Meaning and Usage
"転落" (てんらく) primarily means "fall" or "downfall." It can refer to a physical fall, such as falling down stairs, or a metaphorical fall, like a decline in social status or reputation.
Common Contexts
Physically, "転落" is often used to describe accidents involving falling from heights or stairs. Metaphorically, it is used in news or conversations about someone's loss of position, reputation, or moral standing.
Collocations and Patterns
- 転落事故 (てんらくじこ): fall accident, used in news reports about accidents
- 転落死 (てんらくし): death by falling, a serious consequence
- 転落人生 (てんらくじんせい): a life of downfall, used to describe someone who has lost everything
- 社会的転落 (しゃかいてきてんらく): social downfall, often in political or business contexts
Register and Nuance
"転落" is a formal word often seen in written language, news, and serious conversations. It is not casual and carries a somewhat grave or serious tone.
Common Learner Pitfall
Learners sometimes confuse "転落" with "落ちる" (to fall) which is more general and casual. "転落" implies a more sudden or serious fall, often from a height or status, so use it when emphasizing severity or formality.