At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the most literal and concrete meaning of 떨어지다, which is the physical action of an object falling from a higher place to a lower place. Beginners learn to associate this verb with everyday objects and simple observations in their immediate environment. For example, they learn to say that an apple falls from a tree, a book falls from a desk, or a cup falls onto the floor. The grammatical focus at this stage is strictly on the basic subject-verb structure using the nominative particles 이/가. Learners are taught that 떨어지다 is an action that happens to the subject itself, establishing its identity as an intransitive verb early on. Vocabulary commonly paired with 떨어지다 at this level includes basic nouns like 책 (book), 펜 (pen), 핸드폰 (cell phone), and natural elements like 비 (rain) or 눈 (snow). Teachers often use visual aids or physical demonstrations—literally dropping a pen—to cement the meaning. Furthermore, A1 learners practice basic conjugations: the present tense 떨어져요 and the past tense 떨어졌어요. They are instructed not to use the object particle 을/를 with this verb, a crucial foundational rule that prevents fossilized errors later. While metaphorical uses are generally avoided at this stage to prevent confusion, the sheer frequency of the physical meaning makes 떨어지다 an essential building block for basic descriptive fluency. By mastering this simple physical concept, A1 learners prepare themselves for the more abstract extensions of the word that they will encounter in subsequent levels.
As learners progress to the A2 level, the scope of 떨어지다 expands significantly beyond mere physical falling to include highly common everyday metaphors. At this stage, learners are introduced to the concept of depletion—running out of essential items. They learn to use 떨어지다 to express that they have run out of money (돈이 떨어지다), groceries like rice or milk, or even battery life on their phones (배터리가 떨어지다). This usage is incredibly practical for daily survival and transactional conversations in Korea, such as shopping or asking for help. Another major addition at the A2 level is the association of 떨어지다 with failure in basic evaluations, particularly exams (시험에 떨어지다). This introduces a new grammatical structure: using the location/context particle 에 instead of the origin particle 에서. Learners practice expressing disappointment or narrating past experiences regarding tests. Additionally, A2 learners begin to hear and use 떨어지다 in the context of weather, specifically regarding dropping temperatures (기온이 떨어지다), which is vital for understanding daily forecasts and making small talk about the changing seasons. The focus remains on practical, high-frequency situations. Teachers emphasize the distinction between dropping something intentionally (which requires a different verb) and something falling or running out on its own. By the end of A2, learners view 떨어지다 not just as a verb of motion, but as a versatile tool for describing the state of their resources, their academic standing, and their environment.
At the B1 intermediate level, learners encounter 떨어지다 in more abstract, nuanced, and socially complex contexts. The verb is no longer just about physical objects or simple depletion; it is used to describe declines in intangible qualities and measurements. Learners begin to use phrases like 입맛이 떨어지다 (to lose one's appetite), 체력이 떨어지다 (stamina drops), or 집중력이 떨어지다 (concentration falls). This allows for much more expressive conversations about health, well-being, and personal states. Furthermore, B1 learners are introduced to the spatial and relational applications of the verb. They learn the continuous state form 떨어져 있다 to describe being physically far away from a location or separated from family and friends (가족과 떨어져 살다). This is particularly relevant for international students or expats living in Korea. In terms of grammar, B1 learners are expected to use 떨어지다 seamlessly with a variety of connective endings, such as -아/어서 (because it fell/ran out) or -지만 (it fell, but...). They also start to differentiate 떨어지다 from its formal synonyms like 하락하다 or 감소하다, recognizing that while 떨어지다 is perfect for spoken, everyday Korean, other words might be better suited for written reports. The concept of quality dropping (질이 떨어지다) is also introduced, enabling learners to critique products or services. By mastering these intermediate usages, learners can engage in deeper, more descriptive conversations about their physical states, relationships, and evaluations of the world around them.
