流す

§ What does it mean and when do people use it?

The Japanese verb 流す (nagasu) is a versatile and common verb that can be a bit tricky for learners because it has several related meanings. At its core, 流す generally implies causing something to move or pass by, often with the involvement of a fluid like water, or sometimes sound or even information. Think of it as 'to let something flow' or 'to make something flow'.

Let's break down its main uses:

DEFINITION

1. To let flow / To drain (liquid): This is perhaps the most direct meaning. It's used when you intentionally cause a liquid to move from one place to another, often to dispose of it or to clean something.

DEFINITION

2. To wash away / To rinse: This meaning is closely related to the first. Here, the action of flowing water (or another liquid) is used to remove something, clean it, or get rid of it.

DEFINITION

3. To stream / To broadcast (sound/video): This is a more figurative use, but still connected to the idea of something 'flowing' or being transmitted. It's very common when talking about playing music, videos, or broadcasting content.

DEFINITION

4. To let something drift / To set adrift: This meaning refers to allowing an object to be carried by a current (water, air, etc.) without active propulsion.

The key to understanding 流す is to remember the core idea of 'causing something to flow or move along'. While it often involves liquid, its application extends to less tangible things like sound and information. Pay attention to the context, and you'll quickly grasp which specific nuance is being used.

§ Drain, Rinse, and Flush

The verb 流す (nagasu) is incredibly versatile in Japanese, and you'll hear it often in various contexts. At its core, it means to make something flow, to drain, or to wash something away. Let's look at how it's used in common situations.

Definition

To let flow; to drain; to wash away.

§ In the Kitchen and Bathroom

One of the most frequent places you'll encounter 流す is when talking about water. Think about rinsing things or draining liquids.

Nagasu can also mean to wash away or rinse something. Here, you're being asked to rinse the vegetables well with water.

After a bath, you'll hear this phrase when someone wants to drain the bathwater. It's practical and direct.

This is a common and important phrase! It means to flush the toilet. You'll see this written on signs or hear it often.

§ In the Office and School

Beyond water, 流す can also refer to letting things flow in a more abstract sense, like information or music.

In an office or school setting, you might hear this when someone suggests playing music during a break. It's about letting the music flow into the room.

When watching the news, you'll often hear that they are 'flowing' or broadcasting the latest information. It's about disseminating information widely.

§ Dealing with Feelings or Situations

流す can also be used in a more figurative sense, especially when talking about letting go of emotions or not paying attention to something.

This sentence means she brushed off his joke or didn't take it seriously. She let it 'flow past' without reacting much.

Here, it means to let go of the past or to put it behind you. It's about allowing old issues to 'flow away' and not dwell on them.

§ Common Uses in News and Public Announcements

You'll frequently hear 流す in news reports or public information to indicate broadcasting or spreading information.

• 情報を流す (jōhō o nagasu): To disseminate information.

• ラジオで曲を流す (rajio de kyoku o nagasu): To play a song on the radio.

Understanding 流す in these contexts will help you grasp news reports and public broadcasts more easily. It's a key word for understanding how information is shared in Japanese society.