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落ち込む

B1 verb #3,000 most common 10 min read

落ち込む

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 落ち込む in 30 Seconds

Explanation 落ち込む in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that 'ochikomu' means 'to be sad' or 'to feel down.' It is a word you use when something bad happens, like losing your favorite toy or failing a small quiz. You can think of it as the opposite of 'happy.' In Japanese, we say 'ochikonde iru' to say 'I am feeling down right now.' It is a useful word to tell your friends or teacher how you feel. Even though it is a long word, try to remember it as one single idea: 'feeling blue.' You might hear it in simple cartoons when a character is crying or looking very sad. Don't worry about the kanji yet; just focus on the sound 'ochikomu.' When you see a friend looking sad, you can ask 'Ochikonde iru?' to show you care. It is a very polite and kind way to talk about feelings.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'ochikomu' with reasons. You can use the particle 'de' to explain why you are down. For example, 'Shiken de ochikonda' means 'I got depressed because of the exam.' You should also learn the negative form 'ochikomanai,' which is used to encourage people. Phrases like 'Ochikomanai de!' (Don't be down!) are very common. You are beginning to see the difference between 'kanashii' (the emotion of sadness) and 'ochikomu' (the state of being down). 'Ochikomu' is more about having no energy because of something that happened. You might also start seeing the kanji 落ち込む. The first part 'ochi' comes from 'ochiru' (to fall), and 'komu' means 'to go into.' So, it literally means 'to fall into a bad mood.'

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'ochikomu' in various tenses and forms. You understand that it is an intransitive verb, so you use it for yourself or describe others' states. You also learn that 'ochikomu' isn't just for people; it can also be used for the economy or numbers. For example, 'Keiki ga ochikomu' means the economy is slumping. This is a very important distinction. In conversation, you can use adverbs like 'chotto' (a little) or 'sugoku' (very) to change the meaning. You also begin to recognize synonyms like 'hekomu' (casual slang) and 'gakkari suru' (disappointment). You understand that 'ochikomu' implies a certain depth of feeling—it's not just a momentary sadness, but a state that might last for a while.

At the B2 level, you use 'ochikomu' in more complex sentence structures. You might use the causative form 'ochikomaseru' (to make someone depressed) or the passive-like 'ochikonde shimau' (to end up depressed). You can describe subtle emotional shifts and use the word in professional contexts without hesitation. You understand that 'ochikomu' is the standard term in news reports for decreases in GDP, birth rates, or stock prices. You are also aware of the social nuance: using 'ochikomu' is often more polite than using 'kanashii' because it focuses on the situation rather than just raw emotion. You can participate in deeper discussions about mental health or economic trends using this word as a foundation.

At the C1 level, you have a nuanced understanding of 'ochikomu' compared to literary terms like 'shitsubou' (despair) or 'shoi' (dejection). You can use it in formal writing and understand its metaphorical implications in literature. You recognize it in idioms like 'donzoko ni ochikomu' (to fall to the very bottom/hit rock bottom). You are also sensitive to the 'komu' suffix, which emphasizes the intensity and the 'into-ness' of the action. You can explain the historical development of the word and how its physical meaning (sinking ground) transitioned into an emotional and economic metaphor. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, using it precisely to describe everything from a minor social 'dent' to a major national economic crisis.

At the C2 level, you master the absolute subtleties of 'ochikomu.' You can distinguish between 'ochikomu' and 'ki ga shizumu' in terms of poetic tone and psychological weight. You understand how the word functions in various dialects and its usage in classical versus modern literature. You can analyze the social impact of 'ochikomu' as a cultural concept in Japan—how the collective 'ochikomu' of a nation during a recession is discussed in high-level sociological texts. You use the word with perfect pitch and rhythm, and you can even play with the word in creative writing to evoke specific, layered emotions. You are also aware of the most obscure technical uses of the word in fields like geology or advanced economics.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

落ち込む in 30 Seconds

Ochikomu is a versatile Japanese verb meaning to feel down or depressed, often used after failures or disappointing events in daily life.
Beyond emotions, it is the standard term for economic slumps, declining sales, or a drop in statistical figures like grades.
Physically, it can describe a surface sinking or caving in, though the emotional and economic meanings are far more frequent.
It is an intransitive verb, meaning you enter the state yourself, often modified with 'te-iru' to describe a current ongoing feeling.

The Japanese verb 落ち込む (ochikomu) is a compound verb that combines ochiru (to fall) and komu (to go into/deeply). At its core, it describes a movement downward into a state or a place. While it can physically mean to sink or cave in, its most frequent usage in daily Japanese life is psychological: to feel depressed, to be disheartened, or to feel down. When you use this word, you are essentially saying that your mood has fallen into a deep, dark hole from which it is difficult to climb out immediately. It is a very common word used to describe the emotional aftermath of a failure, a breakup, or a disappointing event.

Emotional Depth: Unlike the simple word for 'sad' (kanashii), ochikomu implies a state of being where one loses energy and motivation. It is the 'slump' that follows bad news.
Economic Context: In news reports, you will often hear this word used to describe a decline in the economy or a drop in sales figures, suggesting a significant and worrying decrease.
Physical Usage: It can also describe a surface that has sunken in, such as a floor or a piece of ground that has collapsed downward.

試験の結果が悪くて、一日中落ち込んでいた。(I was depressed all day because my exam results were bad.)

In social situations, Japanese people use this word to express empathy. If a friend tells you they failed an interview, saying 'Sore wa ochikomu ne' (That would make anyone feel down) shows you understand the weight of their disappointment. It is less clinical than the medical term for depression (utsutaishoku) and is used freely in casual and polite conversation to describe temporary states of low spirits. However, because it implies a 'sinking' feeling, it carries more weight than just feeling 'a little bit sad.' It suggests that the person has been affected deeply enough that their usual energy is gone.

そんなに落ち込まないでください。(Please don't be so down/depressed.)

彼女は失恋して、かなり落ち込んでいるようだ。(She seems quite depressed after her breakup.)

Furthermore, the word is frequently used in business to describe negative trends. If a company's profits 'ochikomu,' it means they have taken a significant hit. This versatility makes it a vital word for intermediate learners who are transitioning from basic emotional descriptions to more nuanced and professional vocabulary. It bridges the gap between physical movement and abstract concepts of decline and sadness.

景気が落ち込むと、消費が減る。(When the economy slumps, consumption decreases.)

一度の失敗でそんなに落ち込む必要はない。(There is no need to get so depressed over one failure.)

Using 落ち込む correctly requires understanding its status as an intransitive verb. This means it describes a state the subject enters, rather than an action the subject performs on an object. You don't 'ochikomu' something; you yourself 'ochikomu' because of something. The grammar usually follows the pattern [Reason] + で (de) + 落ち込む, where 'de' indicates the cause of the depression.

The 'Te-iru' Form: When you want to say someone 'is' currently down, you must use 落ち込んでいる (ochikonde iru). The plain form 落ち込む often refers to the future or a general tendency.
Degree Adverbs: Words like ひどく (hidoku - terribly), かなり (kanari - considerably), or ちょっと (chotto - a little) are frequently used to modify the intensity of the feeling.
Negative Imperative: To encourage someone, you use '落ち込まないで' (Please don't be down). This is a staple phrase in Japanese support and friendship.

彼は昨日からずっと落ち込んでいる。(He has been down/depressed since yesterday.)

In a formal or business setting, the verb remains useful but might be paired with more formal grammar. For instance, instead of 'ochikonde iru,' you might say 'ochikonde orimasu' in humble speech if referring to yourself, though it is rare to describe your own depression so formally unless explaining a performance lapse. More commonly, you will see it in reports: 'Uriage ga ochikonde imasu' (Sales are currently slumped).

あまり落ち込まないほうがいいですよ。(It's better not to get too depressed.)

もし不合格だったら、すごく落ち込むと思う。(If I fail, I think I'll be really depressed.)

The verb also appears in the causative form 'ochikomaseru' (to make someone feel down). For example, 'Kanojo o ochikomasete shimatta' (I accidentally made her feel down). This is a common way to express guilt over saying something insensitive. Understanding these variations allows you to navigate emotional conversations with greater precision.

そんなに自分を責めて落ち込むことはない。(There is no need to blame yourself and feel down.)

彼は落ち込んでいる暇なんてないと言った。(He said he has no time to be depressed.)

You will encounter 落ち込む everywhere from the most dramatic anime scenes to the most serious evening news broadcasts. In anime and manga, it is the standard word used when a character is sitting in a corner with blue lines drawn over their head (a visual shorthand for 'ochikomu'). It captures that specific 'heavy' feeling that follows a defeat or a social rejection.

