潤す
潤す in 30 Sekunden
- Uruosu means to moisten or enrich, used for physical hydration and metaphorical wealth.
- It is a transitive verb, usually implying a positive or beneficial addition of moisture.
- Commonly paired with 'throat' (thirst), 'skin' (skincare), and 'economy' (profit).
- Distinguish it from 'nurasu' (neutral/negative wetting) and 'uruou' (intransitive).
The Japanese verb 潤す (uruosu) is a multifaceted term that primarily describes the act of moistening, wetting, or providing liquid to something that is dry. However, its usage extends far beyond the simple physical act of pouring water. In the Japanese worldview, moisture is often synonymous with life, vitality, and wealth. Therefore, uruosu is frequently employed to describe the enrichment of one's heart, the stimulation of an economy, or the provision of benefits to a community. When you use this word, you are not just talking about dampness; you are talking about the restoration of a healthy, productive, or emotionally satisfied state. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object—the thing being moistened or enriched.
- Literal Application
- Used when physically wetting something, such as quenching a dry throat with water or rain soaking the parched earth after a long drought.
- Metaphorical Enrichment
- Used when describing the influx of money into a market, the emotional satisfaction derived from art, or the benefits a new law brings to the public.
冷たい水で喉を潤すのは、登山の後の最大の楽しみだ。(Moistening one's throat with cold water is the greatest pleasure after mountain climbing.)
The beauty of uruosu lies in its positive connotation. Unlike words like nurasu (to get something wet, often accidentally or annoyingly), uruosu implies a necessary and welcome addition of moisture. Think of it as 'nourishing' through hydration. In a business context, if a new factory opens and brings jobs, people say it 'moistens' the local economy. It suggests a flow of resources that brings life back to a stagnant area. Culturally, Japan is a land of high humidity and abundant rain, which is essential for rice cultivation. This environmental reality is baked into the language; 'moisture' is a blessing, not an inconvenience. When your heart is 'moistened' by a beautiful sunset or a kind word, it means you are no longer emotionally 'dry' or cynical.
新作の映画が観客の心を潤す。(The new movie enriches/moistens the hearts of the audience.)
- Economic Context
- Tourism revenue moistens the pockets of local shopkeepers, providing much-needed financial relief.
In literature, you will see uruosu used to describe dew on flowers or the way a river brings life to a valley. It evokes a sense of freshness and replenishment. When you are writing in Japanese, use uruosu when the 'wetting' is beneficial. If you spill coffee on your shirt, you wouldn't use uruosu; you would use nurasu. The distinction is vital for sounding natural. Uruosu is about the grace of water and the grace of abundance. It is a word of replenishment and restoration.
恵みの雨が乾いた大地を潤す。(The blessed rain moistens the parched earth.)
彼のユーモアは会議の殺伐とした空気を潤す。(His humor moistens/softens the harsh atmosphere of the meeting.)
Using 潤す (uruosu) correctly requires understanding its role as a Godan transitive verb. The basic sentence structure is [Subject] が [Object] を 潤す. The object is typically something that is currently dry, lacking, or in need of nourishment. Let's break down the different domains where this word thrives. In a biological sense, it is the standard way to talk about drinking water to satisfy thirst. You don't just 'drink' water; you 'moisten your throat' (喉を潤す). This phrasing is more descriptive and common in both casual and formal Japanese.
- Physical Objects
- Objects like soil, plants, or skin. For example, 'Moisturizing the skin' (肌を潤す) is a staple phrase in the skincare industry.
- Abstract Concepts
- Concepts like the heart (心), soul (魂), or atmosphere (空気). Reading a good book can 'moisten the heart,' providing an escape from a dry, routine life.
この化粧水は肌の奥まで潤す効果がある。(This lotion has the effect of moistening deep into the skin.)
In the realm of finance and economics, uruosu is used to describe the positive impact of money flow. When a major event like the Olympics occurs, it is said to 'moisten the city's economy' (都市の経済を潤す). It implies a widespread benefit where many people's 'pockets' (懐 - futokoro) are filled. This usage is very common in news reports and economic analyses. It carries a nuance of 'trickle-down' benefit—where the moisture (money) spreads throughout the dry soil (the market).
観光客の増加が地元の商店街を潤す。(The increase in tourists enriches/moistens the local shopping districts.)
- Metaphorical Use
- 'Quenching the thirst for knowledge' (知識欲を潤す) or 'bringing life to a conversation' (会話を潤す).
