At the A1 level, you don't need to use '下落' (geraku) in your daily life, but you might see it on a news ticker or in a store. Think of it as a very formal way to say 'the price went down.' In English, we usually just say 'it's cheaper' or 'the price dropped.' In Japanese, the simple word is '下がった' (sagatta). '下落' is like saying 'a decline occurred.' You will mostly see this word in written form or on TV. For an A1 student, the most important thing to remember is the first kanji '下', which means 'down.' Whenever you see this kanji, you know something is going down or is below something else. You can practice by looking at prices in a Japanese supermarket online and seeing if they use words like '値下げ' (nesage - price cut), which is related to the idea of '下落'.
For A2 learners, you should start recognizing '下落' as a business term. You might encounter it in reading passages about the economy or in simple news clips. At this level, it's helpful to know that '下落' is a 'suru-verb.' This means you can say '下落します' (geraku shimasu) for 'it will decline.' You should also learn the basic opposite: '上昇' (joushou), which means 'to rise.' While 'sagaru' (to go down) and 'agaru' (to go up) are the casual versions, 'geraku' and 'joushou' are the professional versions. If you are taking the JLPT N4 or N3, these formal pairs are very common in the reading section. Try to notice how '下落' is used with the particle 'が' (ga) to show what is falling, like '株価が下落した' (Stock prices fell).
At the B1 level, you should be able to use '下落' in a formal writing context or a business presentation. You should understand the nuance that '下落' is specifically for values, prices, and statistics. You shouldn't use it for physical objects or quality (use '低下' for quality instead). B1 students should also learn common adverbs that go with '下落,' such as '急激に' (kyuugeki ni - sharply) or '徐々に' (jojo ni - gradually). This allows you to describe the movement more accurately. You should also be comfortable with the noun form '下落' being modified by other nouns, such as '価格の下落' (the decline of prices). This is a common structure in academic and professional Japanese.
B2 learners should have a deep understanding of '下落' and its synonyms. You should be able to distinguish between '下落' (decline in value), '減少' (decrease in quantity), and '低下' (decline in quality/level). At this level, you will encounter '下落' in complex economic discussions, such as those involving 'デフレ' (deflation) or '円高・円安' (strong/weak yen). You should also be familiar with more extreme terms like '暴落' (bouraku - crash/plunge) and how they differ from a standard '下落.' B2 students should be able to read a financial newspaper article and understand not just that prices are falling, but the context and reasons provided, often linked with particles like 'に伴い' (ni tomonai - along with) or 'によって' (ni yotte - due to).
At the C1 level, you are expected to use '下落' with native-like precision. You should understand the subtle connotations it carries in different sectors, such as real estate versus the stock market. You should also be familiar with compound words like '下落幅' (geraku-fuku - margin of decline), '下落率' (geraku-ritsu - rate of decline), and '下落基調' (geraku-kichou - downward trend). A C1 student can use these terms to provide a nuanced analysis of market movements. Furthermore, you should be able to use '下落' in a variety of grammatical structures, including passive or causative forms if the context requires it, although the active 'suru' form remains the most common. You can also discuss the socio-economic impacts of '下落' on the Japanese population, such as the 'asset-deflation' that occurred after the bubble burst.
For C2 learners, '下落' is a fundamental tool for high-level discourse in economics, sociology, and law. You should be able to critique economic policies by discussing their effect on '資産価値の下落' (the decline of asset values) or '通貨の下落' (the decline of the currency). At this level, you should also understand the historical usage of the term and how it appears in classical economic texts or formal government white papers (白書 - hakusho). You should be able to fluidly switch between '下落' and even more specialized terms like '減価' (genka - depreciation) or '凋落' (chouraku - fall from power/grace) depending on the exact nuance of the situation. Your ability to use '下落' should be indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, particularly in written reports and formal debates.

下落 en 30 secondes

  • 下落 (geraku) specifically refers to a decline in value, price, or social status, rather than physical objects falling through the air.
  • It is a formal 'suru-verb' primarily found in business news, financial reports, and academic discussions about the economy and statistics.
  • Common collocations include stock prices (kabuka), land values (chika), and approval ratings (shijiritsu), often paired with adverbs like 'drastically'.
  • It differs from '低下' (teika), which focuses on quality or performance, and '減少' (genshou), which focuses on the count or quantity of items.

The Japanese word 下落 (げらく - geraku) is a formal and specific term used to describe a decline, drop, or fall in value, price, or numerical status. While the English word 'drop' can apply to a physical object like a ball falling from a table, geraku is almost exclusively reserved for abstract values, economic indicators, and statistical data. It is composed of two kanji: 下 (ka/shita) meaning 'down' or 'below', and 落 (raku/ochiru) meaning 'fall' or 'drop'. Together, they create a sense of a structured or measurable descent.

Financial Context
This is the most common home for the word. You will hear news anchors discussing the 株価の下落 (kabuka no geraku) or the drop in stock prices. It implies a significant or noteworthy movement in the market.

最近、不動産の価格が急激に下落しています。
(Recently, real estate prices have been dropping sharply.)

Understanding the nuance of geraku requires recognizing its formal register. In casual conversation, a Japanese speaker might simply say 下がった (sagatta) to mean 'it went down.' However, in a business meeting, a newspaper article, or a formal report, geraku is the preferred choice because it sounds objective and professional. It conveys a sense of data-driven observation rather than a simple physical movement.

Statistical Usage
Beyond money, it can describe the drop in approval ratings for a politician (支持率の下落 - shijiritsu no geraku) or the decline in the quality of a certain metric over time.

支持率の下落は政府にとって大きな問題だ。
(The decline in approval ratings is a big problem for the government.)

In terms of grammar, geraku is a noun that can be turned into a verb by adding する (suru). This makes it highly versatile in both descriptive and active sentences. For example, 'The price declined' can be Kakaku ga geraku shita. This flexibility allows it to fit into complex grammatical structures while maintaining its professional tone.

Comparison with 'Teika'
You might also see 低下 (teika). While geraku focuses on the movement from a higher point to a lower point (the 'fall'), teika focuses more on the resulting low state or a decline in quality, ability, or efficiency.

通貨価値が下落すると、輸入コストが上がります。
(When the currency value declines, import costs rise.)

Finally, it's important to note that geraku usually carries a negative or concerning connotation in economic contexts. A drop in stock prices or home values is generally seen as a negative event for investors and homeowners. Therefore, the word often appears in news reports discussing economic crises, market volatility, or deflationary trends. By mastering geraku, you gain a key vocabulary piece for understanding Japanese news and participating in professional discussions about the economy and society.

Using 下落 (geraku) correctly involves understanding its role as a 'suru-verb' and its common collocations. Because it is a formal word, it is frequently used with particles like が (ga) to indicate what is falling, or の (no) when it acts as a noun modifying another noun. Let's look at how to build sentences from simple to complex.

The Basic Structure
The most common pattern is [Subject] + + 下落する. This simply states that the subject (usually a price or value) is dropping.

ビットコインの価格が下落しました。
(The price of Bitcoin has declined.)

When you want to describe the *manner* of the decline, you add adverbs. Common adverbs used with geraku include 急激に (kyuugeki ni - sharply), 大幅に (oohaba ni - drastically), or 徐々に (jojo ni - gradually). These adverbs help provide a clearer picture of how fast or how much the value is falling, which is crucial in financial reporting.

Describing the Cause
To explain *why* something is falling, use the or によって particle to indicate the cause. For example, 'Prices fell due to the recession.'

不況の影響で、株価が大幅に下落した。
(Due to the influence of the recession, stock prices dropped significantly.)

In more advanced usage, geraku can be part of a compound noun or a complex clause. You might see terms like 下落幅 (geraku-fuku - the range/margin of decline) or 下落基調 (geraku-kichou - a downward trend). These are highly technical terms used by market analysts to describe the specifics of a market movement.

The Passive Form
While less common, you might see 下落させられる (to be made to decline) in contexts where an external force is causing the drop, though usually, the active 下落する is sufficient because price drops are often seen as systemic movements.

市場の混乱が続き、資産価値の下落が止まらない。
(The market confusion continues, and the decline in asset value won't stop.)

One thing to watch out for is the difference between geraku and sagaru. If you say 'the temperature dropped,' you should use 気温が下がった (kion ga sagatta). Using geraku for weather or physical height sounds very strange and overly academic. Stick to money, statistics, and social status for geraku to sound natural.

If you spend any time watching Japanese news or reading business journals like the Nikkei Keizai Shimbun, you will encounter 下落 (geraku) almost daily. It is a staple of the financial lexicon. Here are the specific environments where this word thrives.

Evening News Reports
Every evening, Japanese news programs have a segment dedicated to the Nikkei Stock Average and the Yen-Dollar exchange rate. The announcers will say things like 'Today, the stock market saw a sharp decline' using geraku.

ニューヨーク市場での円安を受けて、株価が下落しました。
(Following the weakening of the yen in the New York market, stock prices declined.)

In a professional office setting, particularly in finance, real estate, or strategic planning, geraku is used during presentations and meetings. If a manager is showing a slide with a downward-sloping graph, they will use geraku to describe the trend. It sounds authoritative and precise.

Real Estate and Housing
When people talk about the value of their homes or land prices (chika), geraku is the standard term. Japan has a unique relationship with property values, often seeing them decline over time unlike in some Western markets.

地方では人口減少により、地価の下落が続いています。
(In rural areas, land prices continue to decline due to population decrease.)

You will also hear this word in political commentary. If a Prime Minister's approval rating (shijiritsu) drops after a scandal, the news will report it as a shijiritsu no geraku. This usage highlights that the word is not just about money, but about any measurable level of public or statistical standing.

Online Trading Communities
On Japanese social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or finance forums, traders use geraku constantly. They might use it to warn others of a 'crash' (暴落 - bouraku) or a 'correction' (調整 - chousei) that starts with a geraku.

