fresh, moist

JLPT N5 10 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The character (rùn) primarily means 'to moisten' or 'to make something moist or fresh.' It is often used in contexts related to moisture, lubrication, or freshness. Additionally, can mean 'to profit' or 'to benefit,' especially in financial or business contexts.

Common Collocations

  • 湿 (rùn shī): to moisten, often used for soil or surfaces.
  • (rùn huá yóu): lubricating oil, used to reduce friction.
  • (yǒu rùn): to have profit or benefit.

Usage Notes

When used to describe moisture, often implies a gentle, beneficial wetness rather than heavy wetness. In business contexts, is a somewhat literary or formal term for profit, less common in everyday speech but frequent in written or formal language.

Common Confusion

can be confused with 湿 (shī), which also means 'wet' or 'damp.' However, 湿 usually refers to a more direct or heavier wetness, while emphasizes a subtle, nourishing moisture or smoothness.

Summary

is a versatile character useful for describing moisture, lubrication, and profit. Recognizing its context will help you understand whether it refers to physical moisture or abstract benefit.

Example Sentences

The spring rain makes the earth moist.

This investment brought a big profit to the company.

Lubricating oil can reduce friction in machines.