Daily Conversations: Friends use it to check on each other. 'Nande ochikonderu no?' (Why are you down?) is a common way to start a supportive conversation.
TV News and Newspapers: When talking about the 'Lost Decades' of the Japanese economy, or the impact of a pandemic on tourism, journalists use 'ochikomu' to describe the sharp decline in numbers.
Music Lyrics: J-Pop songs often use this word to describe the loneliness of a breakup or the struggle of pursuing a dream against the odds.

「どうしたの？」「いや、ちょっと仕事でミスしちゃって、落ち込んでるんだ。」("What's wrong?" "Well, I made a mistake at work and I'm feeling a bit down.")

Because the word is so versatile, it is safer to use than many other synonyms. If you use 'kanashii' (sad), it sounds very personal and perhaps a bit childish or overly emotional. If you use 'ochikomu,' it sounds more like a reaction to a specific event, which is often more socially appropriate in Japan. It allows for a certain level of distance while still acknowledging that you are not feeling your best.

最近、株価が急激に落ち込んでいる。(Recently, stock prices have been slumping sharply.)

テストの点が悪くても、そんなに落ち込むことはないよ。(Even if your test scores are bad, it's not something to get so depressed about.)

In professional feedback sessions, a manager might say, 'Kore de ochikomu hitsuyo wa nai' (There's no need to be discouraged by this) after giving constructive criticism. This usage helps maintain a positive working relationship while addressing performance issues. It is a word of both empathy and analysis.

彼は一度落ち込むと、なかなか立ち直れない。(Once he gets depressed, he can't easily recover.)

雨の日はなんとなく気分が落ち込む。(I somehow feel down on rainy days.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with 落ち込む is confusing it with other 'falling' verbs. Because 'ochiru' is the base, learners often try to use it when they physically fall down on the street. However, if you trip and fall, the word is korobu or taoreru. Using 'ochikomu' in that context would sound like you fell into a manhole or a literal pit.

Confusion with 'Ochitsuku': Because they both start with 'ochi-', many students mix up 'ochikomu' (to get depressed) with 'ochitsuku' (to calm down). These are opposites in terms of energy level!
Transitivity Errors: Do not use the particle 'wo' with ochikomu to mean 'I depressed him.' You must use the causative form 'ochikomaseru' for that.
Overusing for Clinical Depression: While it can describe a deep state, 'ochikomu' is often temporary. For serious medical conditions, 'utsubyou' (depression disease) is used.

❌ 道で落ち込んだ。
✅ 道で転んだ。(I fell on the road.)

Another nuance to be careful of is the difference between 'ochikomu' and 'hekomu.' 'Hekomu' literally means to be dented. In slang, it's used exactly like 'ochikomu,' but it's much more casual. Using 'hekomu' in a business report about the economy would be a major stylistic error. 'Ochikomu' is the appropriate, professional term for a decline.

❌ 彼を落ち込んだ。
✅ 彼を落ち込ませた。(I made him depressed.)

❌ 彼は今落ち込む。
✅ 彼は今落ち込んでいる。(He is currently down.)

Finally, remember that 'ochikomu' is an intransitive verb that describes the subject's state. Beginners often forget the 'te-iru' form when describing a continuous state. If you say 'Kare wa ochikomu,' it sounds like you are predicting that he will become depressed in the future, rather than describing how he feels right now.

❌ 景気が凹んだ (in a formal report).
✅ 景気が落ち込んだ。(The economy slumped.)

❌ 悲しくて落ちついた。
✅ 悲しくて落ち込んだ。(I was sad and got depressed.)

To truly master Japanese, you need to know when to use 落ち込む and when to reach for a similar word. Japanese has a rich vocabulary for negative emotions, each with a specific nuance. 'Ochikomu' is the most balanced and common, but these alternatives are equally important depending on the context.

凹む (Hekomu): Literally 'to be dented.' Used as slang for 'ochikomu.' It's common among young people when they make a small mistake or get teased. 'Majide hekomu' (I'm seriously down).
がっかりする (Gakkari suru): This means 'to be disappointed.' While 'ochikomu' describes your internal state, 'gakkari' focuses on the gap between your expectations and reality.
失望する (Shitsubou suru): A more formal word meaning 'to lose hope' or 'to be despondent.' You see this in literature or formal speeches.
気が沈む (Ki ga shizumu): Literally 'one's spirit sinks.' This is very close to 'ochikomu' but feels a bit more poetic and internal.

期待していただけに、がっかりした。(Since I had high expectations, I was disappointed.)

When comparing 'ochikomu' and 'hekomu,' think of the duration. 'Hekomu' is often a quick reaction to a specific moment, like a dent in a car. 'Ochikomu' suggests a longer-lasting state of mind. If you are 'ochikonde iru' for a week, it makes sense. If you are 'hekonde iru' for a week, it sounds a bit more casual or even slightly dramatic.

彼は人生に失望してしまった。(He has lost all hope in life.)

雨が続くと、気が沈む。(When the rain continues, my spirits sink.)

In a business context, if you want to describe a decrease in numbers, 'genshou suru' (to decrease) is the neutral term. 'Ochikomu' is more descriptive and implies that the decrease is significant or problematic. 'Teimei suru' (to be stagnant/sluggish) is another professional term often found in the same articles as 'ochikomu' to describe a struggling market.

売り上げが大幅に減少した。(Sales decreased significantly.)

そんなに凹むなよ、次は大丈夫だ。(Don't be so down/dented, you'll be fine next time.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'komu' suffix is used in many Japanese verbs to indicate that an action is done thoroughly or moves into something (like 'nomikomu' for swallowing or 'hikikomu' for drawing in).

Pronunciation Guide

UK o.t͡ɕi.ko.mɯ

US o.t͡ʃi.ko.mu

The pitch accent is usually Heiban (flat), or sometimes Nakadaka depending on the dialect, but in standard Japanese, it starts low and rises.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but the compound structure needs to be recognized.

Writing 3/5

Writing 'ochiru' and 'komu' is standard for intermediate students.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce and very useful in conversation.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to spot in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

落ちる (ochiru) 込む (komu) 悲しい (kanashii) 悪い (warui) 気分 (kibun)

Learn Next

立ち直る (tachinaoru) 励ます (hagemasu) 失望 (shitsubou) 景気 (keiki) 減少 (genshou)

Advanced

暗澹たる (antantaru) 意気消沈 (ikishouchin) 地盤沈下 (jibanchinka) デフレ (deflation)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs with ~込む

飲み込む (swallow), 飛び込む (dive in), 落ち込む (sink in/get depressed).

Intransitive Verbs (Jidoushi)

落ち込む is intransitive; it describes the subject's state.

The ~Te Iru Form for State

落ち込んでいる describes the current state of being depressed.

The Causative Form (~saseru)

落ち込ませる means to make someone feel down.

Using 'de' for Cause

失敗で落ち込む (Depressed because of failure).

Examples by Level

わたしは、おちこんでいます。

I am feeling down.

Uses the 'te-iru' form for a current state.

おちこまないでください。

Please do not be down.

Negative request form.

かれは、おちこみました。

He got depressed.

Past tense of the verb.

どうしておちこんでいるの？

Why are you feeling down?

Question form with 'no' for explanation.

テストがおわって、おちこんだ。

The test ended, and I got depressed.

Simple past tense.

ちょっとおちこみました。

I got a little depressed.

Modified by 'chotto'.

おちこむのは、よくないです。

Feeling down is not good.

Nominalized verb as a subject.

あしたは、おちこまない。

I won't be down tomorrow.

Future negative.

試合に負けて、すごく落ち込んだ。

I lost the match and got really depressed.

Reason indicated by 'te' form of the verb 'makeru'.

彼女は今、落ち込んでいます。

She is depressed right now.

Polite progressive form.

そんなに落ち込まないで！

Don't be so down!

Casual negative imperative.

失敗しても落ち込むことはないよ。

There's no need to be down even if you fail.

Pattern 'koto wa nai' (no need to).

昨日、彼は落ち込んでいた。

Yesterday, he was feeling down.

Past progressive form.

落ち込む理由がありません。

There is no reason to be depressed.

Noun modification 'ochikomu riyuu'.

犬がいなくなって、落ち込んでいる。

My dog is gone, so I'm feeling down.

Reason indicated by 'te' form.

みんなで落ち込むのはやめよう。

Let's stop being depressed together.

Volitional form 'yameyou'.

成績が落ち込んで、親に怒られた。

My grades dropped, and I was scolded by my parents.

Used here for a decline in numbers/grades.

一度落ち込むと、なかなか元気になれない。

Once I get depressed, I can't easily cheer up.

Conditional 'to' indicating a natural consequence.

最近、景気が落ち込んでいるそうだ。

I heard that the economy is slumping lately.

Hearsay 'sou da' with progressive state.

彼は落ち込んでいる彼女を励ました。

He encouraged his depressed girlfriend.

Relative clause modifying 'kanojo'.

あまり深く落ち込まないほうがいい。

It's better not to get too deeply depressed.

Advice pattern 'hou ga ii'.

ミスをしても、あまり落ち込まないタイプです。

I'm the type who doesn't get very down even if I make a mistake.

Describing personality type.

売上が落ち込む原因を調べよう。

Let's investigate the cause of the drop in sales.

Used in a business context.

彼はひどく落ち込んでいる様子だった。

He seemed to be terribly depressed.

Pattern 'yousu datta' (seemed/appeared).

不況の影響で、観光客が大幅に落ち込んだ。

Due to the recession, the number of tourists dropped significantly.

Formal usage for statistical decline.

親友に裏切られて、どん底に落ち込んだ。

I was betrayed by my best friend and hit rock bottom.

Idiomatic use with 'donzoko'.

そんな些細なことで落ち込む必要はない。

There is no need to be depressed over such a trivial matter.

Formal 'hitsuyou wa nai' construction.

彼は自分の無力さに落ち込んでいるようだ。

He seems to be depressed by his own helplessness.

Abstract reason for depression.

地震で地面が一部落ち込んでいる。

Part of the ground has sunken in due to the earthquake.

Physical meaning of 'sinking in'.

気分が落ち込んだときは、音楽を聴くことにしている。

When I feel down, I make it a rule to listen to music.

Pattern 'koto ni shite iru' (habit/rule).

彼の言葉が彼女をさらに落ち込ませた。

His words made her even more depressed.

Causative form 'ochikomaseta'.

消費が落ち込むと、経済全体に悪影響が出る。

When consumption slumps, it has a negative impact on the entire economy.

Economic conditional sentence.

長引くデフレにより、国内需要が冷え込み、さらに落ち込んだ。

Due to prolonged deflation, domestic demand cooled and dropped further.

High-level economic terminology.

彼は挫折を味わい、精神的に深く落ち込んでしまった。

He tasted failure and fell into a deep psychological slump.

Pattern 'shimau' indicating regret or completion.

期待が大きかった分、結果を知った時の落ち込みは激しかった。

Because the expectations were so high, the depression upon hearing the results was intense.

Noun form 'ochikomi'.

過去の栄光にすがり、現状の落ち込みを認めようとしない。

He clings to past glory and refuses to acknowledge his current slump.

Complex psychological description.

そのニュースは国民全体を落ち込ませるものだった。

That news was something that depressed the entire nation.

Causative used for collective emotion.

一時的な落ち込みに一喜一憂すべきではない。

One should not be swung between joy and sorrow by temporary slumps.

Idiom 'ikki ichiyuu'.

地盤沈下により、家屋の床が数センチ落ち込んでいる。

Due to land subsidence, the floor of the house has sunken several centimeters.

Technical physical usage.

彼は落ち込みから立ち直るために、長い休暇を取った。

He took a long vacation to recover from his depression.

Noun form 'ochikomi' with 'tachinaoru' (recover).

未曾有の不況下で、あらゆる経済指標が記録的に落ち込んだ。

Under an unprecedented recession, all economic indicators dropped to record lows.

Advanced vocabulary like 'mizou' (unprecedented).

作者の精神的落ち込みが、その作品の暗澹たる色彩に反映されている。

The author's psychological slump is reflected in the bleak colors of the work.

Literary analysis usage.

彼は一度落ち込むと、自己否定の螺旋に陥る傾向がある。

Once he gets depressed, he tends to fall into a spiral of self-negation.

Psychological nuance 'rasen ni ochiru'.

統計上の微々たる落ち込みを過大評価するのは危険だ。

It is dangerous to overstate a minute statistical drop.

Academic/Critical usage.

その政策は、落ち込んだ消費を喚起することを目的としている。

The policy aims to stimulate slumped consumption.