At the B2 upper-intermediate level, the usage of 떨어지다 becomes highly idiomatic and deeply integrated into complex sentence structures. Learners are expected to understand and produce expressions where the literal meaning of 'falling' is entirely metaphorical. For instance, they learn phrases like 정이 떨어지다 (to lose affection for someone) or 발길이 떨어지지 않다 (to be reluctant to leave; literally 'footsteps do not fall'). These expressions require an understanding of Korean emotional and cultural nuances. B2 learners also frequently encounter 떨어지다 in professional and economic contexts, such as discussing stock market crashes (주가가 떨어지다), declining sales figures (매출이 떨어지다), or a drop in currency value. While they know formal synonyms, they understand that native speakers heavily use 떨어지다 even in serious discussions for its vivid, impactful imagery. Grammatically, learners at this stage use 떨어지다 with advanced modifiers and passive constructions, and they can easily navigate complex narratives involving multiple events (e.g., 'Because the temperature dropped suddenly, my immunity fell, and I ended up failing the interview'). They also master the subtle difference between various compound verbs that include 떨어지다, such as 깎아떨어지다 or 굴러떨어지다, understanding how the prefix modifies the nature of the fall. The focus at B2 is on achieving native-like naturalness, ensuring that the verb is used not just correctly, but appropriately according to the social register and the specific emotional tone of the conversation.
At the C1 advanced level, learners possess a near-native command of 떨어지다, utilizing it effortlessly across all spectrums of communication, from casual slang to formal discourse. They are fully comfortable with highly abstract and literary uses of the word. For example, they understand expressions like 권위가 땅에 떨어지다 (authority falls to the ground/is ruined) or 신뢰가 떨어지다 (trust diminishes). C1 learners can engage in sophisticated debates about societal trends, using 떨어지다 to describe declining birth rates, falling educational standards, or deteriorating diplomatic relations. They also appreciate the subtle rhythmic and rhetorical uses of the word in Korean literature and journalism. At this stage, learners have completely internalized the syntactic constraints of the verb and never make elementary mistakes regarding transitivity or particle usage. They can play with the language, using adverbs like 뚝 (suddenly/sharply), 와르르 (crumbling down), or 우수수 (falling in large numbers) to add vivid sensory details to their descriptions of things falling or failing. Furthermore, C1 learners can accurately interpret the tone behind the word; they know when 떨어지다 sounds objective and when it carries a tone of lamentation or criticism. Their vocabulary network is so well-developed that they can instantly retrieve the exact synonym or antonym needed for any specific context, but they often choose 떨어지다 for its raw, communicative power and deep resonance in the Korean linguistic psyche.
At the C2 mastery level, the understanding and application of 떨어지다 are indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. C2 users do not merely use the word; they manipulate it for stylistic effect, humor, and profound expression. They are intimately familiar with obscure idioms, historical usages, and regional variations involving the verb. They can effortlessly parse complex literary texts where 떨어지다 might be used to symbolize the fleeting nature of life (like a falling blossom) or the inevitable collapse of a dynasty. In professional and academic writing, C2 users know exactly when to substitute 떨어지다 with highly specialized Sino-Korean vocabulary to elevate the register, yet they also know how to strategically deploy 떨어지다 in a formal speech to ground a complex topic and connect emotionally with the audience. They understand the sociolinguistic implications of the word—how its usage might differ between generations or social classes. For a C2 learner, 떨어지다 is not just a vocabulary item; it is a lens through which to view Korean conceptualizations of gravity, failure, depletion, and distance. They can write compelling essays, deliver persuasive presentations, and engage in rapid-fire, witty banter, utilizing the full, exhaustive semantic range of 떨어지다 with absolute precision, elegance, and cultural authenticity.

떨어지다 30秒了解

  • Physical fall (objects dropping)
  • Failing an exam or interview
  • Running out of supplies (money, gas)
  • Decrease in value (price, temperature)
The Korean verb 떨어지다 (tteoreojida) is an incredibly versatile and fundamental vocabulary word that learners encounter early in their language journey. At its most basic, physical level, it means 'to fall' or 'to drop' from a higher position to a lower one due to the force of gravity. However, its usage extends far beyond mere physical movement, permeating various aspects of daily life, abstract concepts, and metaphorical expressions. Understanding the depth of 떨어지다 is crucial for mastering natural Korean communication. Let us delve into the multifaceted meanings of this essential verb.
Physical Falling
This refers to objects, people, or natural phenomena moving downward. For example, leaves falling from a tree, rain falling from the sky, or a book dropping from a desk.

가을이 되면 나뭇잎이 떨어지다.

Beyond the physical realm, 떨어지다 is extensively used to describe a decrease or decline in abstract quantities or qualities. This includes temperature, prices, grades, quality, and even stamina.
Decline in Value or Measurement
Used when numerical values such as stock prices, exchange rates, or temperatures go down significantly.

어제보다 기온이 많이 떨어지다.

Another highly common and critical usage of 떨어지다 is to indicate failure, specifically in the context of examinations, job interviews, or elections. When you do not pass a test, you 'fall' from the passing standard.
Failing an Evaluation
The state of not succeeding in a formal assessment, such as a university entrance exam or a driving test.

운전면허 시험에서 또 떨어지다.

Furthermore, 떨어지다 is used when supplies, resources, or items run out or become exhausted. If you have no more money, no more rice, or your car is out of gas, these things have 'fallen' to zero.

지갑에 돈이 다 떨어지다.

Finally, it can describe spatial or relational distance. When two places are far apart, or when two people become emotionally distant or physically separated, this verb is employed.

우리 집은 역에서 멀리 떨어져 있다.

In summary, while the core concept is a downward trajectory, the applications of 떨어지다 are vast, covering physical drops, numerical declines, personal failures, depletion of resources, and spatial separation. Mastering this single word unlocks a massive portion of everyday Korean expression.
Using 떨어지다 correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical nature and the particles it commonly pairs with. First and foremost, 떨어지다 is an intransitive verb (자동사). This means it does not take a direct object. The action happens to the subject itself, rather than the subject performing the action on something else. Therefore, the subject particle 이/가 is almost always used, while the object particle 을/를 is incorrect in standard usage. Let us explore the syntactical structures in detail.
Basic Subject Structure: [Noun]이/가 떨어지다
This is the most fundamental pattern. The noun is the entity that is falling, decreasing, or running out.

눈물이 떨어지다.

When indicating the origin or starting point of the fall, the particle 에서 (from) is used.
Origin Structure: [Place]에서 떨어지다
This specifies where the falling action began, highlighting the physical descent from a specific location.

아이가 침대에서 떨어지다.

When discussing failure in exams or interviews, the particle 에 (in/at) is uniquely used. This might seem counterintuitive to English speakers who 'fail an exam', but in Korean, you 'fall at/in the exam'.
Failure Structure: [Exam/Interview]에 떨어지다
Used exclusively for failing tests, auditions, job applications, or any competitive selection process.

대학 입학 시험에 떨어지다.

Conjugation of 떨어지다 follows standard regular verb rules. In the present polite tense, it becomes 떨어져요 (tteoreojyeoyo). In the past polite tense, it becomes 떨어졌어요 (tteoreojyeosseoyo). The future tense is 떨어질 거예요 (tteoreojil geoyeyo).

내일은 기온이 더 떨어질 거예요.

When expressing a state of being separated or distant, the continuous form 떨어져 있다 (to be in a state of having fallen away/separated) is heavily utilized.

가족과 떨어져서 살아요.

By mastering these structural patterns—이/가 for subjects, 에서 for origin, 에 for exams, and the state form 아/어 있다—learners can deploy this verb with native-like accuracy across a multitude of conversational contexts.
The verb 떨어지다 is ubiquitous in Korean society, echoing through various domains of daily life, media, and professional environments. Because its meanings are so diverse, the contexts in which you will hear it are equally varied. One of the most common places you will encounter this word is in daily weather forecasts. Korea experiences distinct seasons, and temperature fluctuations are a frequent topic of conversation.
Weather Forecasts
Meteorologists constantly use this verb to describe dropping temperatures, especially during the transition from autumn to winter.

내일 아침에는 영하로 기온이 떨어지겠습니다.