When using uruosu in poetic or literary contexts, it often pairs with nature. A river 'moistens the plains' as it flows toward the sea. The morning dew 'moistens the leaves.' These images evoke a sense of peace and natural order. In everyday conversation, you might use it when offering someone a drink: '喉を潤してください' (Please moisten/refresh your throat). This is a polite and slightly more sophisticated way of saying 'Please have a drink.' It focuses on the well-being of the listener rather than the act of drinking itself.
音楽は私たちの味気ない日常を潤す。(Music enriches our bland daily lives.)
一滴の雨が乾ききった花びらを潤す。(A single drop of rain moistens the completely dried petals.)
You will encounter 潤す (uruosu) in a variety of settings, ranging from TV commercials to economic news and classic literature. One of the most common places is in skincare and beverage advertisements. Cosmetics companies use uruosu to describe how their products hydrate the skin. You'll hear phrases like '肌を芯から潤す' (moistens the skin from its core). In beverage ads, specifically for tea or sports drinks, the focus is on '喉を潤す' (moistening the throat) to emphasize refreshment and recovery from dehydration. These contexts reinforce the idea that uruosu is about bringing something back to its ideal, hydrated state.
- News & Media
- Economic reporters use it to discuss how government subsidies 'moisten' small businesses or how a weak yen 'moistens' the export industry.
- Literature & Lyrics
- Songwriters often use it to describe love or art moistening a dry, lonely heart. It adds a poetic touch that simple 'making happy' doesn't capture.
テレビ番組で「この新技術が日本経済を潤すでしょう」と言っていた。(On a TV program, they said, 'This new technology will likely enrich the Japanese economy.')
In weather reports, especially during the rainy season (tsuyu) or after a long dry spell, the announcer might mention how the rainfall is 'moistening the parched fields' (乾いた田畑を潤す). This is a crucial concept in an agricultural society. Even in urban settings, a cool evening shower is said to 'moisten the hot asphalt,' bringing a sense of relief from the summer heat. In these cases, uruosu carries a feeling of gratitude toward nature.
「まずは一杯飲んで、喉を潤すことにしよう」と彼は言った。('Let's start by having a drink and moistening our throats,' he said.)
- Daily Interaction
- When giving a gift of high-quality fruit or sweets, one might say it's something to 'moisten the tea table' (お茶の間を潤す), meaning to add a bit of luxury and joy to the home.
In professional settings, you might hear it in the context of 'profit' (利益 - rieki). A company's success 'moistens the pockets' of its shareholders. While this can sometimes sound a bit greedy, it is a standard way to express the flow of wealth. The word evokes the image of a dry sponge finally soaking up water—a transition from a state of lack to a state of abundance. Understanding this 'dry-to-wet' transition is the key to hearing the word's true meaning in the wild.
この寄付金は、困窮している多くの家庭を潤すことになるだろう。(This donation will likely provide relief/enrich many families in need.)
夕立が街の熱気を潤す。(The evening shower cools/moistens the heat of the city.)
One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing 潤す (uruosu) with 濡らす (nurasu). While both translate to 'to wet' in English, their nuances are polar opposites. Nurasu is neutral or often negative. If you drop your phone in a puddle, you nurasu it. If you walk in the rain without an umbrella, your clothes get nureta (the passive/intransitive state). However, uruosu is almost always positive. You uruosu your throat because you are thirsty. You uruosu the soil because the plants need water. Using nurasu when you mean uruosu can make you sound like you are complaining about something that is actually beneficial.
- Transitivity Confusion
- Mixing up uruosu (transitive: I moisten it) with uruou (intransitive: It becomes moist). Example: 'The economy moistens' should be '経済が潤う', not '経済が潤す'.
- Overusing in Literal Contexts
- While you can use uruosu for watering plants, the more common everyday term for just giving water is '水をやる' (mizu o yaru). Uruosu is more formal or descriptive.
❌ 喉を濡らす (Noro o nurasu) - Sounds like you accidentally got your neck wet.
✅ 喉を潤す (Noro o uruosu) - Correct way to say quench your thirst.
Another mistake is using uruosu for things that shouldn't be wet. You wouldn't 'moisten' a piece of paper you are writing on, or 'moisten' your electronic devices. In these cases, any moisture is damage, so nurasu or shimeraseru (to dampen) would be more appropriate if the act is intentional but not necessarily enriching. Remember: uruosu = replenishment/benefit. If there is no benefit, don't use it.