Formal political/economic context.

絶望の淵に落ち込みながらも、彼は一筋の光を見出した。

While falling into the abyss of despair, he found a ray of light.

Poetic/Literary construction 'fuchi ni ochikomu'.

市場の落ち込みは、構造的な問題に起因していると考えられる。

The market slump is thought to stem from structural issues.

Formal analytical passive 'kangaerareru'.

彼は落ち込みを隠すために、無理に明るく振る舞っていた。

He was acting forcedly bright to hide his depression.

Describing social facade.

Common Collocations

深く落ち込む

成績が落ち込む

売上が落ち込む

景気が落ち込む

気分が落ち込む

精神的に落ち込む

一時的に落ち込む

どん底に落ち込む

ガクンと落ち込む

急激に落ち込む

Common Phrases

落ち込む暇はない

— There is no time to be depressed. Used to encourage action.

落ち込む暇はない、次に行こう！

落ち込む必要はない

— There is no need to be down. A common phrase of comfort.

そんなに落ち込む必要はないよ。

落ち込んだ顔

— A depressed face. Describes someone's visible appearance.

どうしてそんな落ち込んだ顔をしているの？

落ち込みやすい

— Prone to getting depressed. Describes a personality trait.

私は落ち込みやすい性格だ。

落ち込みから脱する

— To escape from a slump. Used for recovery.

ようやく落ち込みから脱した。

ひどく落ち込む

— To be terribly depressed. Emphasizes the depth of the feeling.

彼はひどく落ち込んでいる。

落ち込む一方だ

— To keep on declining. Used for worsening situations.

景気は落ち込む一方だ。

落ち込むのを防ぐ

— To prevent a slump or decline.

売上が落ち込むのを防ぎたい。

落ち込む姿

— The sight of someone being depressed.

彼の落ち込む姿は見たくない。

落ち込むきっかけ

— The trigger or reason for getting depressed.

落ち込むきっかけは些細なことだった。

Often Confused With

落ち込む vs 落ち着く (ochitsuku)

Students often mix these up because they both start with 'ochi'. Ochitsuku means to calm down, which is the opposite of the high-emotion state of ochikomu.

落ち込む vs 落ちる (ochiru)

Ochiru is the simple verb 'to fall.' Ochikomu implies falling *into* a state or a deep place.

落ち込む vs 転ぶ (korobu)

Korobu is to physically trip and fall on the ground. Ochikomu is rarely used for physical falls unless sinking into something.

Idioms & Expressions

"どん底に落ち込む"

— To fall to the very bottom; to hit rock bottom emotionally or financially.

借金で人生のどん底に落ち込んだ。

Common

"奈落の底に落ち込む"

— To fall into the depths of hell/abyss. Very dramatic.

絶望して奈落の底に落ち込んだ気分だ。

Literary

"暗闇に落ち込む"

— To fall into darkness. Used for losing sight of hope.

心が暗闇に落ち込んでしまった。

Poetic

"スランプに落ち込む"

— To fall into a slump (especially in sports or creative work).

打撃不振でスランプに落ち込んでいる。

Common

"不況のどん底に落ち込む"

— To fall into the depths of a recession.

世界経済が不況のどん底に落ち込んだ。

Economic

"自己嫌悪に落ち込む"

— To fall into self-loathing.

ミスをして自己嫌悪に落ち込んだ。

Psychological

"沈黙に落ち込む"

— To fall into silence (a conversation dying out).

二人の間が沈黙に落ち込んだ。

Literary

"混迷に落ち込む"

— To fall into chaos or confusion.

政局が混迷に落ち込んでいる。

Political

"疑心暗鬼に落ち込む"

— To fall into a state of extreme suspicion (where everything looks like a ghost).

裏切りを恐れて疑心暗鬼に落ち込んだ。

Idiomatic

"虚脱状態に落ち込む"

— To fall into a state of lethargy or collapse.

ショックで虚脱状態に落ち込んだ。

Medical/Formal

Easily Confused

落ち込む vs 凹む (hekomu)

They both mean 'to be down.'

Hekomu is slang and literally means 'dented.' Ochikomu is standard and more versatile.

怒られて凹んだ (casual) vs. 景気が落ち込んだ (formal).

落ち込む vs がっかりする (gakkari suru)

Both involve negative feelings after an event.

Gakkari is 'disappointment' (expectations vs reality). Ochikomu is the resulting 'slump' or 'depression.'

不合格でがっかりしたし、今も落ち込んでいる。

落ち込む vs 悲しむ (kanashimu)

Both describe sadness.

Kanashimu is the active emotion of grieving or feeling sorrow. Ochikomu is the state of being discouraged or in a slump.

友人の死を悲しむ vs. 仕事のミスで落ち込む。

落ち込む vs 下落する (geraku suru)

Both describe a decline in numbers.

Geraku is specifically for prices/values. Ochikomu is broader, covering mood, numbers, and physical sinking.

株価が下落した vs. 売上が落ち込んだ。

落ち込む vs 滅入る (meiru)

Both mean to feel gloomy.

Meiru often refers to a persistent gloominess caused by environment (like weather). Ochikomu is usually a reaction to a specific event.

気が滅入る天気だ vs. 試験に落ちて落ち込む。

Sentence Patterns

[Reason] で落ち込む

テストの結果で落ち込んだ。

落ち込んでいる [Noun]

落ち込んでいる友達に電話した。

そんなに落ち込むことはない

一度のミスでそんなに落ち込むことはない。

落ち込んだ [Noun] を [Verb]

落ち込んだ気分をリフレッシュする。

〜を落ち込ませる

彼のひどい言葉が彼女を落ち込ませた。

落ち込みから立ち直る

長い時間をかけて、ようやく落ち込みから立ち直った。

[Subject] が大幅に落ち込む

昨年度の輸出額が大幅に落ち込んだ。

どん底に落ち込む

彼は失業して人生のどん底に落ち込んでしまった。

Word Family

Nouns

落ち込み (ochikomi) - a slump, a dip, depression

Verbs

落ちる (ochiru) - to fall

込む (komu) - to go into

落ち込ませる (ochikomaseru) - to make someone depressed (causative)

落ちこぼれる (ochikoboreru) - to drop out/fall behind

落ちつく (ochitsuku) - to calm down

落ち度 (ochido) - a fault/error

落ち葉 (ochiba) - fallen leaves

突き落とす (tsukiotosu) - to push down

How to Use It

frequency

Very frequent in both daily conversation and news media.

Common Mistakes

Using 'ochikomu' for physical tripping. → Korobu (転ぶ)
Ochikomu means falling into a hole or a state of mind, not tripping on a flat surface.
Confusing 'ochikomu' with 'ochitsuku'. → Ochikomu (get down) vs Ochitsuku (calm down)
These are nearly opposites in terms of emotional energy and context.
Using 'wo' to mean 'I depressed him'. → Kare wo ochikomaseta (causative)
Ochikomu is intransitive. You cannot 'ochikomu' someone else directly.
Forgetting 'te-iru' for current states. → Ochikonde iru
Without 'te-iru', it often refers to a future event or a habit, not the current feeling.
Using 'hekomu' in a business report. → Ochikomu (落ち込む) or Genshou (減少)
Hekomu is too casual/slangy for professional statistical descriptions.

Tips

State vs. Action

Always use the 'te-iru' form when describing a person's current mood. 'Kare wa ochikonde iru' is 'He is down.' 'Kare wa ochikomu' sounds like a future prediction.

Business Reports

In business, 'ochikomu' is a powerful word to show that a decline is significant. Use it when numbers haven't just decreased, but have 'slumped.'

Supporting Friends

Saying 'Ochikomu yo ne' (It's natural to feel down) is a great way to validate someone's feelings without being overly intrusive.

Causative Form

To say something made you feel down, use '[Thing] ni ochikomaserareta' (passive causative) or '[Thing] de ochikonda' (simpler).

Synonym Choice

Use 'hekomu' with friends for things like 'I forgot my wallet.' Use 'ochikomu' for 'I failed my certification exam.'

Compound Rhythm

Make sure to pronounce both parts of the compound clearly. Don't rush the 'komu' part, as it gives the word its 'deep' nuance.

Kanji usage

Always use the kanji 落ち込む in professional writing. Hiragana is fine for casual texts, but kanji shows higher proficiency.

Visual Cues

In Japan, a person who is 'ochikonde iru' might avoid eye contact. Use the word to describe this atmosphere.

