drift

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 漂 has 14 strokes and denotes drifting with water or other currents.
• Basic usage: 漂流 is read ひょうりゅう, and 漂着 is read ひょうちゃく.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The process of drifting and reaching a place
  • 沖合を漂流していた means drifting offshore.
  • 浜辺に漂着した木片 is a piece of wood that washed ashore. 漂着 focuses on having reached a place.