Meaning and Usage
The verb 倒れる (たおれる) primarily means "to fall down" or "to collapse." It is used in various contexts such as physical falling (like a tree or person), health-related collapse (like fainting or exhaustion), and abstract uses like a company going bankrupt.
Common Contexts
- Physical falling: Trees, buildings, or people can 倒れる due to external forces or accidents.
- Health collapse: When someone faints or collapses from tiredness or illness.
- Business failure: Used metaphorically for companies or organizations that go bankrupt or cease operations.
Collocations and Patterns
- 強い風で倒れる (fall down because of strong wind): describes cause and effect.
- 疲れて倒れる (collapse from exhaustion): health-related collapse.
- 会社が倒れる (company goes bankrupt): business failure.
Register and Nuance
倒れる is a neutral verb used in both formal and informal contexts. When talking about people collapsing, it can sound serious, so it’s often used in news or medical contexts. For companies, it’s a common way to say "go bankrupt" without using specialized business terms.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 倒れる with 転ぶ (ころぶ), which means "to fall down" but usually implies tripping or stumbling. 倒れる often implies a more sudden or complete collapse, not just a stumble.
Use 倒れる when emphasizing the act of falling down completely or collapsing, whether physically or metaphorically.