In the realm of education and employment, which are highly competitive in South Korea, 떨어지다 carries significant emotional weight. It is the standard term for failing an entrance exam, a certification test, or a job interview. Students and job seekers use it frequently during application seasons.
Academic and Professional Settings
Used to convey the disappointing news of not passing a crucial evaluation.

면접에서 떨어졌다는 소식을 들었어요.

Another extremely common context is household management and shopping. When you run out of essential groceries like rice, water, or toilet paper, or when your car runs out of gas, 떨어지다 is the go-to expression. It implies that the supply has hit the bottom.
Household and Supplies
Used when everyday necessities are depleted and need to be restocked.

집에 쌀이 다 떨어졌어요.

In the financial sector, news anchors and investors use this word constantly to describe market trends. When stock prices, real estate values, or currency exchange rates decrease, 떨어지다 is used alongside more formal terms like 하락하다.

오늘 주식 가격이 크게 떨어졌습니다.

Finally, in casual conversations about health and energy, people use it to describe feeling drained or losing their appetite.

요즘 입맛이 떨어졌어요.

From the evening news broadcasting economic downturns and weather changes, to a mother noticing the fridge is empty, to a student nervously checking exam results, 떨어지다 is deeply woven into the fabric of Korean communication.
Despite its frequency, 떨어지다 is a source of several common mistakes for Korean language learners, primarily due to direct translation from English and confusion with similar-sounding or conceptually related verbs. The most prevalent error is confusing the intransitive 떨어지다 (to fall) with the transitive 떨어뜨리다 (to drop). In English, 'drop' can be both transitive ('I dropped the pen') and intransitive ('The pen dropped'). In Korean, these are two distinct verbs.
Transitive vs. Intransitive Confusion
Learners often incorrectly use the object particle 을/를 with 떨어지다 when they mean they actively dropped something.

Incorrect: 핸드폰을 떨어졌어요.

Correct: 핸드폰을 떨어뜨렸어요. OR 핸드폰이 떨어졌어요.

Another frequent mistake involves confusing 떨어지다 with 넘어지다. While both involve a downward motion, their applications are strictly separated. 떨어지다 means falling from a height (like an apple from a tree, or a cup off a table). 넘어지다 means to trip, stumble, or fall over from a standing position on the ground.
Falling from a Height vs. Tripping
Using 떨어지다 when a person trips while walking is a classic error.

Incorrect: 길을 걷다가 떨어졌어요.

Correct: 길을 걷다가 넘어졌어요.

A third common issue arises when discussing exams. English speakers say 'I failed the exam', treating the exam as a direct object. In Korean, you cannot say '시험을 떨어지다'. The exam is the location or context of the failure, not the object being acted upon.
Exam Failure Particle Error
Using the object particle with exams instead of the location/context particle.

Incorrect: 시험을 떨어졌어요.

By being mindful of these distinctions—transitive vs. intransitive, vertical fall vs. tripping, and correct particle usage for exams—learners can significantly improve their accuracy and sound much more natural when using this essential verb.
The Korean language is rich with vocabulary that expresses nuances of falling, decreasing, or failing. While 떨어지다 is the most general and versatile term, there are several synonyms and related words that are used in more specific contexts, particularly in formal or written Korean. Understanding these similar words helps learners elevate their vocabulary from intermediate to advanced levels. One of the most common formal synonyms for a decrease in value or quantity is 하락하다 (harakhada).
하락하다 (To drop/decrease)
This is a Sino-Korean word used almost exclusively in formal contexts like news reports, economics, and statistics to describe a drop in prices, rates, or value.

부동산 가격이 하락했습니다.

Another related term is 감소하다 (gamsohada), which means 'to decrease' or 'to diminish'. While 떨어지다 focuses on the downward trajectory, 감소하다 focuses on the reduction in volume, amount, or number.
감소하다 (To decrease/diminish)
Used for populations, quantities, and statistical figures shrinking in size.

인구가 매년 감소하고 있습니다.

When talking about failing an exam or being eliminated from a competition, 탈락하다 (tallakhada) is a precise formal alternative. It literally means 'to drop out' or 'to be eliminated'.
탈락하다 (To be eliminated/fail)
Frequently used in sports tournaments, audition programs, and formal job recruitment processes.

예선에서 아쉽게 탈락했습니다.

For a dramatic, physical fall from a great height, such as an airplane crashing or a person falling off a cliff, 추락하다 (churakhada) is used. This word carries a heavy, often tragic connotation that 떨어지다 lacks.

비행기가 바다로 추락했습니다.

Finally, 내리다 (naerida) means 'to come down' or 'to descend'. It overlaps with 떨어지다 when talking about rain or snow (비가 내리다 / 비가 떨어지다), but 내리다 implies a smoother, more continuous descent, whereas 떨어지다 emphasizes the individual drops hitting the ground. By learning these nuances, you can choose the perfect word for any situation.

How Formal Is It?

难度评级

需要掌握的语法

A/V-아/어서 (Reason/Cause): 배터리가 떨어져서 전원이 꺼졌어요.

V-고 있다 (Present Progressive): 나뭇잎이 떨어지고 있어요.

V-아/어 있다 (Resultant State): 책이 바닥에 떨어져 있어요.

N에 떨어지다 (Failing N): 대학에 떨어졌어요.

N에서 떨어지다 (Falling from N): 나무에서 떨어졌어요.

按水平分级的例句

1

사과가 떨어져요.

The apple falls.

Subject particle 가 + present tense polite form.

2

비가 떨어집니다.

Rain is falling.

Subject particle 가 + formal present tense.

3

책이 바닥에 떨어졌어요.

The book fell on the floor.

Past tense form of the verb.

4

눈물이 떨어져요.

Tears are falling.

Basic subject-verb agreement.

5

펜이 떨어졌어요.

The pen fell.

Use of 이 particle with consonant-ending noun.

6

나뭇잎이 떨어집니다.

Leaves are falling.

Formal ending -ㅂ니다.

7

핸드폰이 떨어졌어요.

The cell phone fell.

Common daily vocabulary pairing.

8

컵이 떨어져요.

The cup is falling.

Present tense action.

1

지갑에 돈이 다 떨어졌어요.

I ran out of money in my wallet.

Meaning 'to run out' or 'be depleted'.

2

운전면허 시험에 떨어졌어요.

I failed the driving test.

Use of particle 에 for failing an exam.

3

내일은 기온이 많이 떨어질 거예요.

The temperature will drop a lot tomorrow.

Future tense -ㄹ 거예요.

4

집에 쌀이 떨어졌어요.

We ran out of rice at home.

Depletion of household supplies.

5

침대에서 떨어져서 다쳤어요.

I fell from the bed and got hurt.

Origin particle 에서 and causal connective -아서/어서.

6

배터리가 다 떨어졌어요.

The battery is completely dead (run out).

Common modern usage for electronics.

7

감기에 걸려서 입맛이 떨어졌어요.

I caught a cold and lost my appetite.

Metaphorical drop in appetite.

8

물건 가격이 떨어졌어요.

The price of the goods dropped.

Decrease in numerical value.

1

우리 집은 학교에서 멀리 떨어져 있어요.

My house is far away from the school.

State of being separated: -아/어 있다.

2

면접에 떨어져서 너무 우울해요.

I am so depressed because I failed the interview.

Connecting failure to emotion using -아서/어서.

3

요즘 피곤해서 집중력이 크게 떨어졌어요.

I'm tired lately, so my concentration has dropped significantly.

Abstract noun (concentration) + 떨어지다.

4

그 식당은 예전보다 맛이 떨어졌어요.

That restaurant's taste has declined compared to before.

Decline in quality.

5

가족들과 떨어져서 혼자 살고 있습니다.

I am living alone, separated from my family.

Relational/spatial separation.

6

기름이 떨어져서 주유소에 가야 해요.

We ran out of gas, so we have to go to a gas station.

Depletion requiring action.

7

주식 가격이 갑자기 뚝 떨어졌습니다.

Stock prices suddenly dropped sharply.

Use of the mimetic adverb 뚝.

8

자신감이 떨어질 때는 어떻게 해야 하나요?

What should I do when my confidence drops?

When clause: -ㄹ 때.

1

그의 무례한 행동을 보고 정이 뚝 떨어졌다.

Seeing his rude behavior, I completely lost my affection for him.

Idiom: 정이 떨어지다 (to lose attachment/affection).

2

경쟁률이 너무 높아서 서류 전형에서 떨어질까 봐 걱정입니다.

The competition rate is so high that I'm worried I might fail the document screening.

Complex grammar: -ㄹ까 봐 (worried that...).

3

매출이 작년 대비 20%나 떨어졌습니다.

Sales have dropped by as much as 20% compared to last year.

Business context with specific percentages.

4

고향에 계신 부모님을 두고 오려니 발길이 떨어지지 않았어요.

Leaving my parents in my hometown, I couldn't bring myself to walk away.

Idiom: 발길이 떨어지지 않다 (reluctant to leave).

5

면역력이 떨어지면 각종 질병에 걸리기 쉽습니다.

If your immunity drops, it is easy to catch various diseases.

Medical/health context.

6

두 사람은 성격 차이로 인해 점차 사이가 떨어지게 되었다.

Due to personality differences, the two gradually drifted apart.

Passive/causative state: -게 되다.

7

물가가 너무 올라서 생활 수준이 떨어지고 있어요.

Prices have gone up so much that the standard of living is falling.

Economic context: standard of living.

8

그 영화는 기대에 비해 작품성이 많이 떨어진다는 평가를 받았다.

The movie received reviews that its artistic quality falls short compared to expectations.

Indirect quotation and evaluation context.

1

이번 스캔들로 인해 정치인의 권위가 땅에 떨어졌다.

Due to this scandal, the politician's authority has fallen to the ground.

Strong metaphor: 땅에 떨어지다 (ruined reputation).

2

출산율이 역대 최저치로 떨어지면서 인구 절벽이 현실화되고 있다.

As the birth rate drops to an all-time low, the demographic cliff is becoming a reality.

Societal issue discussion.

3

그의 주장은 논리적 비약이 심해서 설득력이 현저히 떨어진다.

His argument has severe logical leaps, so its persuasiveness drops significantly.

Academic/debate context: 설득력이 떨어지다.

4

예산이 다 떨어져서 프로젝트를 중단할 수밖에 없는 처지입니다.

We are in a situation where we have no choice but to halt the project because the budget has run out.

Advanced grammar: -ㄹ 수밖에 없다.

5

아무리 타일러도 고집을 꺾지 않으니 정말 오만 정이 다 떨어진다.

No matter how much I try to persuade him, he won't break his stubbornness, so I've lost every ounce of affection for him.

Emphasized idiom: 오만 정이 다 떨어지다.

6

환율이 급격히 떨어지는 바람에 수출 기업들이 큰 타격을 입었다.

Because the exchange rate dropped drastically, export companies took a huge hit.

Causal grammar: -는 바람에 (negative consequence).

7

오랜 세월이 흘렀어도 그 사건의 충격은 뇌리에서 떨어지지 않는다.

Even though a long time has passed, the shock of that incident does not leave my mind.

Abstract mental state: 뇌리에서 떨어지지 않다.

8

그 선수는 체력 저하로 인해 후반전 들어 급격히 페이스가 떨어졌다.

Due to a decline in stamina, the athlete's pace dropped sharply entering the second half.

Sports commentary style.

1

국가의 위상이 나락으로 떨어지는 것을 지켜볼 수만은 없다.

We cannot merely watch the nation's prestige fall into the abyss.

Literary/dramatic expression: 나락으로 떨어지다.

2

그의 시는 세속적인 욕망에서 멀찍이 떨어져 고고한 정신세계를 구현한다.

His poetry stands far removed from worldly desires, embodying a noble spiritual world.

Literary analysis context.

3

협상이 결렬되면서 양국 관계는 돌이킬 수 없는 파국으로 떨어졌다.

As negotiations broke down, the relationship between the two countries fell into an irreversible catastrophe.

Diplomatic/journalistic register.

