Translation guide
How to express 'tumble down' in Japanese, covering physical falling of objects/structures and metaphorical decline.
Describing something like a building, wall, or pile of objects falling down suddenly and often noisily.
General verb for something crumbling, collapsing, or tumbling down, often used for structures, slopes, or piles.
Describing a person, organization, or system falling from a high position or failing dramatically.
To fall from a high status or position; often used for social, moral, or financial decline.
彼は権力の座から転落した。
He tumbled down from power.
Describing a person falling down, often in a clumsy or rolling manner.
To fall down, trip, or tumble; common for everyday accidents.
The English phrase 'tumble down' often combines 'fall' and 'collapse' nuances. Directly translating word-for-word (e.g., タンブルダウン) is not natural Japanese. Choose the verb that matches the specific type of falling.
The old wall tumbled down.
積み上げた本が崩れた。
The stack of books tumbled down.
To fall over or collapse, often for something tall like a tree, pole, or person. Can imply a single object toppling rather than crumbling.
地震で塀が倒れた。
The fence tumbled down in the earthquake.
To tumble or roll down a slope or stairs, emphasizing the rolling motion.
石が坂を転がり落ちた。
The stone tumbled down the hill.
Formal or technical term for falling down, often used in news or reports.
がれきが落下した。
Debris tumbled down.
To fall into ruin or decline, often used for families, businesses, or civilizations.
その一族は没落した。
The family tumbled down into ruin.
Collapse or breakdown, used for systems, relationships, or mental states.
彼の人生は崩壊した。
His life tumbled down.
彼は階段で転んだ。
He tumbled down the stairs.
To tumble down, emphasizing rolling or falling head over heels.
子供が丘を転げ落ちた。
The child tumbled down the hill.