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How to say "Fall" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "fall", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

転落

てんらく (tenraku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

陥落

かんらく (kanraku)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "fall" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 転落 and 陥落. In Japanese, 転落 (てんらく (tenraku)) is typically associated with "fall, degradation, downfall, plunge" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies a fall from a height or a higher position, often with negative connotations. On the other hand, 陥落 (かんらく (kanraku)) maps to "fall, surrender, capture (of a fortress, city); downfall, collapse" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Refers to the fall or capture of a stronghold, city, or position, often under attack. Can also refer metaphorically to the downfall of a person or system. 城や都市などが敵の攻撃を受けて落ちること。また、地位や権威が失墜することも指します。. A literal translation of "fall" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "転落"
彼の人生は一度の失敗で、奈落の底へと転落した。
His life plunged into the depths of despair after one failure.
Bilingual Context for "陥落"
敵の猛攻により、その要塞はついに陥落した。
Due to the enemy's fierce attack, the fortress finally fell.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "彼の人生は一度の失敗で、奈落の底へと ___ した。" (Meaning: "His life plunged into the depths of despair after one failure.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "転落" fits here because it means "fall, degradation, downfall, plunge" in the context of: "His life plunged into the depths of despair after one failure.". "陥落" represents "fall, surrender, capture (of a fortress, city); downfall, collapse".