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B1 verb #4,000 가장 일반적인 9분 분량

涙を流す

namida o nagasu
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설명 涙を流す in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn basic verbs. While you might first learn 'naku' (to cry), 'namida o nagasu' is a great way to expand your vocabulary early on. Think of it as a combination of two words you might already know: 'namida' (tears) and 'nagasu' (to let flow). At this level, you can use it in very simple sentences to describe how you feel when watching a sad movie. It helps you distinguish between the sound of crying and the actual tears. You should focus on the basic 'Subject + wa + namida o nagasu' structure. Even at this beginner stage, using this phrase can make your Japanese sound a little more advanced and descriptive. Don't worry about the complex nuances yet; just remember it means 'to shed tears.' You can use it when talking about simple emotions like being sad or very happy. It's a useful phrase to recognize when you see it in simple stories or children's books, where authors often use descriptive language to help readers visualize the scene. Practice saying it out loud to get used to the rhythm of the 'o' particle followed by the verb 'nagasu.'
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At the A2 level, you can start to use 'namida o nagasu' to add more detail to your descriptions of people and events. You are moving beyond simple statements and starting to tell short stories or describe experiences. For example, instead of just saying 'I was sad,' you can say 'I shed tears because the story was sad.' This level is also where you can begin to use adverbs. You might say 'shizuka ni namida o nagasu' (quietly shed tears). This shows that you understand how to modify verbs to give more specific information. You will also start encountering this phrase in simple manga or anime. Notice how it is often used in moments of realization or quiet sadness. It's also important at this level to distinguish it from 'namida ga deru' (tears come out), which is more for physical things like onions. By using 'namida o nagasu,' you are showing that you understand the emotional context of the action. Try to use it in your diary or when practicing speaking about your favorite movies. It's a small step that makes a big difference in how expressive your Japanese feels to others.
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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'namida o nagasu' in a variety of contexts, including formal and written Japanese. You are now expected to understand the nuance that this phrase focuses on the physical manifestation of emotion. You can use it to describe not just your own feelings, but the feelings of others in a more sophisticated way. This is the level where you should start using compound versions like 'ureshi-namida o nagasu' (shed tears of joy) or 'kuyashi-namida o nagasu' (shed tears of frustration). These expressions are very common in Japanese and will help you sound much more natural. You will also see this phrase frequently in news reports or more complex stories. Understanding why a writer chose 'namida o nagasu' instead of 'naku' is key at this level. Usually, it's to create a more vivid, respectful, or poetic image. You should also be careful with the transitive/intransitive distinction: 'namida o nagasu' (someone sheds tears) vs. 'namida ga nagareru' (tears flow). Mastering this distinction is a hallmark of the B1 level. You can also start using it in the passive voice or with causative forms if the situation calls for it, though the basic active form remains the most common.
At the B2 level, you can use 'namida o nagasu' to discuss abstract concepts and complex emotional states. You might use it in a discussion about literature, analyzing why a character 'shed tears' at a specific moment and what that signifies about their development. You are also able to use the phrase in more formal settings, such as a speech or a business presentation where you might be discussing a moving success story. At this level, you should be aware of the phrase's use in idiomatic expressions and how it compares to more literary terms like 'ruisen ga yurumu' (one's tear ducts loosen). You can use 'namida o nagasu' to convey sincerity and depth. In writing, you might use it to create a specific atmosphere. For example, 'He shed tears in silence' (kare wa mugon de namida o nagashita) creates a very different image than 'He cried.' You should also be able to recognize and use the phrase when it appears in metaphorical contexts, such as 'bleeding tears' (figuratively) or in historical accounts. Your understanding of the cultural weight of tears in Japan—where emotional restraint is often valued—will help you use this phrase with the appropriate level of 'gravitas.'
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At the C1 level, your use of 'namida o nagasu' should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's. You understand the subtle poetic and rhetorical functions of the phrase. You can use it to add dramatic flair to your storytelling or to provide a precise, clinical description in a psychological or medical context. You are familiar with the vast array of synonyms and onomatopoeic modifiers that can accompany the phrase, such as 'boro-boro to namida o nagasu' or 'hara-hara to namida o nagasu,' and you know exactly which one fits the specific 'texture' of the moment you are describing. You can also use the phrase in complex grammatical structures, such as 'namida o nagasazu ni wa irarenai' (cannot help but shed tears). At this level, you are also sensitive to the register of the phrase. You know when it might sound too 'melodramatic' and when it is the only phrase that will suffice to describe a profound emotional experience. You can analyze its use in classical and modern literature, noting how the portrayal of shedding tears has evolved in Japanese culture. Your ability to use this phrase effectively in both high-level written discourse and nuanced conversation reflects your deep integration into the Japanese linguistic landscape.
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At the C2 level, 'namida o nagasu' is just one tool in a massive emotional vocabulary. You use it with complete mastery of its stylistic and cultural implications. You can use it to evoke specific literary traditions or to subvert them. Your understanding of the phrase extends to its most obscure uses and its historical development from classical Japanese. You can engage in deep discussions about the 'aesthetics of tears' in Japanese art and how this phrase captures that aesthetic. Whether you are writing a scholarly article, a piece of creative fiction, or delivering a keynote address, you use 'namida o nagasu' with a level of precision that accounts for the historical, social, and psychological dimensions of the act. You are also expert at using the phrase in tandem with other high-level expressions to create a rich, multi-layered narrative. You can distinguish between the 'shedding of tears' as a sign of weakness, a sign of strength, a sign of purification, or a sign of social bonding, and you use the phrase to highlight these specific meanings. For you, the phrase is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile instrument for expressing the deepest complexities of the human condition in the Japanese language.
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涙を流す 30초 만에

  • A formal and descriptive phrase meaning 'to shed tears,' focusing on the physical act of crying.
  • Used in literature, news, and emotional storytelling to convey deep sincerity and gravity.
  • Distinguished from 'naku' (general crying) and 'namida ga deru' (physiological eye-watering).
  • A transitive verb structure that allows for specific modifiers like 'tears of joy' or 'tears of frustration.'

The Japanese phrase 涙を流す (namida o nagasu) is a transitive verb expression that literally translates to 'to shed tears.' While the more common verb 泣く (naku) covers the general act of crying—which often includes vocalization, sobbing, and the emotional state—涙を流す specifically focuses on the physical act of tears flowing from the eyes. It is a more descriptive, evocative, and sometimes formal way to describe weeping. In Japanese culture, the act of shedding tears is often viewed with deep empathy, and this specific phrase is frequently employed in literature, news reporting, and formal speeches to convey a sense of profound emotion without necessarily implying the loud wailing associated with naku.

Semantic Range
This expression covers everything from a single tear of joy to uncontrollable weeping. It emphasizes the movement of the liquid (the tears) rather than the sound of the voice. Because it uses the transitive verb 流す (nagasu - to let flow/to pour), it carries a nuance of the subject experiencing an emotion so strong that the tears are released, almost as an offering or a physical manifestation of an internal state.
Social Nuance
In Japanese society, maintaining 'wa' (harmony) often involves emotional restraint. Using 涙を流す in a narrative context allows a speaker to describe someone's sadness with dignity. It is the preferred term when describing a protagonist in a novel or a historical figure who was moved to tears by a noble cause. It suggests a certain level of maturity or a specific focus on the visual beauty or tragedy of the moment.

彼はその美しい景色を見て、思わず涙を流した。(He shed tears spontaneously upon seeing that beautiful scenery.)

The phrase is also used metaphorically. In sports journalism, you will often hear about athletes who 涙を流す after a bitter defeat or a hard-won victory. In these contexts, the phrase underscores the years of effort and the weight of the moment. Unlike the English 'to cry,' which can sometimes sound childish, 涙を流す retains a sense of gravity. It is also the standard way to describe the physiological process in medical or biological contexts, though even there, it carries a poetic weight that 泣く lacks.

Contextual Flexibility
You can modify the phrase to specify the type of tears. For example, うれし涙を流す (ureshi-namida o nagasu) means to shed tears of joy, while 悔し涙を流す (kuyashi-namida o nagasu) means to shed tears of frustration. This ability to prefix the type of tear makes it a highly versatile tool for precise emotional expression in Japanese.

母は私の卒業式で、静かに涙を流していた。(My mother was quietly shedding tears at my graduation ceremony.)

Ultimately, mastering 涙を流す allows you to move beyond basic vocabulary and start describing human emotions with the nuance and respect they deserve in a Japanese-speaking environment. It bridges the gap between simple communication and expressive storytelling.

Using 涙を流す (namida o nagasu) correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature and its placement within different sentence structures. In Japanese, the particle を (o) marks 'tears' as the direct object of the action 'to flow' or 'to shed.' This implies a human subject (or an anthropomorphized one) who is experiencing the emotion. Unlike the English 'to cry,' which is an intransitive verb, Japanese treats 'shedding tears' as something the subject does.

Basic Structure
[Subject] + が/は + [Adverb] + 涙を流す. Example: 彼女は静かに涙を流した (She quietly shed tears). This is the most common pattern. Adverbs like 静かに (shizuka ni - quietly), 激しく (hageshiku - intensely), or 思わず (omowazu - instinctively) are often paired with this phrase to add depth to the description.

映画の結末に、観客の多くが涙を流した。(Many in the audience shed tears at the movie's ending.)

Compound Nouns and Specificity
As mentioned, Japanese often combines the reason for crying with the word for tears. うれし涙 (ureshi-namida - tears of joy), 悔し涙 (kuyashi-namida - tears of frustration), and 空涙 (sora-namida - crocodile tears) are all objects that can be used with 流す. This creates a very specific emotional image that 'crying' alone cannot convey.

彼は負けた悔しさに、大粒の涙を流した。(He shed large tears out of the frustration of losing.)

In formal writing, such as literature or news articles, 涙を流す is often used to describe collective grief or national sentiment. For example, 'The whole nation shed tears over the tragedy' would use this phrase. It elevates the tone from a simple physiological reaction to a significant emotional event. When practicing, try to think about the 'texture' of the crying—is it a quiet trickle or a heavy flow? This phrase is your best tool for that distinction.

The expression 涙を流す (namida o nagasu) is ubiquitous in Japanese media, particularly in genres that aim for emotional resonance. You will encounter it frequently in **dramas (doramas)** and **anime**, especially during climactic scenes where a character finally allows their true feelings to surface. Instead of just saying 'they cried,' the narrator or other characters might use this phrase to emphasize the sincerity of the emotion. It sounds more poetic and heartfelt than the everyday naku.

In Literature and Lyrics
Japanese song lyrics (J-Pop, Enka) are filled with this phrase. It is a staple of romantic ballads. In literature, authors use it to describe the internal world of characters. Because Japanese literature often values 'mono no aware' (the pathos of things), the visual of shedding tears is a powerful symbol of a soul being touched by the fleeting beauty or sadness of life.

歌詞：君のために涙を流す夜もある。(Lyrics: There are nights when I shed tears for you.)

Sports Commentary
Japan's sports culture, particularly high school baseball (Koshien), is famous for its emotional displays. Commentators frequently use this phrase to describe the players' reactions at the end of a tournament. Whether in victory or defeat, 涙を流す is used to signify that the players gave their all.

優勝が決まった瞬間、監督は男泣きに涙を流した。(The moment the victory was decided, the manager shed tears in a 'manly' cry.)

In daily conversation, you might use it when recounting a story to a friend: '昨日の映画、本当に感動して涙を流しちゃった' (That movie yesterday was so moving, I ended up shedding tears). While naitatta (cried) is simpler, namida o nagashichatta sounds a bit more descriptive and emphasizes the depth of the impact the movie had on you.

While 涙を流す (namida o nagasu) is a relatively straightforward phrase, learners often stumble over its particle usage, the distinction between transitive and intransitive forms, and its appropriateness compared to 泣く (naku). Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid sounding clinical or confusing.

Transitive vs. Intransitive Confusion
A common mistake is saying 涙が流す (namida ga nagasu). This is grammatically incorrect because 流す is transitive and requires the object marker を. If you want to use the subject marker が, you must use the intransitive verb 流れる (nagareru), as in 涙が流れる (tears flow). 涙を流す implies the person is the one letting the tears flow, whereas 涙が流れる describes the tears moving on their own.

❌ 涙が流した。 (Incorrect)
✅ 涙を流した。 (Correct - I/he/she shed tears.)
✅ 涙が流れた。 (Correct - Tears flowed.)

Mixing with 'Deru'
Learners often confuse 涙を流す with 涙が出る (namida ga deru). Namida ga deru (tears come out) is the most common way to say 'my eyes are watering' or 'I'm tearing up' due to something like onions or cold wind. 涙を流す is almost always emotional. Don't say 玉ねぎを切って涙を流した unless you want to sound like the onions broke your heart.

❌ 玉ねぎで涙を流した。
✅ 玉ねぎで涙が出た。 (Tears came out because of onions.)

Finally, ensure you don't confuse the kanji 流 (flow) with similar-looking ones. The visual of 'water' (氵) on the left side of 流 and 涙 is a helpful reminder of the phrase's meaning. Focus on the 'flow' aspect to keep the transitive/intransitive distinction clear in your mind.

Japanese is a language rich in 'onomatopoeia' and specific verbs for crying. While 涙を流す (namida o nagasu) is a standard, descriptive phrase, knowing its alternatives will allow you to describe different *ways* of crying with much higher precision.

泣く (Naku) vs. 涙を流す
As discussed, 泣く is the general verb. It covers the sound, the emotion, and the tears. 涙を流す is a subset that focuses only on the tears. Use naku for daily life and namida o nagasu for more descriptive or formal storytelling.
号泣する (Goukyuu suru)
This means to wail or cry loudly. It is much more intense than 涙を流す. While namida o nagasu can be quiet, goukyuu is never quiet. It's the kind of crying where you can't catch your breath.
啜り泣く (Susurinaku)
This means 'to sob' or 'to snivel.' It combines the action of crying with the sound of sniffing (susuru). It conveys a sense of trying to hold back tears or crying in a small, repetitive way.

比較：
1. 彼女は涙を流した。(She shed tears - Descriptive)
2. 彼女は号泣した。(She wailed - Loud/Intense)
3. 彼女は啜り泣いた。(She sobbed - Sniffling sound)

目頭が熱くなる (Megashira ga atsuku naru)
Literally 'the inner corners of the eyes become hot.' This is a very common idiomatic way to say 'to be moved to tears' or 'to feel a lump in one's throat' before the tears actually fall. It's often used in reviews of movies or books.

Choosing between these depends on the 'volume' and 'visibility' of the crying. 涙を流す sits in the middle—it is visible and emotional, but not necessarily loud. It is the most versatile choice for 'showing' rather than just 'telling' in your Japanese communication.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The verb 'nagasu' (流す) is related to 'nagare' (river/flow). In ancient Japanese poetry, tears were often compared to rivers or dew to emphasize their abundance and the transience of life.

발음 가이드

UK nami-da o naga-su
US nami-da o naga-su
Pitch accent: Na-mi-da (Low-High-Low), Nagasu (Low-High-Low). The overall sentence pitch usually drops slightly toward the end.
라임이 맞는 단어
Sagasu (to search) Kagasu (to make someone smell) Tobasu (to fly/let go) Kwasu (to feed - informal) Ogasu (to invade - rare) Hagasu (to peel off) Mawasu (to turn) Kasu (to lend)
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing 'o' as 'wo' (the 'w' is silent in modern Japanese).
  • Stressing the wrong syllable in 'nagasu'; Japanese is a pitch-accent language, not a stress-accent language.
  • Mumbling the 'u' at the end of 'nagasu'; while often devoiced, it should still be present in the mouth shape.
  • Misplacing the pitch in 'namida'; it should start low and rise on 'mi'.
  • Confusing 'nagasu' with 'nakasu' (to make someone cry).

난이도

독해 3/5

Kanji for namida and nagasu are common but require practice for B1 learners.

쓰기 3/5

Requires correct particle usage and transitive verb conjugation.

말하기 2/5

The phrase flows naturally but pitch accent should be noted.

듣기 2/5

Very common in media; easy to recognize once learned.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

泣く (naku) 涙 (namida) 流す (nagasu) 悲しい (kanashii) 感動 (kandou)

다음에 배울 것

涙ぐむ (namidagumu) 目頭が熱くなる (megashira ga atsuku naru) 号泣する (goukyuu suru) 啜り泣く (susurinaku) 涙を呑む (namida o nomu)

고급

感涙にむせぶ (kanrui ni musebu) 落涙 (rakurui) 嗚咽 (oetsu) 袖を濡らす (sode o nurasu - classical)

알아야 할 문법

Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs

涙を流す (Transitive) vs. 涙が流れる (Intransitive)

Causative Form

彼を泣かせる / 彼に涙を流させる (To make him shed tears)

Te-form for Reason

悲しくて涙を流した (Shed tears because I was sad)

Simultaneous Action (-nagara)

涙を流しながら話す (Talking while shedding tears)

Nominalization with 'no'

涙を流すのは健康にいい (Shedding tears is good for health)

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수준별 예문

1

悲しい映画を見て、涙を流しました。

I watched a sad movie and shed tears.

Uses the past tense '-mashita' for a polite description.

2

彼女はいつも涙を流します。

She always sheds tears.

Present habitual use with 'itsumo' (always).

3

玉ねぎで涙を流さないでください。

Please don't shed tears (cry) over the onions.

Negative request form '-nai de kudasai.' Note: usually 'deru' is better for onions, but this is a literal command.

4

子供が涙を流しています。

The child is shedding tears.

Present continuous form '-te imasu' to describe an ongoing action.

5

あなたはいつ涙を流しますか？

When do you shed tears?

Simple question structure with the particle 'ka'.

6

私はうれしくて涙を流した。

I was so happy I shed tears.

The '-te' form of 'ureshii' (happy) expresses the reason.

7

彼は静かに涙を流しました。

He shed tears quietly.

Adverb 'shizuka ni' (quietly) modifies the verb.

8

涙を流すのは恥ずかしくないです。

Shedding tears is not embarrassing.

The nominalizer 'no' turns the phrase into a subject.

1

卒業式で、たくさんの生徒が涙を流した。

Many students shed tears at the graduation ceremony.

Focuses on a specific event using the particle 'de'.

2

母からの手紙を読んで、涙を流した。

I read a letter from my mother and shed tears.

Sequence of actions: Read (te-form) -> Shed tears.

3

彼は悔しくて涙を流している。

He is shedding tears because he is frustrated.

The adjective 'kuyashii' (frustrated) provides the emotional cause.

4

どうして涙を流しているの？

Why are you shedding tears?

Explanatory 'no' at the end of the question for a softer, personal tone.

5

昨日の夜、一人で涙を流しました。

Last night, I shed tears alone.

Time marker 'kinou no yoru' and 'hitori de' (alone).

6

その美しい歌を聞いて、涙を流した。

Hearing that beautiful song, I shed tears.

Cause-effect structure using the te-form of 'kiku' (to listen/hear).

7

涙を流しながら、彼女は「ありがとう」と言った。

While shedding tears, she said 'Thank you.'

'-nagara' indicates two actions happening simultaneously.

8

もう涙を流さないでください。

Please don't shed tears anymore.

'Mou' (anymore/already) adds a sense of duration to the negative request.

1

彼は自分の間違いを認めて、涙を流した。

He admitted his mistake and shed tears.

Connects an action (admitting) to the emotional response.

2

優勝した瞬間、選手たちはうれし涙を流した。

The moment they won, the players shed tears of joy.

Uses the compound noun 'ureshi-namida' (tears of joy).

3

ドラマの最終回を見て、思わず涙を流してしまった。

Watching the final episode of the drama, I accidentally/unintentionally shed tears.

'-te shimau' indicates an involuntary or regretful action.

4

彼女は人前で涙を流すのを嫌がった。

She hated shedding tears in front of people.

The verb 'iyagaru' (to dislike/show reluctance) takes the nominalized phrase as an object.

5

そのニュースを聞いて、日本中の人々が涙を流した。

Upon hearing that news, people all over Japan shed tears.

'Nihon-juu' (all over Japan) expands the scale of the action.

6

父が涙を流すのを初めて見た。

It was the first time I saw my father shed tears.

Double object construction: 'Seeing [Father shed tears].'

7

彼は亡くなった友人のために涙を流した。

He shed tears for his deceased friend.

'...no tame ni' (for the sake of/because of) indicates the reason/purpose.

8

そんなに涙を流すと、目が赤くなるよ。

If you shed that many tears, your eyes will get red.

Conditional 'to' used to describe a natural consequence.

1

国民は、その偉大なリーダーの死に涙を流した。

The citizens shed tears over the death of that great leader.

Formal register suitable for news or history.

2

苦労を共にした仲間と、抱き合って涙を流した。

I shed tears while hugging my colleagues with whom I had shared hardships.

Complex noun phrase 'kurou o tomo ni shita nakama' (colleagues who shared hardships).

3

彼女は、あふれる涙を流しながらも笑顔を見せた。

While shedding overflowing tears, she still showed a smile.

'-nagara mo' (even while...) highlights a contrast.

4

彼は、二度と涙を流さないと心に誓った。

He vowed in his heart never to shed tears again.

Quotation particle 'to' followed by 'chikau' (to vow/swear).

5

その小説は、読者が涙を流さずにはいられないほど感動的だ。

That novel is so moving that readers cannot help but shed tears.

Double negative '...zu ni wa irarenai' (cannot help but...).

6

彼は、人知れず涙を流す夜を幾度も過ごした。

He spent many nights shedding tears without anyone knowing.

Literary adverb 'hitoshirezu' (secretly/without being known).

7

彼女の誠実な言葉に、会場全体が涙を流した。

The entire venue shed tears at her sincere words.

Metonymy: 'kaijou' (venue) refers to the people in it.

8

大粒の涙を流して謝る彼を、私は許すことにした。

I decided to forgive him as he apologized while shedding large drops of tears.

Participle phrase 'namida o nagashite ayamaru' modifies 'kare' (him).

1

その詩人は、祖国の荒廃を嘆き、熱い涙を流した。

The poet lamented the devastation of his homeland and shed hot tears.

Literary verb 'nageku' (lament) and the evocative 'atsui namida' (hot tears).

2

彼は、過去の過ちを悔悟し、静かに涙を流し続けた。

He repented for his past mistakes and continued to shed tears quietly.

Compound verb 'nagasu-tsuzukeru' (continued to shed).

3

彼女の瞳からは、止まることのない涙が流されていた。

Unstoppable tears were being shed from her eyes.

Passive voice 'nagasarete ita' emphasizes the tears as a phenomenon.

4

その悲劇的な事件は、多くの人々に涙を流させた。

That tragic incident made many people shed tears.

Causative form 'nagasaseta' (made/caused to shed).

5

彼は、冷徹な仮面の裏で、人知れず血の涙を流していたのかもしれない。

Behind his cold mask, he might have been secretly shedding tears of blood.

Metaphorical 'chi no namida' (tears of blood) indicating extreme agony.

6

観衆は、彼女の魂の叫びに共鳴し、共に涙を流したのである。

The audience resonated with the cry of her soul and shed tears together.

Explanatory/emphatic 'no de aru' ending typical of high-level prose.

7

いくら涙を流したところで、失われた時間は戻ってこない。

No matter how many tears you shed, lost time will not return.

'...ta tokoro de' (even if/no matter how much...) expresses futility.

8

彼女は、自らの運命を呪うかのように、激しく涙を流した。

She shed tears violently, as if cursing her own fate.

'...ka no you ni' (as if...) creates a strong simile.

1

万感の思いを込めて、彼は万雷の拍手の中で涙を流した。

Filled with a flood of emotions, he shed tears amidst thunderous applause.

Idiomatic 'bankan no omoi' (flood of emotions) and 'banrai no hakushu' (thunderous applause).

2

その老人は、かつての戦友の名を呼びながら、幾度となく涙を流してきたのであろう。

That old man must have shed tears countless times while calling the names of his former brothers-in-arms.

Speculative '...de arou' combined with the '...te kita' (have been doing) aspect.

3

宗教的法悦の中で涙を流す信者たちの姿は、見る者を圧倒した。

The sight of believers shedding tears in religious ecstasy overwhelmed those who saw it.

Highly formal/academic vocabulary like 'houetsu' (ecstasy).

4

彼は、自己の無力さを痛感し、暗澹たる思いで涙を流した。

He felt his own helplessness keenly and shed tears with a gloomy heart.

Literary 'antan taru' (gloomy/dark) and 'tsuukan suru' (feel keenly).

5

歴史の荒波に翻弄されながらも、民衆は静かに涙を流し、明日への希望を繋いできた。

While being tossed about by the rough waves of history, the people shed tears quietly and held onto hope for tomorrow.

Metaphorical 'rekishi no aranami' (rough waves of history).

6

その絶望的な美しさに、私は言葉を失い、ただ涙を流すほかはなかった。

At that desperate beauty, I lost my words and had no choice but to shed tears.

'...hoka wa nakatta' (had no choice but to...).

7

彼女は、慈愛に満ちた眼差しで、迷える子羊たちのために涙を流した。

With a gaze full of affection, she shed tears for the stray sheep (lost souls).

Biblical/metaphorical 'mayeru kohitsuji' (stray sheep).

8

たとえ世界中が彼を非難したとしても、私は彼のために涙を流し続けるだろう。

Even if the whole world were to criticize him, I would continue to shed tears for him.

Hypothetical 'tatoe...ta to shitemo' (even if...).

자주 쓰는 조합

うれし涙を流す
悔し涙を流す
静かに涙を流す
激しく涙を流す
大粒の涙を流す
思わず涙を流す
人前で涙を流す
血の涙を流す
感謝の涙を流す
同情の涙を流す

자주 쓰는 구문

涙を流して喜ぶ

— To be so happy that one sheds tears.

家族の無事を知り、涙を流して喜んだ。

涙を流して謝る

— To apologize while shedding tears, showing deep sincerity or regret.

彼は自分の過ちを認め、涙を流して謝った。

涙を流して訴える

— To plead or appeal for something while crying.

被害者は涙を流して無実を訴えた。

涙を流す暇もない

— To be so busy or in such a critical situation that there is no time to even grieve.

仕事が忙しすぎて、涙を流す暇もない。

涙を流して別れる

— To part ways while shedding tears.

親友と駅のホームで、涙を流して別れた。

涙を流す価値もない

— Something is not even worth crying over.

あんな男のために涙を流す価値はない。

涙を流すのをこらえる

— To hold back the flow of tears.

彼は必死に涙を流すのをこらえた。

涙を流させない

— To not let someone cry (often used as a promise to make someone happy).

君には二度と涙を流させない。

涙を流す準備

— Preparing to cry (often used for a sad movie).

タオルを用意して、涙を流す準備はできている。

涙を流した数だけ

— A phrase implying that one grows stronger with each tear shed.

涙を流した数だけ、人は強くなれる。

자주 혼동되는 단어

涙を流す vs 泣く (naku)

General verb for crying. 'Namida o nagasu' is more specific to the tears.

涙を流す vs 涙が出る (namida ga deru)

Used for physical eye-watering (onions, wind) or spontaneous tearing up.

涙を流す vs 涙を拭く (namida o fuku)

The opposite action: wiping the tears away.

관용어 및 표현

"鬼の目にも涙"

— Even a hard-hearted person (ogre) can be moved to tears.

あの厳しい部長が涙を流すなんて、まさに鬼の目にも涙だ。

Common
"血も涙もない"

— Cold-blooded; lacking both blood and tears (humanity).

彼は血も涙もない冷酷な人間だ。

Common
"雀の涙"

— A very small amount (like the tears of a sparrow).

給料が雀の涙ほどしか上がらなかった。

Common
"空涙を流す"

— To shed crocodile tears; to pretend to cry.

彼女は同情を買うために空涙を流した。

Common
"涙を呑む"

— To suppress one's tears; to endure a bitter disappointment.

彼は悔しさに涙を呑んで、引退を決意した。

Literary
"涙に暮れる"

— To be overwhelmed by grief; to spend days in tears.

夫を亡くした彼女は、毎日涙に暮れている。

Literary
"涙を振るう"

— To steel oneself and act despite one's sorrow (often 'namida o furutte').

涙を振るって、愛する子を旅に出した。

Literary
"頬を涙で濡らす"

— To wet one's cheeks with tears.

彼女は静かに頬を涙で濡らしていた。

Literary
"涙金"

— Consolation money or 'hush money' intended to dry someone's tears.

会社は涙金を払って問題を解決しようとした。

Formal
"涙腺が崩壊する"

— Slang for 'the tear ducts collapsed,' meaning one cannot stop crying.

あの映画のラストシーンは涙腺崩壊間違いなしだ。

Slang/Informal

혼동하기 쉬운

涙を流す vs 流れる (nagareru)

Intransitive counterpart.

Nagasu is something YOU do; Nagareru is something the TEARS do.

涙が流れる (Tears flow) vs 涙を流す (I shed tears).

涙を流す vs 泣かす (nakasu)

Sounds similar.

Nakasu means 'to make someone else cry.'

彼女を泣かした (I made her cry).

涙を流す vs 鳴らす (narasu)

Phonetically similar.

Narasu means 'to ring' or 'to make a sound.'

ベルを鳴らす (Ring a bell).

涙を流す vs 流す (nagasu) [Other meanings]

Polysemous word.

Nagasu also means 'to wash away' or 'to broadcast.'

音楽を流す (Play music).

涙を流す vs 零す (kobosu)

Similar meaning of 'spilling'.

Kobosu is for liquids in general or 'complaining.'

涙を零す (To spill/drop tears - more poetic).

문장 패턴

A1

[Subject]は涙を流します。

私は時々涙を流します。

A2

[Reason]で涙を流した。

悲しいニュースで涙を流した。

B1

[Adverb]涙を流す。

彼女は人知れず涙を流した。

B1

[Compound Namida]を流す。

選手たちは悔し涙を流した。

B2

涙を流しながら[Action]。

涙を流しながら手紙を書いた。

B2

涙を流さずにはいられない。

その話を聞いて涙を流さずにはいられなかった。

C1

[Subject]に涙を流させる。

彼のスピーチは聴衆に涙を流させた。

C2

たとえ[Condition]ても涙を流す。

たとえ一人になっても、私は涙を流さない。

어휘 가족

명사

涙 (namida - tears)
流れ (nagare - flow)
流出 (ryuushutsu - outflow)
涙腺 (ruisen - tear duct)

동사

流れる (nagareru - to flow [intransitive])
流す (nagasu - to let flow [transitive])
泣く (naku - to cry)
流し込む (nagashikomu - to pour into)

형용사

涙もろい (namidamoroi - easily moved to tears)
涙ぐましい (namidagumashii - painful/touching to see)

관련

悲しみ (kanashimi - sadness)
感動 (kandou - being moved)
悔しさ (kuyashisa - frustration)
喜び (yorokobi - joy)
同情 (doujou - sympathy)
무료 가입하고 모든 예문 보기

사용법

frequency

Very high in media, high in literature, moderate in daily conversation.

자주 하는 실수
  • 涙が流す (namida ga nagasu) → 涙を流す (namida o nagasu)

    'Nagasu' is a transitive verb and needs the object marker 'o.'

  • 玉ねぎで涙を流した (tamanegi de namida o nagashita) → 玉ねぎで涙が出た (tamanegi de namida ga deta)

    'Namida o nagasu' implies emotional intent or depth; 'deru' is for physical reactions.

  • 赤ちゃんが涙を流している (akachan ga namida o nagashite iru) → 赤ちゃんが泣いている (akachan ga naite iru)

    'Naku' is much more natural for babies, as they usually make noise.

  • 涙を泣く (namida o naku) → 涙を流す (namida o nagasu) or 泣く (naku)

    You don't 'cry tears' in Japanese; you 'shed' them or just 'cry.'

  • 涙を流れる (namida o nagareru) → 涙が流れる (namida ga nagareru)

    'Nagareru' is intransitive and takes 'ga.'

팁

Choose the Right Verb

Use 'naku' for babies and loud crying. Use 'namida o nagasu' for quiet, emotional, or literary descriptions of tears.

Particle Precision

Always use 'o' with 'nagasu.' If you want to use 'ga,' switch the verb to 'nagareru' (intransitive).

Emotional Compounds

Learn 'ureshi-namida' (joy) and 'kuyashi-namida' (frustration) to sound more like a native speaker.

Empathy Expression

When someone is moved to tears, saying 'namida o nagashite imasu ne' (you're shedding tears) can be a gentle way to acknowledge their emotion.

Literary Flair

In creative writing, use 'shizuka ni namida o nagasu' to create a dignified and poignant atmosphere.

Context Clues

If you hear 'nagasu' in a sad context, look for 'namida' as the object to confirm the meaning.

The 'River' Connection

Remember that 'nagasu' is the same 'naga' as in 'nagare' (river flow). Tears are just a small river from the eyes.

Rui-katsu

Look up 'Rui-katsu' (tear-activity) to understand the modern Japanese view of crying as stress relief.

Tear Duct Collapse

If you want to be trendy, say 'ruisen houkai' (tear ducts collapsed) when a movie makes you shed many tears.

Avoid 'Namida ga Nagasu'

This is a common learner mistake. Remember: I (subject) nagasu (transitive) namida (object).

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'Namida' as 'Now-Me-Die' (I'm so sad I could die) and 'Nagasu' as 'Nagging-Sue' (Sue nagged me until I let the tears flow).

시각적 연상

Imagine a river (nagasu) flowing from someone's eyes (namida). The 'o' particle is the bridge between the eyes and the river.

Word Web

Water Eyes Flow Sadness Joy Transitive Poetry News

챌린지

Try to write three sentences using 'namida o nagasu' with three different emotions: joy, frustration, and sadness.

어원

The word 'namida' (涙) is an ancient Japanese word (wago). The kanji '涙' consists of the water radical (氵) and 'rui' (戻/戾), which originally suggested 'distorted' or 'deviated,' perhaps referring to water that deviates from the normal path (eyes).

원래 의미: Water that flows from the eyes due to emotion or irritation.

Japonic

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using this to describe someone else's crying in a professional setting, as it might sound overly personal or dramatic. Stick to 'naku' or more neutral terms unless the emotion is significant.

In English, 'shedding tears' is much more formal than 'crying.' Similarly, in Japanese, 'namida o nagasu' is more descriptive and formal than 'naku.'

The movie '1 Litre of Tears' (Ichi rittoru no namida). The concept of 'Rui-katsu' (tear-activity) in modern Tokyo. Classical waka poetry often uses 'namida' as a central motif.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Movies/Drama

  • 感動して涙を流す
  • ラストシーンで涙を流す
  • 涙を流す準備はいい？
  • 涙腺崩壊

Sports

  • 悔し涙を流す
  • 優勝して涙を流す
  • 男泣きに涙を流す
  • 涙を流して引退する

Personal Stories

  • 一人で涙を流す
  • 思い出して涙を流す
  • 涙を流して謝る
  • 感謝の涙を流す

News/Tragedy

  • 多くの人が涙を流した
  • 犠牲者のために涙を流す
  • 涙を流して訴える
  • 世界中が涙を流した

Romance

  • 君のために涙を流す
  • 別れに涙を流す
  • うれし涙を流す
  • 涙を流しながら抱き合う

대화 시작하기

"最近、映画を見て涙を流したことはありますか？ (Have you shed tears watching a movie recently?)"

"どんな時に涙を流してしまいますか？ (In what kind of situations do you end up shedding tears?)"

"人前で涙を流すのは恥ずかしいと思いますか？ (Do you think it's embarrassing to shed tears in front of people?)"

"最後にうれし涙を流したのはいつですか？ (When was the last time you shed tears of joy?)"

"涙を流すと、気持ちがすっきりすると思いますか？ (Do you think your feelings feel refreshed after shedding tears?)"

일기 주제

あなたが最近、思わず涙を流した出来事について詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about an event where you spontaneously shed tears recently.)

「涙を流す」ことの良さと悪さについて、自分の考えを述べてください。 (State your thoughts on the pros and cons of 'shedding tears.')

映画や本で涙を流した経験を一つ選び、その理由を説明してください。 (Choose one experience of shedding tears over a movie or book and explain the reason.)

「悔し涙を流す」経験は、人を成長させると思いますか？ (Do you think the experience of 'shedding tears of frustration' makes a person grow?)

もしあなたが泣いている友人がいたら、どう声をかけますか？ (If you had a friend who was shedding tears, how would you talk to them?)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Technically yes, but it sounds very dramatic. It's better to use 'namida ga deru' (tears come out) for physical irritants. 'Namida o nagasu' is usually reserved for emotional shedding of tears.

'Naku' is the general verb for crying, including the sound and emotion. 'Namida o nagasu' specifically describes the physical act of tears flowing and is more formal or literary.

It is transitive. 'Namida' is the object, and 'nagasu' is the transitive verb. The intransitive version is 'namida ga nagareru' (tears flow).

Yes, if you are describing a moving story or a very emotional success, but use it sparingly as business settings in Japan usually value emotional restraint.

It means to shed tears of joy. 'Ureshii' (happy) is combined with 'namida' to create a specific emotional context.

You can say 'namida o koraeru' or 'namida o nagasu no o koraeru.'

It is always 'namida o nagasu.' Using 'ga' with 'nagasu' is a grammatical error.

Very common. It is often used in dramatic scenes or by narrators to describe a character's deep sorrow or relief.

It is '空涙' (sora-namida), which literally means 'empty tears' or 'fake tears.' You use it as '空涙を流す.'

Usually, yes. It means to let a liquid flow. In other contexts, it can mean to broadcast (radio/TV) or to wash away something (like a grudge).

무료 가입하고 팁과 노트 보기

셀프 테스트 97 질문

writing

Translate: 'I shed tears.' (Polite)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'He shed tears quietly.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Namida o nagasu.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify the verb: 涙を流す

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 97 correct

Perfect score!

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