坠

• Pinyin: zhuì
• Hanzi breakdown: 坠 = 土 (earth) + 队 (fall, team)

Meaning

To fall; to drop; to plummet. Describes objects falling downward due to gravity, or figuratively declining rapidly.

A literary verb for falling or dropping, often used for dramatic effect. Common in contexts involving aircraft crashes, falling objects, or metaphorical decline. Can also function as a noun meaning a pendant or weight.

Examples

1. 飞机坠入大海，机上人员全部遇难。 The plane crashed into the ocean, and everyone on board was killed.
2. 树叶纷纷坠落，秋意渐浓。 Leaves are falling one after another, and autumn is in full swing.
3. 她的心情一下子坠入谷底。 Her mood suddenly hit rock bottom.

Usage Guide

Context: news, literature, accidents

Tone: dramatic

Do Say

• 直升机在山区坠毁，搜救工作正在进行。(The helicopter crashed in the mountainous area, and rescue operations are underway.)
• 她戴着一枚翡翠坠子。(She wears a jade pendant.)

Don't Say

• 我的手机坠了 — too literary; use 掉了 for everyday objects falling

Origin & History

Pictophonetic: 土 (earth) + 队 (fall) — falling to earth

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal