Translation guide
The English phrase "fall down" describes a person or object collapsing to the ground, often from a standing position. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what falls, how it falls, and the context.
To express that a person or animal falls down, typically from a standing or upright position.
The most common and general verb for a person or animal falling down, often implying collapsing or toppling over. Can be used for fainting, being knocked down, or simply losing balance.
彼は疲れて倒れた。
He was so tired he fell down.
地震で本棚が倒れた。
The bookshelf fell down in the earthquake.
Specifically means to trip and fall, or to fall over while walking or running. Emphasizes the accidental nature of the fall.
石につまずいて転んだ。
I tripped on a stone and fell down.
子供がよく転ぶ。
Children often fall down.
Means to fall from a height, such as falling off a cliff, out of a tree, or down stairs. Not used for simply collapsing from a standing position.
A formal or technical term for falling down, often used in news reports or medical contexts. Implies a more serious fall.
高齢者が転倒する事故が増えている。
Accidents in which elderly people fall down are increasing.
To describe an inanimate object falling down, such as a building, tree, or item.
Used for tall objects that topple over, like trees, poles, or buildings. Same verb as for people, but context makes it clear.
台風で電柱が倒れた。
The utility pole fell down in the typhoon.
Used for objects falling from a surface or height, like a book falling off a shelf or a picture falling off the wall.
Means to collapse or crumble, used for structures like buildings, walls, or piles of things falling down in pieces.
To express metaphorical falling down, such as failing in an endeavor or being defeated.
Can be used metaphorically for a person or organization collapsing due to failure, bankruptcy, or exhaustion.
会社が倒産で倒れた。
The company fell down due to bankruptcy.
Literally 'to fail', often used when someone 'falls down' in a task or plan. More direct than metaphorical 倒れる.
試験に失敗した。
I fell down on the exam (failed).
倒れる (taoreru) is for toppling over from an upright position, like a person fainting or a vase tipping. 転ぶ (korobu) is for tripping and falling while moving. 落ちる (ochiru) is for falling from a height, like down stairs or off a cliff. Use 倒れる for general falling down, 転ぶ for accidental trips, and 落ちる when there's a drop involved.
If someone simply collapses from standing, do not use 落ちる (ochiru). 落ちる implies falling from a height. Use 倒れる (taoreru) instead.
彼はその場に倒れた。
He fell down on the spot.
彼はその場に倒れた。
He fell down on the spot.
A book fell down from the shelf.
壁の絵が落ちた。
The picture fell down from the wall.
古い建物が崩れた。
The old building fell down (collapsed).