潤い
Meanings
Literal moisture in skin, soil, air, or another surface; often has a positive nuance of healthy or needed moisture rather than unpleasant wetness.
This cream gives moisture to the skin.
The first rain in a while brought moisture back to the fields.
Figurative use for an enriching quality that makes life, writing, art, a place, or a relationship feel warmer, more interesting, or more tasteful.
Music brings richness to everyday life.
Her writing has a quiet warmth and charm.
Somewhat literary or old-fashioned when used to mean a blessing or gracious benefit, especially as something bestowed by nature, heaven, or a higher power; modern Japanese often uses 恵み instead.
In older writing, rain is sometimes described as a blessing from heaven.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉に潤いを与えるto give moisture to (skin, hair, etc.)
This cream gives moisture to the skin.
- 〈事〉に潤いを与えるto add richness or warmth to (life, a relationship, etc.)
Music adds richness to life.
- 〈場所〉に潤いが出るto see a financial improvement or newfound leeway in (a household, business, area)
The new factory brought a welcome boost to the local economy.
- 〈物〉の潤いを保つto keep the moisture of (skin, soil, etc.)
I use a moisturizer to keep my skin's moisture.
- 潤いのある〈事〉a warm, rich, tasteful (life, place, relationship)
The couple leads a warm, fulfilling life.
- 〈物〉に潤いを欠くto lack warmth or richness (in writing, life, a place, etc.)
His writing lacks warmth and feels dry.