verb HSK 4
to fall · to drop · to fall off
Meaning
掉落 describes the action of something falling down or dropping from a higher position to a lower one, often unintentionally. It emphasizes the downward movement and separation from an original position.
Usage
掉落 is commonly used in both written and spoken language to describe objects falling naturally due to gravity or loosening. It can describe leaves falling from trees, items dropping from hands, or objects detaching and falling. More formal than simple 掉 alone.
Examples
- 01秋天到了，树叶纷纷掉落。, .Autumn has arrived, and the leaves are falling one after another.
- 02他的手机从口袋里掉落到地上，屏幕摔碎了。, .His phone fell from his pocket to the ground, and the screen shattered.
Characters
Common collocations
- 掉落在地to fall to the ground
- 树叶掉落leaves falling
- 头发掉落hair falling out
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters independently mean 'to fall.' Their combination creates a compound verb that emphasizes the falling action, making it more formal and descriptive than either character alone.