この銘柄はこれ以上の下落はないと予想されます。
(It is predicted that this stock will not decline any further.)

In summary, geraku is the 'grown-up' word for 'going down.' Whether you are listening to a podcast about the global economy or reading a pamphlet about pension funds, this word serves as a critical marker for identifying downward trends in value and status.

While 下落 (geraku) is a straightforward concept, English speakers often make mistakes by overusing it or applying it to the wrong types of 'falling.' Because English uses 'drop' or 'fall' for everything from rain to stock prices, it's easy to assume geraku is equally universal. It is not.

Mistake 1: Physical Objects
You cannot use geraku for a physical object falling through space. If you drop your phone, you use 落とす (otosu). If a leaf falls from a tree, you use 落ちる (ochiru).

❌ ペンがテーブルから下落した。
✅ ペンがテーブルから落ちた。
(The pen fell from the table.)

The second common mistake is confusing geraku with teika (低下). While they both mean a decline, teika is used for things that have a 'level' or 'quality,' like grades, temperature, or physical strength. Geraku is specifically for values and prices that are usually represented on a monetary scale.

Mistake 2: Temperature and Weather
In English, we say 'The temperature dropped.' In Japanese, using geraku for temperature sounds like the temperature is a stock price. Instead, use 下がる (sagaru) or 低下する (teika suru).

❌ 気温が下落した。
✅ 気温が下がった。
(The temperature dropped.)

Mistake 3: Formality Mismatch. Using geraku in a very casual setting, like telling a friend that the price of eggs at the local supermarket went down, can sound a bit 'stiff' or 'overly dramatic.' While not grammatically 'wrong,' it's more natural to use yasuku natta (became cheap) or sagatta (went down).

Mistake 3: Confusing with 'Genshou'
減少 (genshou) means a decrease in quantity or number (like population). Geraku is for the value/price of a single unit or the market as a whole.

❌ 学生の数が下落した。
✅ 学生の数が減少した。
(The number of students decreased.)

By being mindful of these distinctions, you can avoid the 'uncanny valley' of Japanese where your grammar is correct but your word choice sounds non-native. Always ask yourself: 'Is this about money/value?' and 'Is this a formal situation?' If the answer to both is yes, geraku is your best friend.

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for describing things going down. Choosing the right one depends on *what* is falling and *how* it is falling. Here is a comparison of 下落 (geraku) with its closest relatives.

低下 (Teika)
Used for a decline in quality, performance, or level. Examples: nouryoku no teika (decline in ability), shitsu no teika (decline in quality). Unlike geraku, it doesn't focus on the 'market value' but on the 'standard.'
減少 (Genshou)
Used for a decrease in count or quantity. Examples: jinkou no genshou (population decrease), suuryou no genshou (decrease in quantity). If you can count it one by one, use genshou.

売上が減少したため、株価が下落した。
(Because sales decreased, the stock price declined.)

If the drop is extreme, geraku isn't strong enough. You need words like 暴落 (bouraku), which means a crash or a plunge. This is what you see during a financial crisis. On the other hand, if the price just 'slumped' or became stagnant at a low level, you might use 低迷 (teimei).

下がる (Sagaru)
This is the general-purpose verb for 'to go down.' It can replace geraku in casual speech. Nedan ga sagaru (The price goes down) is the everyday version of kakaku ga geraku suru.
衰退 (Suitai)
Used for the decline or decay of a civilization, an industry, or a town. It implies a long, historical process of losing power or vitality. You wouldn't use geraku for the fall of the Roman Empire.

産業の衰退により、地域の経済価値が下落した。
(Due to the decline of industry, the economic value of the region declined.)

Finally, there is 下落傾向 (geraku keikou), which means a 'downward trend.' This is used when you aren't just talking about a single point in time, but a pattern of falling values over a period. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the precise word for the specific type of 'down' you are describing.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

While '下落' is very formal today, the individual kanji '落' is also used in the word '落語' (Rakugo), the traditional Japanese art of comic storytelling, which literally means 'falling words' (referring to the 'punchline' or 'drop' at the end of the story).

Guide de prononciation

UK /ɡe.ɾa.kɯ/
US /ɡe.ɾɑ.ku/
Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In '下落', the pitch typically starts low on 'ge' and rises on 'ra-ku' (Heiban/Flat style), or starts high and drops. In standard Tokyo Japanese, it is often pronounced with a flat accent [0].
Rime avec
計画 (keikaku) 性格 (seikaku) 正確 (seikaku) 連絡 (renraku) 到着 (touchaku) 選択 (sentaku) 委託 (itaku) 傑作 (kessaku)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' (liquid). It should be a flap.
  • Elongating the vowels (e.g., 'ge-raa-ku'). Japanese vowels are short and clipped.
  • Confusing the reading with 'shitaraku' or other kun-yomi readings of the kanji.
  • Putting too much stress on the 'ku' syllable.
  • Pronouncing 'ge' like 'jee' (soft g). It must be a hard 'g'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

The kanji are common (N4/N3 level), but the word itself is most frequent in adult-level texts.

Écriture 4/5

Writing '落' correctly requires attention to the strokes in the 'water' radical and the bottom part.

Expression orale 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but requires knowing when to use it over 'sagaru'.

Écoute 3/5

Often heard in fast-paced news broadcasts, so it requires good listening comprehension.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

下 (shita/ka - down) 落ちる (ochiru - to fall) 価格 (kakaku - price) 価値 (kachi - value) ニュース (nyuusu - news)

Apprends ensuite

上昇 (joushou - rise) 暴落 (bouraku - crash) 景気 (keiki - economy) 投資 (toushi - investment) 為替 (kawase - exchange rate)

Avancé

デフレーション (deflation) 資産価値 (asset value) 潜在成長率 (potential growth rate) 構造改革 (structural reform) 金融緩和 (monetary easing)

Grammaire à connaître

Suru-Verbs (Sino-Japanese compounds)

下落 + する = 下落する (to decline)

Noun Modification with 'no'

価格の下落 (the decline of prices)

Adverbial Modification

急激に下落する (to decline sharply)

Stating Causes with 'ni yori'

不況により下落した (declined due to recession)

Compound Noun Formation

株価 + 下落 = 株価下落 (stock price decline)

Exemples par niveau

1

値段が下落しました。

The price declined.

Basic 'Noun + ga + Geraku shimashita' structure.

2

株価の下落はニュースで見ました。

I saw the drop in stock prices on the news.

'No' is used here to connect 'Stock price' and 'Decline'.

3

円の価値が下落しています。

The value of the yen is declining.

'~te imasu' shows an ongoing action.

4

ビットコインが下落した。

Bitcoin declined.

Short form past tense 'shita'.

5

下落は怖いです。

A decline is scary.

Using '下落' as a simple noun subject.

6

金の値が下落する。

The price of gold declines.

Dictionary form used for general facts.

7

土地の値段が下落した。

The price of land declined.

Focus on real estate value.

8

下落の原因は何ですか?

What is the cause of the decline?

Asking for the reason (gen'in).

1

昨日の株価は少し下落しました。

Yesterday's stock prices declined slightly.

Using 'sukoshi' (slightly) to modify the decline.

2

ガソリンの価格が下落することを期待しています。

I hope the price of gasoline will decline.

Using 'koto o kitai shite imasu' (expecting/hoping that...).

3

景気が悪くなると、物価が下落することがあります。

When the economy gets bad, prices sometimes decline.

Conditional 'to' + 'koto ga arimasu' (sometimes happens).

4

その会社の評判が下落してしまった。

That company's reputation has unfortunately declined.

'~te shimatta' implies regret or an unfortunate outcome.

5

輸出が減ったので、通貨が下落した。

Because exports decreased, the currency declined.

'node' (because) explains the reason.

6

急な下落に驚きました。

I was surprised by the sudden decline.

Adjective 'kyuu na' (sudden) modifying the noun.

7

下落を止めるのは難しい。

It is difficult to stop the decline.

Nominalizing the verb with 'o' to make it an object.

8

卵の価格が下落し始めた。

The price of eggs started to decline.

Verb stem + 'hajimeru' (start to...).

1

需要が供給を上回らない限り、価格の下落は続くでしょう。

Unless demand exceeds supply, the decline in prices will likely continue.

Using 'kagiri' (as long as/unless) and 'deshou' (probably).

2

政府は地価の下落を抑えるための対策を講じている。

The government is taking measures to curb the decline in land prices.

'~tame no' (for the purpose of) and 'taisaku o koujiru' (take measures).

3

金利の上昇により、債券価格が下落した。

Due to the rise in interest rates, bond prices declined.

'ni yori' (due to) is a formal cause-effect marker.

4

支持率の下落が止まらず、首相は苦境に立たされている。

With the decline in approval ratings not stopping, the Prime Minister is in a difficult situation.

'~zu' (without/not) and 'kukyou ni tatasareru' (be placed in a predicament).

5

投資家たちは株価の下落を懸念している。

Investors are concerned about the decline in stock prices.

'~o kenen shite iru' (is concerned about).

6

中古車市場の価格が大幅に下落した。

Prices in the used car market dropped significantly.

'oohaba ni' (significantly/drastically).

7

不祥事の発覚後、そのブランドの価値は下落の一途を辿っている。

Since the scandal came to light, the brand's value has been steadily declining.

'~no itto o tadoru' (to continue to... / to be on a steady path of...).

8

下落傾向にある市場で利益を出すのは至難の業だ。

It is an extremely difficult task to make a profit in a market that is on a downward trend.

'~ni aru' (which is in...) and 'shinan no waza' (an extremely difficult task).

1

世界的なリセッションの懸念から、原油価格が急激に下落した。

Due to concerns about a global recession, crude oil prices fell sharply.

Formal cause 'kara' and adverb 'kyuugeki ni'.

2

不動産バブルが崩壊し、マンションの資産価値が下落した。

The real estate bubble burst, and the asset value of apartments declined.

Compound noun 'shisan kachi' (asset value).

3

中央銀行の介入にもかかわらず、通貨の下落に歯止めがかからない。

Despite the central bank's intervention, the decline of the currency cannot be stopped.

'ni mo kakawarazu' (despite) and 'hadome ga kakaranai' (cannot be stopped/checked).

4

需要の減退が価格の下落圧力を強めている。

The weakening of demand is increasing the downward pressure on prices.

Noun 'geraku atsuryoku' (downward pressure).

5

業績不振を背景に、同社の株価は過去最低水準まで下落した。

Against the backdrop of poor business performance, the company's stock price fell to an all-time low.

'~o haikei ni' (against the backdrop of) and 'suijun' (level).

6

インフレ率の低下が、実質金利の下落を招いた。

The decline in the inflation rate led to a drop in real interest rates.

'~o manaita' (led to/invited - usually negative).

7

今回の下落は一時的な調整に過ぎないという見方もある。

Some view this decline as nothing more than a temporary adjustment.

'~ni suginnai' (nothing more than) and 'to iu mikata' (the view that...).

8

輸出企業にとって、円安は利益を増やすが、円の価値下落は国力を削ぐ。

For exporting companies, a weak yen increases profits, but a decline in the value of the yen weakens national strength.

Contrasting two clauses using 'ga'.

1

過剰な供給が市場を飽和させ、必然的に価格の下落を招来した。

Excessive supply saturated the market and inevitably brought about a decline in prices.

Formal verb 'shourai shita' (brought about).

2

格付け会社による債務格下げが、国債価格のさらなる下落を誘発した。

The downgrade of debt by the rating agency triggered a further decline in government bond prices.

'yuuhatsu shita' (triggered/induced).

3

資産価格の下落が逆資産効果を生み、個人消費を冷え込ませている。

The decline in asset prices is creating a reverse wealth effect, cooling down personal consumption.

'gyaku shisan kouka' (reverse wealth effect) and 'hiekomaseru' (to cool down/make cold).

4

当該銘柄の下落幅は、市場予想を遥かに上回るものだった。

The margin of decline for the stock in question far exceeded market expectations.

'tougai' (the said/concerned) and 'haruka ni uwamawaru' (far exceed).

5

少子高齢化に伴う労働力の質の低下が、潜在成長率の下落に直結している。

The decline in the quality of the labor force accompanying the shrinking and aging population is directly linked to the decline in the potential growth rate.

'~ni chokketsu shite iru' (is directly linked to).

6

構造的な要因による下落は、短期的な金融政策では食い止められない。

A decline due to structural factors cannot be stopped by short-term monetary policy.

'kuitomerarenai' (cannot be checked/stopped).

7

デフレ・スパイラルに陥ると、物価と賃金の継続的な下落が相互に作用する。

When falling into a deflationary spiral, the continuous decline of prices and wages interact with each other.

'~ni ochiru' (to fall into) and 'sougo ni sayou suru' (interact with each other).

8

下落局面においては、リスク回避の動きが強まり、安全資産への資金逃避が見られる。

During a decline phase, risk-aversion movements strengthen, and a flight of capital to safe assets is observed.

'kyokumen' (phase/situation) and 'shikin touhi' (capital flight).

1

実体経済の乖離が露呈し、バブル的な資産価格の下落は不可避の情勢となった。

The divergence from the real economy was exposed, and a bubble-like decline in asset prices became an inevitable situation.

'kairi' (divergence) and 'fukahi' (inevitable).

2

為替相場の下落は、輸入物価の上昇を通じて家計を圧迫する一因となる。

The decline in the exchange rate becomes one factor that pressures households through the rise in import prices.

'appaku suru' (to pressure) and 'ichi-in' (one cause).

3

技術革新の停滞が、長期的には生産性の下落をもたらすと懸念されている。

There are concerns that the stagnation of technological innovation will, in the long run, bring about a decline in productivity.

'teitai' (stagnation) and 'motarasu' (to bring about).

4

地政学的リスクの増大が、グローバルな株価下落のトリガーとなった。

The increase in geopolitical risks became the trigger for a global decline in stock prices.

Using 'trigger' as a katakana loanword 'torigaa'.

5

信用収縮が進行する中で、資産の投げ売りが下落に拍車をかけている。

As credit contraction progresses, the fire sale of assets is accelerating the decline.

'shin'you shuushuku' (credit contraction) and 'hakusha o kakeru' (to accelerate/spur on).

6

名目賃金の下落は、労働者の購買力を著しく減退させる。

A decline in nominal wages significantly diminishes the purchasing power of workers.

'meimoku chingin' (nominal wage) and 'ichijirushiku' (remarkably/significantly).

7

収益性の下落を食い止めるべく、企業は大胆な構造改革を断行した。

In order to stop the decline in profitability, the company carried out bold structural reforms.

'~beku' (in order to - formal) and 'dankou suru' (to carry out decisively).

8

期待インフレ率の下落は、中央銀行の金融政策の有効性を減じさせる恐れがある。

A decline in expected inflation rates carries the risk of diminishing the effectiveness of the central bank's monetary policy.

'yuukousei o genjisaseru' (to diminish effectiveness) and 'osore ga aru' (there is a fear/risk that...).

Collocations courantes

株価が下落する
大幅に下落する
価値が下落する
下落幅
支持率が下落する
地価の下落
下落傾向にある
急激な下落
下落を抑える
継続的に下落する

Phrases Courantes

価格の下落

— The fall in prices. A standard way to describe deflation or market dips.

価格の下落は消費者にとって嬉しいニュースだ。

価値の下落

— The loss of value. Used for currency, brands, or assets.

通貨価値の下落が輸入業者を苦しめている。

下落を招く

— To lead to or cause a decline. Used when identifying a cause.

供給過剰が価格の下落を招いた。

下落に転じる

— To turn into a decline. Used when an upward trend suddenly goes down.

好調だった市場が下落に転じた。

下落を予測する

— To predict a decline. Used by analysts and experts.

専門家は来期の株価下落を予測している。

下落が続く

— The decline continues. Used for ongoing downward trends.

支持率の下落が数ヶ月続いている。

下落を食い止める

— To stop or check a decline. Used in policy or strategy contexts.

新製品の投入でシェアの下落を食い止める。

過去最大の下落

— The largest decline in history. Used for record-breaking market events.

それは過去最大の下落幅を記録した。

一時的な下落

— A temporary decline. Used to reassure that the drop isn't permanent.

これは一時的な下落にすぎないと考えています。

下落局面

— A downward phase. A technical term for a period of falling prices.

現在は下落局面にあり、慎重な投資が必要だ。

Souvent confondu avec

下落 vs 低下 (teika)

English speakers use 'decline' for both, but Japanese uses 'teika' for quality/level and 'geraku' for value/price.

下落 vs 減少 (genshou)

Confusing 'fewer' with 'lower value'. Use 'genshou' for numbers of people or items.

下落 vs 落ちる (ochiru)

Physical falling vs. value falling. 'Ochiru' is for the pen falling off the desk.

Expressions idiomatiques

"下落の一途を辿る"

— To be on a steady path of decline with no sign of stopping.

その伝統産業は下落の一途を辿っている。

Formal/Literary
"歯止めがかからない下落"

— A decline that cannot be stopped; a runaway drop.

通貨価値の下落に歯止めがかからない状況だ。

Formal
"奈落の底へ下落する"

— To fall into the bottom of hell (metaphorically); an extreme, catastrophic drop.

不祥事により、その俳優の人気は奈落の底へ下落した。

Dramatic
"坂道を転げ落ちるような下落"

— A decline like rolling down a hill; a very rapid and uncontrolled fall.

業績が悪化し、株価は坂道を転げ落ちるように下落した。

Informal/Descriptive
"底なしの下落"

— A bottomless decline; a drop that seems to have no end.

市場は底なしの下落に見舞われている。

Journalistic
"下落の火種"

— The spark/source of a decline. The initial cause of a drop.

貿易摩擦が市場下落の火種となった。

Formal
"下落に拍車をかける"

— To spur on or accelerate the decline.

悪いニュースがさらなる下落に拍車をかけた。

Formal
"下落を甘んじて受ける"

— To resignedly accept a decline.

投資家は価格の下落を甘んじて受けるしかなかった。

Literary
"下落の兆し"

— Signs or omens of a decline.

景気後退により、不動産価格に下落の兆しが見える。

Formal
"下落の波に飲まれる"

— To be swallowed by the wave of decline; to be negatively affected by a broad market drop.

多くの個人投資家が下落の波に飲まれた。

Journalistic

Facile à confondre

下落 vs 暴落 (bouraku)

Both mean going down.

Geraku is a general decline; bouraku is a sudden, extreme crash.

株価が下落した (Prices fell) vs 株価が暴落した (Prices crashed).

下落 vs 衰退 (suitai)

Both describe things getting worse.

Suitai is for the long-term decay of civilizations or industries; geraku is for specific numerical values.

ローマ帝国の衰退 (Decline of the Roman Empire).

下落 vs 減退 (gentai)

Both mean a decrease.

Gentai is used for invisible things like appetite, energy, or market demand.

食欲の減退 (Loss of appetite).

下落 vs 下落幅 (geraku-fuku)

Sounds like the action of falling.

It specifically refers to the amount or range of the fall (e.g., 'it fell by 500 yen').

下落幅が大きかった (The margin of decline was large).

下落 vs 低迷 (teimei)

Both describe a bad economic state.

Geraku is the movement down; teimei is the state of staying low for a long time.

景気が低迷している (The economy is in a slump).

Structures de phrases

A2

[Noun] が 下落しました。

値段が下落しました。

B1

[Noun] の [Noun] が 下落しています。

その会社の株価が下落しています。

B1

[Adverb] 下落する。

大幅に下落する。

B2

[Cause] により、[Noun] が下落した。

不祥事により、評判が下落した。

B2

[Noun] は 下落傾向にある。

地価は下落傾向にある。

C1

[Noun] の下落を [Verb]。

価格の下落を食い止める。

C1

[Noun] の下落が [Noun] を招く。

支持率の下落が政権交代を招く。

C2

[Noun] に伴う [Noun] の下落。

需要減退に伴う資産価値の下落。

Famille de mots

Noms

下落 (geraku - decline)
下落幅 (geraku-fuku - margin of decline)
下落率 (geraku-ritsu - rate of decline)
急下落 (kyuu-geraku - sharp decline)

Verbes

下落する (geraku suru - to decline/drop)
下落させる (geraku saseru - to cause to decline)

Adjectifs

下落傾向の (geraku keikou no - downward-trending)

Apparenté

下がる (sagaru - to go down)
落ちる (ochiru - to fall)
低下 (teika - decline in quality)
減少 (genshou - decrease in quantity)
暴落 (bouraku - crash)

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely frequent in financial and political news media.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using '下落' for a falling object. 落ちる (ochiru)

    You cannot say 'The apple declined from the tree.' '下落' is for abstract values only.

  • Using '下落' for temperature. 下がる (sagaru) / 低下 (teika)

    Temperature is a level, not a market value. 'Geraku' sounds like you're trading temperature on the stock market.

  • Using '下落' for population. 減少 (genshou)

    Population is a count of people. You use 'genshou' for things you can count individually.

  • Confusing '下落' with '値下げ'. 値下げ (nesage)

    'Nesage' is a deliberate price cut by a human. 'Geraku' is a natural market drop.

  • Using '下落' for a decline in skills. 低下 (teika)

    Skill levels or abilities 'decline' using 'teika' because they represent a standard of quality.

Astuces

Think Graphs

Whenever you see a line on a graph going down, that is the perfect time to use '下落'. It helps you visualize the word correctly.

Suru-Verb Power

Don't forget that '下落' is a noun that becomes a verb with 'suru'. This makes it very easy to use in different tenses like '下落した' or '下落している'.

Money vs. Quality

Keep '下落' for money and '低下' for quality. This is the most common mistake for learners, so mastering this distinction will make you sound much more native.

News Keywords

In Japanese news, '下落' is often preceded by '先物' (sakimono - futures) or '終値' (owarine - closing price). Listen for these pairs.

Kanji Breakdown

Focus on '下' (down). If you see '下' followed by another kanji in a business text, there is a high chance it means some kind of decline.

Formal Situations

Use '下落' during a job interview if you're discussing the economy or your industry. It shows you have professional-level language skills.

Antonym Pair

Always learn '下落' (geraku) and '上昇' (joushou) together. They are used in the same contexts and often appear together in reports.

Land Prices

Japan is obsessed with '地価' (chika - land prices). Using '地価の下落' will make you sound very knowledgeable about Japanese social issues.

Compound Nouns

In headlines, 'の' is often dropped. Instead of '株価の下落', you will see '株価下落'. Use this style for titles or bullet points.

The 'Raku' Fall

The kanji '落' (raku) is also in 'ochiru' (to fall). Think of a 'Raku-down' (Geraku) to remember it's a fall.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a **G**raph **E**nding with a **RA**pid **KU**t (cut). The graph is going down, so it's a 'Ge-ra-ku'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a red arrow on a stock market screen pointing diagonally down towards the floor. The '下' kanji looks like a T with a drop hanging off the right side, signifying something falling below the line.

Word Web

Money Stocks Economy Down Price Value Chart News

Défi

Try to find a Japanese financial news headline today that contains '下落'. Write it down and identify what exactly is falling (e.g., yen, stocks, oil).

Origine du mot

The word '下落' is a Sino-Japanese compound (kango). It was formed by combining '下' (down/below) and '落' (fall/drop). This combination has been used in Japanese for centuries to describe a descent in level or value.

Sens originel : The literal meaning is 'to fall down.' In historical contexts, it was used to describe physical falling, but over time, its usage became specialized for abstract values and prices.

Sino-Japanese (Kango). The kanji themselves originate from Middle Chinese, but the compound '下落' is used extensively in modern Japanese economic contexts.

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using this word regarding someone's personal status or reputation, as it can sound very harsh and permanent.

In English, we often use the word 'crash' or 'slump' to add emotion. '下落' is more clinical and objective, like the English word 'decline.'

