Translation and Meaning of: 潤う - uruou

If you've ever wondered how the Japanese express the idea of something being damp, wet, or even receiving indirect benefits, the word 潤う (うるおう) is the key. In Suki Nihongo, the largest online Japanese dictionary, you can find not only the translation but also the correct writing in kanji, practical examples, and even ready-made phrases to include in your Anki. But today, we go further: we will explore the fascinating etymology, the pictogram that hides a visual secret, and how this word goes far beyond its literal meaning.

Why is 潤う so versatile? It appears in contexts ranging from the humidity of rain to metaphors about prosperity. If you've ever seen a Japanese garden after a light rain, you know exactly what we're talking about. And get ready, because this word has unexpected connections with culture and even with the Japanese way of viewing the world.

The Origin and the Kanji of 潤う

The kanji 潤 is a masterpiece of Chinese writing adapted to Japanese. It combines the water radical (氵) on the right, which conveys the idea of moisture, with the component 閏, which originally refers to something "extra" or "supplementary." Together, they paint the image of overflowing water that enriches — be it a river, a field, or even a budget. It's no wonder that this character also appears in words like 潤滑 (じゅんかつ), which means lubrication, or 潤沢 (じゅんたく), used for abundance.

In ancient times, the Chinese used 潤 to describe irrigated lands, where water ensured abundant harvests. The Japanese inherited this concept but expanded it to the abstract: today, you can say that a person 心が潤う (kokoro ga uruou) when they feel emotionally nourished. Do you see how water became a symbol of prosperity in both cultures?

Everyday Lies and Popular Expressions

In practice, 潤う is a verb that describes both the morning dew (朝露で庭が潤う) and the feeling of being benefited by something. A classic example? Let's say your boss decides to give bonuses to the team. In this case, a Japanese person would say: ボーナスで懐が潤った (bokasu ga uruotta) — literally, "the pockets became damp," but translated as "the pocket got full." This duality between the concrete and the metaphorical is what makes the word so special.

Another curious use appears in beauty product ments. Moisturizers in Japan often use phrases like 肌が潤う (hada ga uruou) to promise "nourished" skin. And here’s a memorization tip: think of a desert turning into an oasis. If you associate 潤う with the transformation caused by water, you will never confuse it with similar again.

Pictogram and Tips to

Look again at the kanji 潤. Did you notice that the left side looks like three drops falling? That is the water radical, your visual anchor. The right side, although complex, has a horizontal stroke at the top that resembles a roof — as if protecting the water underneath. A teacher from Kyoto taught me a trick: imagine a roof keeping the rain for later use. That image anchored the character in my mind forever.

To practice, try creating sentences with contrasts. For example: After the rain, the earth becomes moist (雨の後、大地が潤う) — "Depois da chuva, a terra fica úmida". Now apply it to the abstract: His kindness nourished my feelings (彼の優しさで気持ちが潤った) — "A gentileza dele regou meus sentimentos". By practicing this way, you master both writing and nuances.

And if one day you visit Kyoto during the rainy season, pay attention to the temple signs. Many use 潤う to describe how the landscape comes to life. It's proof that this word not only describes moisture but also the beauty it creates.