Translation and Meaning of: 流れる - nagareru

The Japanese word 流れる (ながれる, "nagareru") is a common verb that carries deep meanings and varied usages in everyday life in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or just interested in the language, understanding this expression goes beyond simple translation. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it connects with Japanese culture, as well as practical memorization tips and usage examples.

Meaning and translation of 流れる

The verb 流れる can be translated as "to flow," "to run," or "to spill," depending on the context. It is often used to describe the movement of liquids, such as rivers or water, but it also applies to abstract situations, like the passage of time or the transmission of information. For example, music playing in the background at a venue can be described with 流れる.

In addition to its physical meaning, this word appears in everyday expressions and even in song lyrics, reinforcing its presence in daily communication. Its versatility makes it one of the first words that Japanese learners acquire when they begin to expand their vocabulary.

Origin and writing of the kanji 流

The kanji 流 is composed of the radical 氵(さんずい), which indicates a relationship with water, combined with 㐬, an ancient component associated with movement. This combination directly reflects the meaning of "to flow" or "to run," illustrating how Japanese writing often logically unites form and meaning.

Studying the etymology of 流れる helps to memorize not only the word itself but also other terms that use the same kanji. For example, 流す (nagasu, "to make flow") and 流れ (nagare, "current") share the same root, making it easier to learn related vocabulary.

Cultural use and frequency in Japanese

In Japan, 流れる is not limited to the literal meaning. It appears in proverbs and expressions that reflect cultural values, such as accepting things as they come – an idea linked to the natural flow of life. This concept is fundamental in philosophies like Zen Buddhism, where fluidity is seen as harmony with the universe.

Moreover, the word is common in media such as animes and dramas, often in scenes that involve emotions or events that develop naturally. Its frequency in the language makes it essential for those who want to understand everyday conversations or consume content in Japanese without difficulty.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 流れる

• 流れます - Formal affirmative form
• 流れません - Formal negative form
• 流れた - Simple past form
• 流れています - Present continuous form
• 流れましょう - imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 流す (nagasu) - Let it flow, run.
• 流れ (nagare) - Flow, current; continuous movement.
• 流転する (r uten suru) - Circular, going through several phases.
• 流動する (ryūdō suru) - Flow, being in motion, constant change.
• 流行る (hayaru) - Becoming popular, being fashionable.
• 流布する (rūfu suru) - Distribute widely, disseminate.
• 流れ出る (nagareduru) - Start to flow out.
• 流れ込む (nagarekomu) - Enter the flow.
• 流れ落ちる (nagareochiru) - Fall into flow.
• 流れ去る (nagaresaru) - Flow away, disappear into the flow.
• 流れ着く (nagaretsuku) - Arrive through the flow.
• 流れ続ける (nagaretsuzukeru) - Keep flowing.
• 流れ変わる (nagarekawaru) - Change the flow.
• 流れ強い (nagaretsuyoi) - Strong flow.
• 流れ速い (nagarehayai) - Fast flow.
• 流れ静か (nagareshizuka) - Calm flow.
• 流れ悪い (nagarewarui) - Bad flow.
• 流れ安い (nagareyasui) - Easy flow.
• 流れ高い (nagaretakai) - High flow.
• 流れ深い (nagaredeepu) - Deep flow.
• 流れ浅い (nagareasai) - Shallow flow.
• 流れ広い (nagarehiroi) - Wide flow.
• 流れ狭い (nagaresemai) - Narrow flow.
• 流れ長い (nagarenagai) - Long flow.
• 流れ短い (nagaremijikai) - Short flow.
• 流れ急い (nagareiso) - Rushed flow.
• 流れ緩い (nagareyurui) - Slow flow.
• 流れ温い (nagarenurui) - Warm flow.
• 流れ冷たい (nagaretsumetai) - Cold flow.

流れる

Romaji: nagareru
Kana: ながれる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: to transmit; Flow; run (ink); be washed

Meaning in English: to stream;to flow;to run (ink);to be washed away

Definition: The movement of liquid, air, etc. in a certain direction.

Example Sentences - (流れる) nagareru

See below some example sentences:

深夜には静かな時間が流れる。

Shinya ni wa shizuka na jikan ga nagareru

during the dawn

Quiet time flows late at night.

• 深夜には - late at night
• 静かな - calm
• 時間が - time
• 流れる - flow

悠々とした時間が流れる。

Yuuyuu to shita jikan ga nagareru

A smooth time flows.

• 悠々とした - It means "serene" or "calm".
• 時間 - It means "time".
• が - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 流れる - It means "flow" or "pass".

電流が流れています。

Denryuu ga nagarete imasu

Electric current is flowing.

The current is flowing.

• 電流 - Electric current
• が - subject particle
• 流れています - is flowing

この川の流れはとても美しいです。

Kono kawa no nagare wa totemo utsukushii desu

The current of this river is very beautiful.

The flow of this river is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 川 - noun meaning "river"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words
• 流れ - noun that means "flow" or "current"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - linking verb that indicates the polite and formal form of the present