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.
Stock prices plummeted.
Crude oil prices are plummeting.
Implies a more severe, often catastrophic crash, like a market collapse. Stronger than 急落.
The market plummeted (crashed).
A more general phrase meaning 'to drop sharply'. Can be used for various numerical declines.
The temperature plummeted.
Means 'to decrease sharply'. Often used in formal reports or news for quantities, numbers, etc.
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.
The plane plummeted.
The hawk plummeted toward its prey.
Means 'to fall headlong' or 'to plummet headfirst'. Emphasizes the tumbling or uncontrolled nature of the fall.
Literally 'to fall in a straight line', conveying a direct, swift drop without deviation.
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.
His reputation plummeted.
His condition plummeted.
Specifically means 'to lose (prestige, trust, authority)' and is often used for a sudden fall from grace.
Literally 'to fall to rock bottom'. Emphasizes hitting the lowest point, often for mood or life circumstances.
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.
The company's stock plummeted after the scandal.
Temperatures are expected to plummet tonight.
He plummeted headfirst off the cliff.
The rock plummeted straight down to the valley floor.
His credibility plummeted after the scandal.
After losing my job, my spirits plummeted.