摔倒

• Pinyin: shuāi dǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 摔 = 扌(hand) + 率, falling action; 倒 = 亻(person) + 到 (arrive), to topple over

Meaning

To fall down; to tumble. To lose balance and fall to the ground.

A compound verb specifically meaning to fall down, usually referring to a person losing balance and hitting the ground. More specific than just 摔, emphasizing the result of ending up on the ground. Common when describing accidents or injuries.

Examples

1. 老人在结冰的路上摔倒了，幸好没有受伤。 The elderly person fell on the icy road, but fortunately wasn't injured.
2. 孩子学走路的时候难免会摔倒，不用太紧张。 Children will inevitably fall when learning to walk — no need to be too nervous.
3. 她穿高跟鞋跑步，结果在台阶上摔倒了。 She was running in high heels and ended up falling on the stairs.

Usage Guide

Context: accidents, everyday, health

Tone: concerned

Do Say

• 小心别摔倒。(Be careful not to fall.)
• 他摔倒了，快去扶他。(He fell down — go help him up.)

Don't Say

• 摔倒东西 — for dropping objects, use just 摔; 摔倒 is specifically for people falling

Origin & History

Compound of 摔 (to fall) + 倒 (to topple), emphasizing falling down to the ground.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal