Meaning and Usage
The verb 降る (ふる) primarily means "to fall" in the context of precipitation such as rain, snow, hail, or other particles falling from the sky. It is commonly used in weather-related conversations and descriptions.
Common Collocations
- 雨が降る (あめがふる): to rain
- 雪が降る (ゆきがふる): to snow
- 霧が降る (きりがふる): to have fog (less common)
These collocations are very frequent in daily conversation and weather reports.
Register and Politeness
降る is a standard verb used in both casual and polite speech. When speaking politely, it is often combined with ます form (降ります).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 降る with 振る (also pronounced ふる), which means "to shake" or "to wave". Pay attention to the kanji and context to avoid confusion.
Practical Tips
Use 降る when talking about natural phenomena falling from the sky. It is not used for objects falling due to dropping or throwing; for those, 落ちる (おちる) or other verbs are used instead.