Translation guide
The English phrase "begin to fall" describes the start of a downward movement or decline. In Japanese, the most natural expression depends on what is falling and the context. Common options include compound verbs with 〜始める, the verb 落ちる, and specific verbs for rain, snow, or abstract declines.
To express that something physical starts to drop or descend.
Use the verb 落ちる (to fall) with the auxiliary 〜始める to indicate the beginning of falling. This is the most direct and common way for physical objects.
The leaves began to fall.
The books started to fall from the shelf.
For rain, snow, or other precipitation, use 降る (to fall from the sky) with 〜始める.
Specifically for flower petals or leaves scattering as they fall, often used for cherry blossoms.
The cherry blossom petals began to fall.
To express that something like a value, level, or condition starts to decrease or deteriorate.
Use 下がる (to go down, drop) with 〜始める for prices, temperature, or abstract levels.
The temperature began to fall.
Stock prices started to fall.
More formal, often used for quality, performance, or ability declining.
The quality began to decline.
Can also be used for abstract falls like grades or reputation, but 下がる is more common for numbers.
My grades started to fall.
To express that a person or structure begins to collapse or tumble.
To express that night or darkness is beginning to arrive.
Both 〜始める and 〜出す can mean 'begin to'. 〜始める is more neutral and planned, while 〜出す often implies a sudden or unexpected start. For 'begin to fall', 落ち始める is standard; 落ち出す is less common and may sound abrupt.
It suddenly started to rain.
Do not translate 'begin to fall' as 始める落ちる or 落ちることを始める. The correct pattern is verb stem + 始める (e.g., 落ち始める).