倒塌

• Pinyin: dǎo tā
• Hanzi breakdown: 倒 = 亻 + 到 (to fall); 塌 = 土 + 冓 (to cave in, collapse downward)

Meaning

To collapse; to fall down; to topple over. A verb describing the structural collapse of buildings, walls, bridges, or other physical structures.

Primarily used for large physical structures. Can also be used metaphorically for the collapse of institutions or regimes. More severe and complete than 倒下, implying total structural failure rather than simply falling.

Examples

1. 强烈地震导致多栋楼房倒塌，造成了重大的人员伤亡。 The powerful earthquake caused multiple buildings to collapse, resulting in heavy casualties.
2. 那堵年久失修的围墙在暴风雨中轰然倒塌。 That old, poorly maintained wall collapsed with a crash in the storm.
3. 古桥在洪水的冲击下最终倒塌，令当地居民痛心不已。 The ancient bridge finally collapsed under the impact of the flood, leaving local residents heartbroken.

Usage Guide

Context: disaster, construction, news

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 建筑物倒塌了。(The building collapsed.)
• 防止房屋倒塌。(Prevent building collapse.)

Don't Say

• 公司倒塌了 — use 倒闭 for businesses that shut down; 倒塌 is reserved for physical structures

Origin & History

倒 (to fall) + 塌 (to cave in, collapse). Together meaning complete structural collapse.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal