to drift, to float

JLPT N5 14 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The character primarily means 'to drift' or 'to float,' often describing objects moving gently on water or in the air. It also appears in the context of 'bleaching' () and as an adjective meaning 'beautiful' or 'pretty' when doubled as 漂亮.

Common Collocations

  • 漂流 (piāoliú): to drift or float along, often used for boats or objects on water.
  • (piǎobái): to bleach, commonly used in laundry or chemical contexts.
  • 漂亮 (piāo piàoliang liàng): very pretty or beautiful, a common compliment.

Usage Notes

When used alone, usually relates to drifting or floating. In combination, its meaning can shift significantly, such as in (bleach) or 漂亮 (pretty). Be careful not to confuse with 漂亮; the former is a verb or part of compound verbs, while the latter is an adjective.

Register and Tone

is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the compound. For example, is more formal/scientific, while 漂亮 is casual and colloquial.

Example Sentences

The leaves are drifting back and forth on the water surface.

This piece of clothing can be bleached with bleach.

She is wearing a very pretty dress.