expression, noun-modifying (irregular)
sorrowful; melancholic; tinged with sadness
Describes a person, scene, atmosphere, or expression that exudes a gentle, poetic sadness. Often used in literary or descriptive contexts.
彼の哀愁漂う横顔が印象的だった。
His sorrowful profile left a strong impression.
夕暮れの街に哀愁漂うメロディーが流れていた。
A melancholic melody drifted through the town at dusk.
漂う alone means 'to drift' or 'to float'; in this phrase it metaphorically describes an atmosphere or feeling that hangs in the air.
Compound of 哀愁 (pathos, sorrow) and 漂う (to drift, to float in the air). The phrase literally means 'sorrow drifts' and is used to describe something that exudes a melancholic atmosphere.