着落

• Pinyin: zhuó luò
• Hanzi breakdown: 着 = 羊 + 目 (settle); 落 = 艹 + 洛 (fall, settle)

Meaning

Whereabouts; source; settlement. A place or solution where something can be found or resolved.

Refers to having a definite place, source, or resolution for something uncertain. Often used for finding housing, jobs, funding, or solutions. Implies moving from uncertainty to certainty.

Examples

1. 他的工作终于有了着落。 His job situation is finally settled.
2. 这笔钱的着落还没有确定。 We still haven’t pinned down where this money is coming from.
3. 婚事有着落了，父母都很高兴。 The marriage plans are finally settled, and the parents are very happy.

Usage Guide

Context: housing, employment, solutions

Tone: relieved

Do Say

• 孩子的学校终于有着落了。(The child's school situation is finally settled.)
• 资金有了着落，项目可以启动了。(With funding secured, the project can begin.)

Don't Say

• 午饭的着落 — sounds odd; use 安排 for meal plans

Origin & History

着 (to attach, to land) + 落 (to fall, to settle)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal