Translation guide
The English word "drift" has several distinct meanings, from physical movement to abstract ideas. This guide organizes them by practical use for learners.
To be carried along by wind, water, or without purpose.
General verb for floating or drifting in air or water, also used figuratively for moods or atmospheres.
雲が空を漂っている。
Clouds are drifting across the sky.
部屋に花の香りが漂っていた。
The scent of flowers drifted through the room.
Specifically for drifting at sea or being adrift, often used for ships or people.
彼らは海を漂流した。
They drifted at sea.
Passive form of 流す, meaning to be carried away by a current, often used for people or objects in water.
川の流れに流された。
I was drifted away by the river current.
To slowly and unintentionally enter a condition or circumstance.
Pattern meaning 'before one knows it, become...', captures the gradual, unnoticed change.
いつの間にか眠りに落ちていた。
I drifted off to sleep without realizing it.
二人はいつの間にか疎遠になった。
The two gradually drifted apart.
Means 'gradually come to do', emphasizing a slow process.
彼は徐々に犯罪に手を染めていった。
He gradually drifted into a life of crime.
A heap of snow or sand formed by wind.
A pile of snow, leaves, or sand formed by wind; commonly used for snowdrifts.
道路に雪の吹き溜まりができた。
A snowdrift formed on the road.
Sand dune; a hill of sand formed by wind, but not exactly a 'drift' in the small-scale sense.
The underlying meaning or general idea of something said or written.
The main point or gist of a statement or argument.
彼の話の主旨は理解できた。
I caught the drift of his story.
General meaning, summary; often used in formal contexts.
A driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels.
Loanword from English, widely used in car culture and racing contexts.
彼はドリフトが上手だ。
He is good at drifting.
When talking about drifting into a state (e.g., drifting off to sleep), do not use 漂う or 漂流する. Use patterns like いつの間にか〜になる or 徐々に〜していく.
漂う is for floating in air or water, or for intangible things like scents or moods. 漂流する is specifically for being adrift at sea, often with a sense of helplessness.
There are large sand drifts in the desert.
Please get the drift of this passage.