❌ 雨が私を潤した。(The rain moistened me - sounds like you are a plant).
✅ 雨で服が濡れた。(My clothes got wet from the rain - natural everyday usage).
- Contextual Mismatch
- Using uruosu in a slangy or very casual setting might sound a bit too 'stiff' or poetic. Stick to simple verbs like 'nomu' (drink) unless you want to emphasize the refreshing aspect.
Finally, learners often forget the 'enrichment' side of the word. Don't limit uruosu to just water. If a bonus at work makes your life easier, that 'moistens' your life. If a beautiful piece of art makes you feel human again, that 'moistens' your heart. Failing to use uruosu in these metaphorical ways is a missed opportunity to sound more like a native speaker at the B1-B2 level.
ボーナスが家計を潤す。(The bonus enriches/moistens the household finances.)
読書は知性を潤す。(Reading enriches/moistens the intellect.)
To truly master 潤す (uruosu), you must see how it sits alongside its linguistic neighbors. Japanese has several words for 'wetting' or 'enriching,' each with a specific flavor. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about a physical state, an emotional feeling, or a financial gain. Uruosu is the most versatile because it covers both the physical and the metaphorical with a positive tone.
- 濡らす (Nurasu)
- The most general word for 'to wet.' It is neutral. You nurasu a towel to wipe the table. It lacks the 'nourishing' nuance of uruosu.
- 湿らせる (Shimeraseru)
- To dampen or make humid. This is more about the degree of wetness (just a little bit). You might shimeraseru a cloth before ironing.
- 豊かにする (Yutaka ni suru)
- To make rich or abundant. This is the best alternative for the metaphorical side of uruosu. While uruosu uses the 'water' metaphor, yutaka ni suru is a direct way to say 'to enrich.'
彼はハンカチを水で濡らした。(He wetted the handkerchief with water - Neutral/Physical.)
In economic contexts, you might hear kasseika saseru (活性化させる - to activate/stimulate). While uruosu implies the *result* of wealth flowing in, kasseika saseru implies the *process* of making the economy active. If you are talking about thirst, uruosu is much more common than nurasu because the goal of drinking is replenishment. For skin, hoshitsu suru (保湿する - to moisturize/retain moisture) is the technical/medical term used in skincare, whereas uruosu is the more evocative, descriptive term used in ads.
芸術は人生を豊かにする。(Art makes life rich - Similar to 'art enriches/moistens life'.)
- 浸す (Hitasu)
- To soak or submerge. Use this when the object is completely covered in liquid, like soaking beans in water overnight.
Finally, for the 'heart' or 'emotions,' you can use mitasu (満たす - to fill/satisfy). While uruosu implies a refreshing moisture, mitasu implies reaching a full capacity. Both are positive. If you say a movie 'filled' your heart, you use mitasu. If you say it 'refreshed' your dry heart, you use uruosu. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize 'fullness' or 'hydration/relief.'
彼は豆を晩まで水に浸した。(He soaked the beans in water until evening.)
その経験は私の好奇心を満たした。(That experience satisfied/filled my curiosity.)
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The kanji 潤 is also used in the word for 'profit' (利潤 - rijun), showing that for ancient people, being 'wet' with water was the same as being 'wet' with money.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' (keep it as a tap).
- Mixing up with 'uruou' (intransitive).
- Stressing the wrong syllable (Japanese has pitch, not stress).
- Over-elongating the 'o' sound.
- Treating it as a Ichidan verb (it is Godan: uruosanai, uruoshimasu).
Schwierigkeitsgrad
The kanji is N2 level, but the verb is common enough for B1.
The kanji 潤 is complex to write correctly from memory.
Easy to pronounce and very useful in daily life.
Distinct sound, usually clear in context.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Transitive vs. Intransitive Pairs
潤す (transitive) vs 潤う (intransitive)
Godan Verb Conjugation
潤さない、潤します、潤す、潤せば、潤そう
Expressing Purpose with 'Tame ni'
喉を潤すために水を飲む。
Benefit with '-te kureru'
雨が大地を潤してくれた。
Noun Modification
喉を潤すための飲み物。
Beispiele nach Niveau
水を飲んで、喉を潤します。
I drink water and moisten my throat.
Verb in -masu form. 'Nodo' (throat) is the object.
雨が花を潤しました。
The rain moistened the flowers.
Past tense -mashita. 'Ame' (rain) is the subject.
喉を潤したいです。
I want to moisten my throat.
Using -tai to express desire.
お茶で喉を潤しましょう。
Let's moisten our throats with tea.
Volitional form -mashou (let's).
この水は喉を潤しますか?
Does this water moisten your throat?
Question form with 'ka'.
冷たい水で喉を潤す。
Moisten the throat with cold water.
Dictionary form used as a simple statement.
喉を潤すために、ジュースを買った。
I bought juice to moisten my throat.
'Tame ni' expresses purpose.
喉が渇いたので、水を潤す。
Since I'm thirsty, I'll moisten (my throat) with water.
'Node' expresses reason.
このクリームは、乾いた肌を潤します。
This cream moistens dry skin.
Subject is 'cream', object is 'hada' (skin).
朝の露が、木の葉を潤している。
Morning dew is moistening the leaves of the trees.
Present progressive -te iru.
庭に水をまいて、土を潤した。
I sprinkled water in the garden and moistened the soil.
Te-form used to connect two actions.
果物を食べて、喉を潤そう。
Let's eat fruit and moisten our throats.
Casual volitional form -ou.
加湿器を使って、部屋の空気を潤す。
Use a humidifier to moisten the air in the room.
Object is 'kuuki' (air).
川の水が、遠くの畑まで潤している。
The river water is moistening the fields far away.
Subject is 'kawa no mizu' (river water).
スポーツの後は、しっかり喉を潤してください。
Please moisten your throat well after sports.
Polite request -te kudasai.
この化粧水は、肌を優しく潤します。
This lotion moistens the skin gently.
Adverb 'yasashiku' (gently) modifies the verb.
新しい観光地が、地元の経済を潤している。
The new tourist spot is enriching the local economy.
Metaphorical use for economy.
美しい音楽が、私の荒んだ心を潤してくれた。
Beautiful music moistened my weary heart.
-te kureru indicates a benefit received.
そのニュースは、多くの人々の期待を潤した。
That news satisfied (moistened) the expectations of many people.
Metaphorical use for expectations/feelings.
彼はその事業で、自分の懐を潤した。
He lined his own pockets (moistened his pockets) with that business.
Idiomatic phrase 'futokoro o uruosu'.
読書は、私たちの知的な生活を潤してくれる。
Reading enriches (moistens) our intellectual lives.
Abstract object 'chiteki na seikatsu'.
恵みの雨が、干ばつに苦しむ村を潤した。
The blessed rain moistened the village suffering from drought.
Emphasis on 'megumi' (blessing).
彼女の笑顔は、職場の殺風景な雰囲気を潤した。
Her smile moistened (softened) the bleak atmosphere of the workplace.
Metaphorical use for atmosphere.
政府の補助金が、中小企業の経営を潤すだろう。
Government subsidies will likely enrich the management of small businesses.
Future/conjectural form with 'darou'.
その作家の言葉は、読者の乾いた魂を潤す力がある。
That author's words have the power to moisten the dry souls of readers.
Poetic use of 'dry soul' (kawaita tamashii).
大規模な投資が、停滞していた市場を潤し始めた。
Large-scale investment has begun to enrich the stagnant market.
-hajimeru (to begin) attached to the verb stem.
伝統文化を継承することは、現代人の心を潤すことにつながる。
Inheriting traditional culture leads to enriching the hearts of modern people.
'Koto ni tsunagaru' (leads to/results in).
彼は私財を投じて、故郷の教育環境を潤した。
He invested his own wealth to enrich the educational environment of his hometown.
Formal phrasing 'shizai o toujite'.
この映画は、単なる娯楽を超えて、観る者の精神を潤す。
This movie goes beyond mere entertainment and enriches the spirit of the viewer.
'Beyond mere...' (tan naru ... o koete).
砂漠に引かれた用水路が、不毛の大地を潤している。
The irrigation canals drawn into the desert are moistening the barren land.
Technical/Agricultural context.
豊かな自然は、訪れる人々の五感を潤してくれる。
Rich nature enriches (moistens) the five senses of those who visit.
Object is 'gokan' (five senses).
その詩集は、孤独な夜を過ごす人々の心を潤してきた。
That collection of poems has been enriching the hearts of people spending lonely nights.
-te kita indicates an action continuing from the past.
新法案の施行は、地方自治体の財政を潤す一助となるだろう。
The enforcement of the new bill will likely serve as a help to enrich the finances of local governments.
Formal/Legal context. 'Ichijo to naru' (be of help).
