Japanese word

倒れる

Pronunciation

Romajitaoreru

Meaning

  • verbfall

Example

強い風で木が倒れました。tsuyo i kaze de ki ga tao re ma shi ta

The tree fell in the strong wind.

Illustration for 倒れる (fall)

More examples

暑さで駅のホームに倒れました。atsu sa de eki no hō mu ni tao re ma shi ta

I collapsed on the station platform because of the heat.

Core concept

Describes losing an upright position and ending up lower, on the ground, or unable to stand.

Common phrases

  • 前に倒れるmae ni tao re ru

    fall forward

  • 後ろに倒れるushi ro ni tao re ru

    fall backward

  • 急に倒れるkyū ni tao re ru

    collapse suddenly

Similar words

転ぶkorobu: To fall to the ground when balance is lost during movement.
転倒するtentōsuru: To fall over from standing or walking, with a formal tone in written language.
へたばるhetabaru: To become unable to remain standing because of extreme exhaustion.

Definition in Japanese

立っていた人や物が、支えを失うなどして姿勢を保てず、下に落ちたり横になったりする。ta tte i ta hito ya mono ga sasa e o ushina u na do shi te shi sei o tamo te zu shita ni o chi ta ri yoko ni na tta ri su ru

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 倒れる (taoreru, "to fall") is historically related to the older verb 倒る (taoru, "to fall or lie down"), while its deeper origin is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 倒れる (taoreru) can describe a person becoming unable to remain standing, such as from exhaustion, not only an object falling.

Other meanings

  • collapseverb
  • toppleverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 倒れ方taorekataway of fallingnoun

Word lists with this word