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.
木の葉が落ち始めた。
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.
桜の花びらが散り始めた。
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.
気温が下がり始めた。
The temperature began to fall.
株価が下がり始めた。
Stock prices started to fall.
More formal, often used for quality, performance, or ability declining.
品質が低下し始めた。
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.
成績が落ち始めた。
My grades started to fall.
To express that a person or structure begins to collapse or tumble.
Use 倒れる (to fall over, collapse) with 〜始める for people, trees, or buildings.
彼は疲れて倒れ始めた。
He began to fall from exhaustion.
古い建物が倒れ始めた。
The old building started to collapse.
Specifically for tripping or stumbling, often used for repeated actions.
子供が何度も転び始めた。
The child began to fall repeatedly.
To express that night or darkness is beginning to arrive.
Use 暮れる (to get dark, to end) with 〜始める for nightfall or the end of a day/season.
Literally 'begin to become dark', a more general phrase.
外が暗くなり始めた。
It started to get dark outside.
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.
雨が降り出した。
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).