to fall

JLPT N5 11 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of (diào)

The character is commonly used to indicate something falling or dropping, either physically or figuratively. It can describe objects falling down, such as leaves or phones, as well as abstract decreases like grades or prices.

Common Collocations

  • (diào xiàlái): to fall down physically.
  • (diào le): indicates completion of the falling action.
  • (diào fēn): to lose points, often used in academic contexts.

Nuances

When used with objects, often implies an accidental or unintentional falling or dropping. In abstract contexts, it conveys a decrease or loss. It is often paired with resultative complements like to emphasize the completion of the action.

Avoiding Confusion

Don't confuse with (diàoluò), which is more formal and literary. Also, is different from (diàotóu), which means to turn around. Focus on the context to understand if it refers to physical falling or figurative dropping.

Example Sentences

He accidentally dropped his phone.

Many leaves fell from the tree.

His grades dropped by a few points.