Nikkei 225 reports often headline with '株価下落'. Economic textbooks discussing the 'Lost Decades' (失われた数十年). Public opinion polls (世論調査) regarding government approval.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Stock Market Report

  • 日経平均株価が下落
  • 終値で下落
  • 続落 (continued decline)
  • 全面安 (broad decline)

Real Estate Discussion

  • 地価の下落
  • マンション価格の下落
  • 資産価値の目減り
  • 下落傾向の継続

Political News

  • 内閣支持率の下落
  • 求心力の低下
  • 不支持率の上昇
  • 政権への打撃

Cryptocurrency Trading

  • 暴落の予兆
  • 急激な下落
  • 買い増しのチャンス
  • 損切り (stop-loss)

Academic Economics

  • 物価の下落
  • デフレ圧力
  • 購買力の低下
  • 経済指標の下落

Amorces de conversation

"最近の株価の下落についてどう思いますか? (What do you think about the recent drop in stock prices?)"

"日本の地価は今後も下落し続けるでしょうか? (Will Japanese land prices continue to fall in the future?)"

"円の価値が下落すると、私たちの生活にどんな影響がありますか? (If the value of the yen declines, what kind of impact will it have on our lives?)"

"ビットコインが急激に下落しましたが、今は買い時だと思いますか? (Bitcoin dropped sharply; do you think now is the time to buy?)"

"支持率の下落を止めるために、政府は何をすべきだと思いますか? (What do you think the government should do to stop the decline in approval ratings?)"

Sujets d'écriture

もし自分の持っている資産の価値が下落したら、あなたならどう対処しますか? (If the value of your assets declined, how would you handle it?)

物価の下落(デフレ)は、消費者にとって本当に良いことだと思いますか? (Do you think the decline of prices (deflation) is truly a good thing for consumers?)

最近、あなたの周りで「価値が下落した」と感じるものはありますか? (Is there anything around you recently that you feel has 'declined in value'?)

ニュースで「株価下落」という言葉を聞いたとき、どのような感情を抱きますか? (What emotions do you feel when you hear the words 'stock price decline' on the news?)

ブランドの評判が下落する原因には、どのようなものがあると考えますか? (What do you think are the causes for a brand's reputation to decline?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you should use '低下' (teika) or simply '下がる' (sagaru). '下落' sounds like the temperature has a market price. For example, '気温が下がった' is correct.

Generally, yes. In economic contexts, a decline in stock prices, land values, or currency is usually seen as a negative event for the owners of those assets. However, for a buyer, a '下落' in prices might be positive.

'下落' (geraku) is a natural market movement (prices falling on their own). '値下げ' (nesage) is an intentional action by a shop or company to lower the price (a price cut).

Yes, it can describe a drop in a team's or player's ranking or status, though '低下' or '後退' (koutai - retreat/backward step) are also common.

It is common in formal speech, such as news reports, business meetings, and lectures. In casual daily conversation, people usually prefer the simpler verb '下がる' (sagaru).

You can say '小幅な下落' (kohaba na geraku) or 'わずかな下落' (wazuka na geraku).

The most formal opposite is '上昇' (joushou), which means a rise or increase in value or status.

By itself, it is neutral. You must add adverbs like '急激に' (sharply) or '徐々に' (gradually) to specify the speed.

It's better to use '低下' (teika) for grades or test scores, as they represent a level of achievement rather than a market value.

Yes, '下落' is a common word in JLPT N3, N2, and N1 reading and listening sections, particularly those involving graphs or news reports.

Teste-toi 180 questions

writing

Translate: 'The price declined.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'Stock prices declined yesterday.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'The value of the yen is dropping sharply.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'Due to the recession, land prices declined.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'The government is taking measures to curb the decline.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write the kanji for 'Geraku'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Use '下落' in a sentence about Bitcoin.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Use '下落' in a sentence about approval ratings.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Describe a 'downward trend' using 下落.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Explain why '低下' is different from '下落'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'It dropped.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'A sudden decline.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'The decline of the brand value.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'The margin of decline was small.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'The decline accelerated.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write 'Geraku' in Hiragana.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write 'The price dropped' (Polite).

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write 'I'm worried about the decline.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write 'The economy is in a decline phase.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write 'The decline led to social unrest.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'The price declined.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'Stock prices dropped a little.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'I hope prices will decline.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'The market is on a downward trend.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'The decline in asset value is a serious problem.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'Geraku'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'A sudden drop.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'Reputation declined due to the scandal.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'It's nothing more than a temporary decline.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'We must stop the decline in productivity.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'Bitcoin dropped.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'I saw the decline on news.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'Land prices continue to fall.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'The yen's value is declining.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'A decline in nominal wages.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Geraku' three times fast.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'Prices are falling.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'The decline was sharp.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'Downward pressure is increasing.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'The decline is due to structural factors.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify 'Geraku'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to a news clip and identify what is falling.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for the adverb: '大幅に下落しました'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for the cause: '不況で下落した'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for the nuance: '暴落' vs '下落'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for 'Geraku shimashita'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for 'Sukoshi geraku'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for 'Geraku keikou'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for 'Hadome ga kakaranai'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for 'Geraku-fuku'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for 'Kakaku'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for 'Kabuka'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for 'Shijiritsu'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for 'Kenen'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for 'Motarasu'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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