漂流
hyōryū[ço̞ːɾʲɨː]
The English phrase "drift" can be translated into Japanese as 漂流 (hyōryū).
漂流 refers to the tendency of an act, argument or course of conduct, as well as an intended object or intention.
Meaning: the tendency of an act, argument, course of conduct, or the like, object aimed at or intended, intention (noun)
Which one should you use?
漂流 is the formal term for the concept of drift. In contrast, the loanword ドリフト is used informally, particularly when referring to the driving technique used in car racing.
How do you pronounce it?
hyōryū
Did you know?
- The term ドリフト is so closely tied to Japanese car culture that it has actually influenced the global terminology for the sport in many other languages.
- The word 漂流 carries a heavy nuance of being 'adrift' or 'lost' at sea, making it feel much more precarious and dangerous than the neutral English 'drift'.
- The kanji 漂 in 漂流 literally means 'to float' or 'to wander', and it is often associated with the poetic image of cherry blossoms drifting on a river.
Examples in context
- 彼は昨日のレースで素晴らしいドリフトを見せたHe showed an amazing drift in yesterday's race.
- 「頭文字D」は日本の漫画およびアニメで、ドリフトに焦点を当てた人気シリーズです。"Initial D" is a popular Japanese manga and anime series that focuses on drifting.
- このゲームでは、ドリフトテクニックを極めていくことが目的です。In this game, the objective is to master drift techniques.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are discussing a project plan.
- 美咲 Misaki話の漂流が始まっていますよ。hanashi no hyoryu ga hajimatte imasu yo.The conversation is starting to drift.
- 蓮 Renすみません、すぐに戻します。sumimasen, sugu ni modoshimasu.Sorry, I'll get back to the point immediately.
- 美咲 Misaki本題の漂流は避けたいです。hondai no hyoryu wa saketai desu.I want to avoid drifting from the main topic.
- 蓮 Renはい、蓮がまとめます。hai, Ren ga matomemasu.Yes, Ren will summarize it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 漂流, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
