Translation guide
How to express the idea of something falling down, breaking apart, or failing suddenly in Japanese.
Describing a building, bridge, or other structure falling down or caving in.
General verb for something crumbling or collapsing, often used for natural or gradual collapse.
地震で建物が崩れた。
The building collapsed in the earthquake.
Specifically for buildings or structures falling down, often used in news reports.
古い橋が倒壊した。
The old bridge collapsed.
Describing a person suddenly falling down due to illness, exhaustion, or injury.
Describing a system, company, government, or plan breaking down or failing completely.
Widely used for the collapse of systems, economies, or relationships.
経済が崩壊した。
The economy collapsed.
Often used for financial collapse or the failure of a plan/negotiation.
銀行が破綻した。
The bank collapsed.
Literally 'roof tile breaking', used for the complete collapse of an organization or system.
政府が瓦解した。
The government collapsed.
Describing the action of folding something down, like a chair, table, or stroller.
Standard verb for folding up something that has hinges or joints.
椅子を折り畳んでください。
Please collapse the chair.
General verb for folding, can be used for collapsible items when context is clear.
テーブルを畳む。
Collapse the table.
Describing a lung collapsing or a vein collapsing in a medical context.
While 崩れる can mean 'collapse', it is not used for a person fainting or falling down. Use 倒れる instead.
崩壊 is for abstract or systemic collapse (economy, relationship), while 倒壊 is specifically for physical structures falling down.
To crumple or collapse in a heap, emphasizing the loss of strength.
彼はその場に崩れ落ちた。
He collapsed on the spot.