for physical floating.
  • 浮现 (fú xiàn): to emerge or appear in one's mind — used metaphorically for memories or ideas.
  • 浮动价格 (fú dòng jià gé): fluctuating prices — used in financial or market contexts.

Notes

When using , it often implies a light, unstable, or temporary state, whether physically floating or metaphorically appearing. It contrasts with verbs like "" (chén, to sink) or "固定" (gù dìng, fixed). Avoid confusing with "" (piāo), which also means to float but often emphasizes drifting or moving with the current.

In conversation, can convey a poetic or descriptive tone, especially when describing thoughts or feelings that "surface" unexpectedly.

Example Sentences

The leaves are floating on the water surface, gently swaying with the waves.

Many beautiful memories surfaced in his heart.

The fluctuating prices in the market make investors uneasy.