Translation guide
The English phrase 'fall out' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: objects dropping from a container, hair/teeth coming out, people having a disagreement, and military dispersal. It also notes less common literal and figurative uses.
My wallet fell out of my pocket.
My hair is falling out.
I fell out with my friend.
Something accidentally comes out of where it was contained, like from a pocket, bag, or hand.
General verb for something falling or dropping, often used when something slips out unintentionally.
My wallet fell out of my pocket.
Specifically for things that were attached or inserted coming out, like hair or a plug.
Something that was part of the body detaches and falls, often due to age, illness, or natural process.
Standard verb for hair, teeth, feathers, etc. coming out. Intransitive.
Two or more people argue and their relationship becomes strained or ends.
Common phrase for falling out with someone, implying a rift in the relationship.
Soldiers break ranks and move away, often after a command.
Something falls from an elevated place, like a window or tree.
Same as the first meaning, but context makes it clear it's from a height.
Events conclude in a particular way. This usage is old-fashioned and mostly found in literature.
Means 'to result in ~'. This is a modern equivalent for the dated 'fall out' meaning.
The English 'fall out' meaning 'argue' does not translate directly to 落ちる or 外れる. Use 仲たがいする or 喧嘩する instead.
I fell out with him. (incorrect)
Use 抜ける for things that detach from where they were rooted (hair, teeth). Use 落ちる for things that simply drop from a surface or container.
The cup fell out of my hand.
My hair fell out.
Emphasizes spilling or overflowing and then falling, like liquid or small items.
Rice fell out of the bag.
My tooth fell out.
My hair falls out due to stress.
More vivid, emphasizes the falling away. Often used for hair loss.
My hair fell out from chemotherapy.
I fell out with him over money.
Means to quarrel or fight. Can imply a falling out if the context is a relationship breakdown.
I fell out with my brother and we haven't spoken since.
To become on bad terms. Slightly more formal.
I recently fell out with a colleague.
The troops fell out.
Literally 'leave the line/rank'. Used when individuals step out of formation.
The soldiers fell out.
The baby fell out of bed.
Everything fell out well.
歯が抜けた。
My tooth fell out (came loose and detached).
My dentures fell out (dropped from my mouth).