Translation guide
The English verb 'plummet' describes a rapid, steep, and often dramatic fall. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for literal physical drops, sharp numerical declines, and figurative collapses.
To describe a sudden, steep drop in numbers, values, or levels, such as stock prices, temperatures, or approval ratings.
Crude oil prices are plummeting.
Implies a more severe, often catastrophic crash, like a market collapse. Stronger than 急落.
市場が暴落した。
The market plummeted (crashed).
A more general phrase meaning 'to drop sharply'. Can be used for various numerical declines.
気温が急激に下がった。
The temperature plummeted.
Means 'to decrease sharply'. Often used in formal reports or news for quantities, numbers, etc.
輸出量が急減した。
Export volumes plummeted.
To describe something or someone falling straight down very quickly through the air.
Specifically means 'to dive' or 'to descend sharply', used for aircraft, birds, or objects falling steeply.
飛行機が急降下した。
The plane plummeted.
鷹が獲物に向かって急降下した。
The hawk plummeted toward its prey.
Means 'to fall headlong' or 'to plummet headfirst'. Emphasizes the tumbling or uncontrolled nature of the fall.
彼は崖からまっさかさまに落ちた。
He plummeted headfirst off the cliff.
Literally 'to fall in a straight line', conveying a direct, swift drop without deviation.
岩が一直線に谷底へ落ちていった。
The rock plummeted straight down to the valley floor.
To describe a sudden, dramatic worsening of an intangible situation, such as morale, trust, or expectations.
A versatile phrase meaning 'to worsen rapidly'. Suitable for situations, relationships, health, etc.
彼の評判は急激に悪化した。
His reputation plummeted.
病状が急激に悪化した。
His condition plummeted.
Specifically means 'to lose (prestige, trust, authority)' and is often used for a sudden fall from grace.
そのスキャンダルで彼の信用は失墜した。
His credibility plummeted after the scandal.
Literally 'to fall to rock bottom'. Emphasizes hitting the lowest point, often for mood or life circumstances.
失業してから気分がどん底に落ちた。
After losing my job, my spirits plummeted.
While 落ちる (ochiru) means 'to fall', it does not convey the speed or severity of 'plummet' on its own. Use compound verbs or adverbs like 急激に (kyūgeki ni) to add the sense of a steep drop.
急落 (kyūraku) is a sharp drop, while 暴落 (bōraku) implies a crash or catastrophic fall. Use 暴落 for market crashes or devastating declines, and 急落 for significant but less extreme drops.
そのスキャンダルの後、会社の株価は急落した。
The company's stock plummeted after the scandal.
今夜は気温が急激に下がる見込みです。
Temperatures are expected to plummet tonight.