쓰러지다

The Korean verb 쓰러지다 is a versatile word used to describe falling down. Think of it as the moment gravity takes over when you no longer have the strength to stand.

It is commonly used when someone faints or collapses from exhaustion. You might hear it in news reports about someone fainting in the heat or a building collapsing during a storm.

The word 쓰러지다 is derived from the root 쓰러-, which signifies the action of falling or toppling. Historically, it has been used in Korean literature to describe both human physical failure and the toppling of trees or objects.

It is a native Korean verb, meaning it does not stem from Chinese characters (Hanja). This gives it a very natural, visceral feeling in daily conversation.

You use 쓰러지다 when someone loses consciousness (faints) or when an object like a tree or a tower falls over. It is distinct from 넘어지다 (to trip and fall) because 쓰러지다 implies a more serious collapse.

Common collocations include 과로로 쓰러지다 (collapse from overwork) or 바람에 쓰러지다 (topple over in the wind).

1. 쓰러질 듯하다: To look like one is about to collapse (usually from fatigue). 2. 배가 쓰러지다: Used jokingly to say one is laughing so hard they might collapse. 3. 쓰러져 자다: To pass out from deep sleep. 4. 쓰러진 나무: A fallen tree. 5. 쓰러질 지경이다: To be on the verge of collapse.

As a verb, 쓰러지다 follows regular conjugation patterns. In the past tense, it becomes 쓰러졌다. It is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take an object.

Pronunciation tip: The double consonant ss (쓰) should be sharp. The flow is smooth: sseu-reo-ji-da.