漣

Ripples, small rhythmic waves, or shimmering surface movement; the continuous or successive flow of tears (weeping).

Functions as a noun or adjective. Frequently reduplicated (漣漣) in poetic contexts to emphasize persistence and rhythm, often serving an adverbial role to describe the manner of flowing.

Contrast with 瀾: while both describe waves, 漣 refers to small, frequent ripples, whereas 瀾 denotes larger surges or billows. The phonetic component 連 ("to link/connect") informs the meaning, emphasizing a successive, chain-like quality in both water and tears. When used for weeping, the glyph describes the manner of the flow rather than the emotion of sadness.

Simplified variant: U+6D9F.

Avoid generic translations such as "water" or "crying." The choice of 漣 over more general terms (such as 淚 for tears) is typically a deliberate visual choice to highlight the rhythmic, successive movement of the liquid.