The 'In' factor

Remember that 'komu' often means 'into.' You are falling 'into' a state of sadness. This helps separate it from just 'falling' (ochiru).

Tripping vs. Depressed

If you trip on a rock, don't say 'ochikonda.' If you do, Japanese people will look for a hole you might have fallen into!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ochi' as 'Oh-chee' (like a sneeze) and 'Komu' as 'Come in.' You sneeze so hard you 'come in' to a hole of sadness.

Visual Association

Imagine a person walking along a flat line (their mood) and suddenly falling into a deep 'U' shaped hole in the ground.

Word Web

Sadness Economy Slump Hole Fall Depression Numbers Grades

Challenge

Try to use 'ochikomu' in three different ways today: once for your mood, once for a sports team, and once for a news item.

Word Origin

A compound of 'ochiru' (to fall) and 'komu' (to move inward).

Original meaning: The physical act of falling into a hole or a depression in the ground.

Japonic

Cultural Context

While 'ochikomu' is common, be sensitive when using it for serious mental health issues; 'utsubyou' is the medical term.

In English, we say 'I'm down' or 'I'm depressed.' 'Ochikomu' covers both the casual 'bummed out' and the more serious 'depressed.'

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Characters frequently 'ochikomu' due to psychological trauma. Japanese News: 'GDP ga ochikomu' is a headline staple. Variety Shows: The 'Ochikomu' sound effect (a low, sad chime).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

After a failure

失敗して落ち込む
そんなに落ち込まないで
落ち込む暇はない
ひどく落ち込んでいる

Economic news

景気が落ち込む
売上の落ち込み
大幅に落ち込む
落ち込みが続く

Relationships

失恋して落ち込む
彼女を落ち込ませる
落ち込んでいる友達
落ち込みから救う

School/Grades

成績が落ち込む
テストで落ち込む
落ち込む必要はない
落ち込みをバネにする

Weather/Mood

雨で気分が落ち込む
なんとなく落ち込む
落ち込みやすい天気
落ち込みを解消する

Conversation Starters

"最近、何か落ち込むようなことがありましたか？ (Has anything depressing happened to you lately?)"

"友達が落ち込んでいるとき、どうやって励ましますか？ (How do you encourage a friend when they are down?)"

"景気が落ち込むと、私たちの生活はどう変わると思いますか？ (How do you think our lives change when the economy slumps?)"

"落ち込んだとき、立ち直るために何をしますか？ (What do you do to recover when you feel down?)"

"一度落ち込むと、長い間引きずるタイプですか？ (Are you the type to stay down for a long time once you get depressed?)"

Journal Prompts

最近一番落ち込んだ出来事について、日本語で書いてみましょう。 (Write about the most depressing thing that happened recently.)

「落ち込む」と「凹む」の違いについて、自分の考えをまとめなさい。 (Summarize your thoughts on the difference between 'ochikomu' and 'hekomu'.)

将来、仕事で売上が落ち込んだら、あなたならどう対処しますか？ (If sales slump at your future job, how will you handle it?)

落ち込んでいる人を励ますためのメッセージを５つ考えましょう。 (Think of five messages to encourage someone who is down.)

自分の国で、人々が落ち込みやすい時期や理由はありますか？ (Is there a time or reason people in your country tend to get depressed?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 'korobu' (to trip) or 'taoreru' (to fall over). 'Ochikomu' is for falling into a hole or feeling depressed.

It can be strong. For minor things, 'hekomu' (slang) or 'chotto gakkari' (a bit disappointed) might be more common among friends.

You can say 'Ochikomanai de' (casual) or 'Ochikomanai de kudasai' (polite).

Yes, very much so. It's used to describe slumping sales, a bad economy, or a drop in production.

'Ochikonde iru' describes the current state of being depressed. 'Ochikonda' is the past tense 'got depressed' or 'fell into a slump.'

Yes, if a pet seems sad or lacks energy, you can say 'Inu ga ochikonde iru.'

Yes, it is written as 落ち込む. 'Ochi' uses the kanji for fall, and 'komu' uses the kanji for into/crowded.

Yes, if a floor or the ground sinks in, you can say 'Yuka ga ochikonda.'

The noun form is 'ochikomi' (落ち込み). Example: 'Uriage no ochikomi' (The drop in sales).

It is a godan verb (Group 1), as it ends in '~mu'.