古典文学の芳醇な世界は、現代の殺伐とした精神を潤す泉である。
The mellow world of classical literature is a spring that moistens the harsh spirit of modern times.
Highly metaphorical and academic.
彼は権力を利用して、一族の懐を潤すことに腐心した。
He struggled/put great effort into lining the pockets of his clan by utilizing his power.
Cynical use of 'fushin suru' (to struggle/take pains).
芸術家としての彼の使命は、美を通じて社会の乾きを潤すことにある。
His mission as an artist lies in moistening the dryness of society through beauty.
'... ni aru' (lies in/consists of).
長引く不況の中、その特需は一時的に業界を潤したに過ぎない。
Amid the prolonged recession, that special demand did no more than temporarily enrich the industry.
'... ni sugisai' (nothing more than).
慈雨が万物を潤し、生命の息吹を蘇らせる。
The merciful rain moistens all things and revives the breath of life.
Literary/Poetic. 'Banbutsu' (all things).
その哲学的な対話は、参加者の知的好奇心を大いに潤した。
That philosophical dialogue greatly satisfied the intellectual curiosity of the participants.
Adverb 'ooi ni' (greatly).
歴史の潮流は、時に予期せぬ形で辺境の地を潤すことがある。
The tide of history sometimes moistens remote areas in unexpected ways.
Abstract subject 'rekishi no chouryuu'.
その高潔な人格から滲み出る慈愛は、周囲の人々の心を等しく潤した。
The affection emanating from that noble character equally moistened the hearts of the surrounding people.
Highly formal and descriptive.
文化の多様性を認める寛容さは、社会という器を潤す不可欠な要素だ。
The tolerance that acknowledges cultural diversity is an essential element that moistens the vessel of society.
Metaphor comparing society to a 'vessel' (utsuwa).
彼は自己の利益を顧みず、その技術を無償で提供して公共の福祉を潤した。
Disregarding his own profit, he provided that technology for free and enriched the public welfare.
'... o kaerimizu' (without regarding).
悠久の時を経て流れる大河は、幾多の文明を潤し、育んできた。
The great river flowing through eternal time has moistened and nurtured many civilizations.
Grand, epic scale of language.
その独創的なアイディアは、枯渇しかけていた創作界を潤す瑞々しい風となった。
That creative idea became a fresh wind that moistened the creative world, which was on the verge of exhaustion.
Vivid imagery combining wind and moisture.
言論の自由が担保されてこそ、真理の探究は真に知性を潤すものとなる。
Only when freedom of speech is guaranteed does the search for truth truly enrich the intellect.
'... koso' (precisely/only because).
洗練された美意識は、日常の卑近な営みさえも潤す力を持っている。
A refined aesthetic sense has the power to enrich even the most mundane daily activities.
'... sae mo' (even ...).
権力者が私利私欲に走り、民衆を潤すことを忘れた時、国家は衰退する。
When those in power pursue personal gain and forget to enrich the people, the nation declines.
Political/Philosophical statement.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— Just enough to wet the throat. Used when taking a very small drink.
喉を潤す程度に水を飲んだ。
— To give moisture/enrichment. A noun-based version of the verb.
生活に潤いを与える。
— To wet the throat with a drink (often alcoholic). Formal/Literary.
まずは一献で喉を潤しましょう。
— To line one's own pockets (often through corrupt means). Negative nuance.
汚職で私腹を潤す政治家。
— To enrich a dry/lonely heart. Very common in lyrics.
君の歌は僕の乾いた心を潤す。
— To help the household finances. Used for extra income.
パートの収入が家計を潤す。
— To bring prosperity to a city. Used in local news.
新工場の建設が街を潤す。
— Water to quench thirst. A common noun phrase.
喉を潤す水を探している。
— A moment that enriches the heart. Used in travel/lifestyle brochures.
温泉で心を潤すひとときを過ごす。
— To moisten deep into the skin. Skincare slogan.
この美容液は肌の奥まで潤す。
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Uruosu is positive/nourishing; Nurasu is neutral/accidental.
Uruosu implies saturation/benefit; Shimeraseru implies slight dampness.
Uruosu is transitive (to moisten); Uruou is intransitive (to be moistened).
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— To make a lot of money or line one's pockets. Can be neutral or slightly negative.
彼は株で懐を潤した。
General— Specifically to enrich oneself through illicit or selfish means.
公金を横領して私腹を潤す。
Formal/Negative— To quench thirst; often used as a set phrase for having a drink.
とりあえず、喉を潤しましょう。
General— To satisfy a deep craving or literal thirst.
知識への渇きを潤すために留学した。
Literary— To lighten the mood or make a social situation more pleasant.
彼のジョークがその場を潤した。
Neutral— To find emotional comfort or inspiration.
美しい景色が心を潤してくれた。
Poetic— To bring rain or water to a large area, implying prosperity.
ナイル川が大地を潤した。
Formal— A life that is rich, comfortable, and emotionally satisfying.
潤いのある生活を送りたい。
Neutral— To bring life back to something that was dying or stagnant.
彼の情熱が枯れ木を潤すようにプロジェクトを蘇らせた。
Literary— To add humidity to dry air or to soften a tense social atmosphere.
加湿器が乾いた空気を潤す。
NeutralLeicht verwechselbar
Both mean 'to wet'.
Nurasu is for general wetting, like spilling water. Uruosu is for beneficial wetting, like quenching thirst.
服を濡らす (Wet clothes) vs. 喉を潤す (Quench throat).
They share the same kanji and basic meaning.
Uruosu is the action you do to something. Uruou is the state something reaches.
雨が大地を潤す vs. 大地が潤う.
Both involve adding moisture.
Shimeraseru is about 'dampness' (low level). Uruosu is about 'refreshment/enrichment'.
切手を湿らせる (Moisten a stamp) vs. 肌を潤す (Moisturize skin).
Both involve liquid and objects.
Hitasu is to soak or submerge. Uruosu is to provide necessary moisture.
豆を水に浸す (Soak beans) vs. 喉を潤す (Quench throat).
Both can mean 'to satisfy'.
Mitasu is 'to fill up'. Uruosu is 'to refresh/replenish'.
条件を満たす (Satisfy conditions) vs. 心を潤す (Enrich the heart).
Satzmuster
[Liquid] で [Object] を 潤す
お茶で喉を潤す。
[Event] が [Economy/Pocket] を 潤す
祭りが村の経済を潤す。
[Art/Nature] が [Heart] を 潤す
音楽が心を潤す。
[Subject] は [Object] を 潤す 力がある
この詩には人を潤す力がある。
[Object] を 潤す ことにつながる
寄付は多くの人を潤すことにつながる。
[Subject] が [Society] の 乾きを 潤す
新しい文化が社会の乾きを潤す。
[Person] は [Pocket] を 潤す ことに 腐心する
彼は懐を潤すことに腐心した。
[Object] を 潤したい
喉を潤したい。
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Common in specific domains (health, finance, nature, literature).
-
Using 'uruosu' for getting your clothes wet in the rain.
→
雨で服が濡れた (Ame de fuku ga nureta).
Uruosu is for beneficial moisture. Getting wet in the rain is usually an inconvenience, so use 'nureru' (intransitive) or 'nurasu' (transitive).
-
Confusing 'uruosu' with 'uruou'.
→
経済が潤う (The economy prospers) / 投資が経済を潤す (Investment enriches the economy).
Uruosu needs an object (を). Uruou is the state of the subject (が).
-
Using 'uruosu' for 'drinking' in a very casual, fast-paced setting.
→
水を飲む (Mizu o nomu).
Uruosu is a bit more descriptive and 'slow'. In a rush, just use 'nomu'.
-
Writing the kanji 潤 as 調.
→
潤す (uruosu).
調 (chou) means to investigate/tune. 潤 has the water radical (氵).
-
Using 'uruosu' to mean 'to wash'.
→
洗う (arau).
Uruosu means to moisten, not to clean. Even if you use water for both, the purpose is different.
Tipps
Think Positive
Always use 'uruosu' when the moisture is a good thing. If it's a nuisance, use 'nurasu'.
Check the Object
Since it's transitive, make sure you have an object marked with 'wo' (を). What are you moistening?
Economic Flow
In business contexts, think of 'uruosu' as 'infusing with wealth'. It's very common in news headlines.
Uru-Rich
The kanji 潤 is used in 'profit'. Associate 'moisture' with 'richness' to remember its metaphorical meanings.
Polite Offering
When serving tea, saying 'どうぞ、喉を潤してください' sounds very elegant and considerate.
Beauty Tip
Look for 潤 on Japanese beauty products. It's the key character for hydration.
Uruosu vs. Mitasu
Use 'uruosu' for refreshing/hydrating and 'mitasu' for filling/satisfying. Both are positive.
Rain as a Blessing
Use 'uruosu' to describe rain in a poetic or grateful way, especially after a dry spell.
Literary Flair
In your writing, use 'uruosu' to describe how art or hobbies make your life better. It sounds more native than just saying 'tanoshii' (fun).
Commercial Cues
Beverage ads often end with a refreshing sound and a mention of 'uruosu'. It's the 'ahhh' feeling in word form.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of 'URU' as 'URU-guay' (Uruguay) and 'OSU' as the karate shout. Imagine a karate master in dry Uruguay shouting 'OSU!' to make it rain and moisten the fields.
Visuelle Assoziation
A dry, cracked desert soil suddenly being filled with water from a clear stream, turning green instantly.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to use 'uruosu' in three different ways today: once for a drink, once for skincare, and once for something that makes you happy.
Wortherkunft
The word comes from the Old Japanese verb 'uru-'. The kanji 潤 consists of the water radical (氵) on the left and a phonetic component (門 + 冊/王) on the right that originally suggested richness or a gate where goods flow through.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To saturate with water or to provide bounty.
JaponicKultureller Kontext
Generally a very safe and positive word. No major taboos.
In English, we often use 'quench' for thirst and 'enrich' for the economy. Japanese uses one word, 'uruosu', for both, linking them through the image of water.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Drinking/Thirst
- 喉を潤す
- 一杯飲んで喉を潤す
- 渇きを潤す
- 冷たい水で潤す
Skincare/Beauty
- 肌を潤す
- 芯から潤す
- 長時間潤す
- 潤いを与える
Economy/Finance
- 懐を潤す
- 地元の経済を潤す
- 家計を潤す
- 市場を潤す
Nature/Agriculture
- 大地を潤す
- 田畑を潤す
- 恵みの雨が潤す
- 渇いた土を潤す
Emotions/Art
- 心を潤す
- 生活を潤す
- 精神を潤す
- 荒んだ心を潤す
Gesprächseinstiege
"喉を潤すのに、何か飲み物はいかがですか?"
"最近、心を潤すような良い映画を観ましたか?"
"この化粧水、本当に肌を潤してくれるんですよ。"
"新しいショッピングモールができて、この街も潤うといいですね。"
"登山の後に喉を潤すビールは最高ですよね?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
今日、あなたの心を潤してくれた出来事は何ですか?
喉を潤すために一番好きな飲み物について書いてください。
もし1億円手に入って懐が潤ったら、何に使いたいですか?
あなたの生活を潤すために、新しく始めたい習慣はありますか?
最近、雨が大地を潤したのを見てどう感じましたか?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, 'uruosu' implies a positive or beneficial effect. If you spill water on your desk, use 'nurasu' (to wet) or 'yogosu' (to dirty/stain).
It is slightly more sophisticated than 'mizu o nomu' (drink water), but it is used in daily life, especially in commercials and skincare. It is very common in written Japanese.
Uruosu is transitive (A moistens B). Uruou is intransitive (B becomes moist). Example: 'Ame ga tsuchi o uruosu' vs 'Tsuchi ga uruou'.
Yes, but usually metaphorically (their heart, their pockets) or for specific body parts like the throat or skin. You wouldn't usually say 'I moistened the person' literally.
Very much so. It describes how profits or new industries benefit a region or a company's finances ('keizai o uruosu', 'futokoro o uruosu').
You can say 'hada o uruosu'. In a more technical sense, you might see 'hoshitsu suru', but 'uruosu' is used to describe the feeling of hydration.
Not directly, but 'shifuku o uruosu' (to line one's own pockets) is often used when talking about corruption or selfish gain.
The most direct opposite is 'kawakasu' (to dry out) or 'karasu' (to wither/dry up).
Yes, it is a Joyo kanji (taught in school). You will see it in many words related to profit, moisture, and smoothness.
Yes, 'tsuchi o uruosu' (moistening the soil) is correct and sounds quite descriptive, though 'mizu o yaru' is the simple everyday phrase.
Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen
Write a sentence using 'uruosu' to describe drinking water.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about rain and the earth using 'uruosu'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about the economy using 'uruosu'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about skincare using 'uruosu'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about music and the heart using 'uruosu'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using the idiom '懐を潤す'.
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Write a sentence using 'uruosu' in the potential form (can moisten).
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Write a sentence using 'uruosu' in the causative form (make/let someone moisten).
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Write a sentence about a gift that 'enriches' a home.
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Write a sentence about a policy benefiting the public finances.
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Translate: 'I want to moisten my dry throat.'
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Translate: 'Reading enriches the soul.'
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Translate: 'The bonus enriched the household budget.'
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Translate: 'Use a humidifier to moisten the air.'
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Translate: 'His humor softened the atmosphere.'
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Write a sentence using 'uruosu' in the passive form.
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Write a sentence using the volitional form 'uruosou'.
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Write a sentence about a river and a valley.
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Write a sentence about art in society.
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Write a sentence about moisturizing before bed.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pronounce: 潤す
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'I want to quench my thirst' in Japanese.
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Du hast gesagt:
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Offer a drink to a guest using 'uruosu'.
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Du hast gesagt:
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Explain why 'uruosu' is different from 'nurasu'.
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Describe a hobby that makes your life better using 'uruosu'.
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Say 'The rain moistened the ground' in Japanese.
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Use 'uruosu' to talk about the economy.
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Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'Let's have a drink' using 'uruosou'.
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Ask someone if a lotion moisturizes well.
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Describe a beautiful scene that touched your heart.
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Say 'I moistened the soil' in Japanese.
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Use 'uruosu' in a formal business context.
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Explain 'futokoro o uruosu' in your own words.
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Say 'The morning dew moistens the leaves'.
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Use 'uruosu' to describe a refreshing shower.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say 'I need to moisturize my skin'.
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Describe the impact of a bonus on your household.
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Say 'The river enriches the valley'.
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Use 'uruosu' to describe art's role.
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Say 'I'll quench my thirst and then go'.
Read this aloud:
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Listen to the sentence: '喉を潤す' and identify the meaning.
Listen to the sentence: '経済を潤す' and identify the context.
What object is being mentioned: '肌を潤すクリーム'?
Is the speaker happy or sad: '心が潤されました'?
Identify the verb: '雨が大地を潤した'。
What is being lined: '懐を潤す'?
Identify the purpose: '喉を潤すために水を飲む'。
Does the lotion work: 'この化粧水は肌を潤さない'?
What is the subject: '音楽が心を潤す'?
Is it past or present: '潤した'?
Identify the polite request: '喉を潤してください'。
What is being moistened: '田畑を潤す川'?
Identify the negative: '潤さない'。
What is the tone of 'shifuku o uruosu'?
Identify the volitional: '潤そう'。
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
潤す (uruosu) is the go-to verb for 'beneficial wetting.' Whether you are quenching your thirst with a drink or a city is profiting from a festival, this word captures the transition from dryness to life-giving abundance. Example: 喉を潤す (Quench one's thirst).
- Uruosu means to moisten or enrich, used for physical hydration and metaphorical wealth.
- It is a transitive verb, usually implying a positive or beneficial addition of moisture.
- Commonly paired with 'throat' (thirst), 'skin' (skincare), and 'economy' (profit).
- Distinguish it from 'nurasu' (neutral/negative wetting) and 'uruou' (intransitive).
Think Positive
Always use 'uruosu' when the moisture is a good thing. If it's a nuisance, use 'nurasu'.
Check the Object
Since it's transitive, make sure you have an object marked with 'wo' (を). What are you moistening?
Economic Flow
In business contexts, think of 'uruosu' as 'infusing with wealth'. It's very common in news headlines.
Uru-Rich
The kanji 潤 is used in 'profit'. Associate 'moisture' with 'richness' to remember its metaphorical meanings.
Verwandte Inhalte
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Mehr nature Wörter
~上
B1Das Wort 'ue' bedeutet 'auf' oder 'über'.
〜の上
A2Auf oder über etwas. Zum Beispiel: 'Das Buch liegt auf dem Tisch' (Hon wa tsukue no ue ni arimasu).
豊か
B1Reichhaltig; üppig. Ein reiches Leben (Ein yutaka Leben).
〜に従って
B1Gemäß den Anweisungen wurde das Gerät installiert.
酸性雨
B1Saurer Regen ist Niederschlag, dessen pH-Wert durch Luftverschmutzung gesenkt wurde.
営み
B1Aktivität; tägliches Leben; Unternehmung (z. B. die Aktivitäten des Lebens).
順応する
B1Sich an eine neue Umgebung oder Situation anpassen.
~を背景に
B1Vor dem Hintergrund von; mit... als Hintergrund.
空気
A2air
大気汚染
B1Luftverschmutzung ist das Vorhandensein von Schadstoffen in der Luft. 'Die Luftverschmutzung in Großstädten hat in den letzten Jahren zugenommen.'