Meaning
没落 describes the process of decline or deterioration, particularly of families, civilizations, empires, or social classes that were once prosperous or powerful. It conveys a sense of gradual loss of status, influence, or vitality over time. The word carries a somewhat literary or formal tone and is often used in historical or sociological contexts.
Usage
Commonly used to describe the decline of aristocratic families, dynasties, cultures, or social systems. It has a formal register and appears more in written language than casual speech. Often paired with words like 家族 (family/clan) or 王朝 (dynasty). Can function as both a verb meaning 'to decline' and an adjective meaning 'declining' or 'decadent'.
Examples
- 01这个曾经辉煌的家族已经逐渐没落了。.This once glorious family has gradually declined.
- 02罗马帝国的没落是一个漫长的历史过程。.The decline of the Roman Empire was a long historical process.
Characters
Common collocations
- 没落贵族declining aristocracy
- 家族没落family decline
- 走向没落head towards decline
- 没落的王朝declining dynasty
Antonyms
Origin
The combination of 没 (to sink/submerge) and 落 (to fall) creates a vivid image of something sinking downward and falling away, metaphorically representing decline from a former state of prominence.