4

아무리 훌륭한 이론이라도 현실 적합성이 떨어지면 탁상공론에 불과하다.

No matter how excellent a theory is, if its applicability to reality falls short, it is nothing but an armchair argument.

Philosophical/academic critique.

5

자본주의 사회에서 도덕적 가치가 이윤 추구의 뒤로 떨어지는 현상은 비일비재하다.

In a capitalist society, the phenomenon of moral values falling behind the pursuit of profit is extremely common.

Sociological discourse.

6

그녀의 연기는 기교에 치우쳐 진정성이 떨어진다는 혹평을 면치 못했다.

Her acting could not avoid harsh criticism that it lacked authenticity, leaning too much on technique.

Artistic critique vocabulary.

7

시대의 흐름에 뒤떨어지지 않기 위해서는 끊임없는 자기 혁신이 요구된다.

In order not to fall behind the flow of the times, constant self-innovation is required.

Compound verb: 뒤떨어지다 (to fall behind).

8

권력의 정점에서 하루아침에 죄수의 신분으로 떨어지는 인생의 무상함이여.

Oh, the futility of life, falling from the pinnacle of power to the status of a prisoner overnight.

Poetic exclamation and philosophical reflection.

常见搭配

시험에 떨어지다
기온이 떨어지다
돈이 떨어지다
가격이 떨어지다
입맛이 떨어지다
정이 떨어지다
배터리가 떨어지다
자신감이 떨어지다
질이 떨어지다
멀리 떨어지다

常用短语

뚝 떨어지다
다 떨어지다
떨어져 있다
발길이 떨어지지 않다
정이 뚝 떨어지다
땅에 떨어지다
바닥으로 떨어지다
뒤떨어지다
떨어져 나가다
합격과 떨어지다

容易混淆的词

떨어지다 vs 떨어뜨리다 (To drop something - Transitive)

떨어지다 vs 넘어지다 (To fall over/trip - Horizontal to ground)

떨어지다 vs 내리다 (To descend/fall - Used more for rain/snow or getting off vehicles)

习语与表达

"정이 떨어지다"
"발길이 떨어지지 않다"
"간이 떨어지다"
"벼락이 떨어지다"
"불호령이 떨어지다"
"권위가 땅에 떨어지다"
"오만 정이 다 떨어지다"
"입맛이 떨어지다"
"녹이 떨어지다"
"감이 떨어지다"

容易混淆

떨어지다 vs

떨어지다 vs

떨어지다 vs

떨어지다 vs

떨어지다 vs

句型

如何使用

transitivity

Strictly intransitive. Do not use with direct objects.

colloquial vs formal

Acceptable in all registers, but formal synonyms exist for specific contexts (e.g., economics).

metaphorical extension

Highly productive in forming metaphors related to loss, failure, and depletion.

常见错误
  • Using 을/를 instead of 이/가 (e.g., 핸드폰을 떨어졌어요 -> 핸드폰이 떨어졌어요).
  • Using 떨어지다 when tripping on the ground (e.g., 길에서 떨어졌어요 -> 길에서 넘어졌어요).
  • Using 을/를 for failing an exam (e.g., 시험을 떨어졌어요 -> 시험에 떨어졌어요).
  • Confusing it with 떨어뜨리다 when actively dropping something (e.g., 내가 컵을 떨어졌어요 -> 내가 컵을 떨어뜨렸어요).
  • Using it to mean 'to get off' a bus or train (e.g., 버스에서 떨어졌어요 -> 버스에서 내렸어요).

小贴士

Never use 을/를

Because 떨어지다 is an intransitive verb, it describes an action happening to the subject. Therefore, it must be preceded by the subject particles 이 or 가. If you find yourself wanting to use 을 or 를, you probably need the verb 떨어뜨리다 (to drop) instead.

Running out of things

Memorize the phrase '다 떨어졌어요' (It's all gone/run out). You can put almost any consumable noun in front of it. 쌀이 다 떨어졌어요 (Out of rice), 휴지가 다 떨어졌어요 (Out of toilet paper), 배터리가 다 떨어졌어요 (Out of battery). It is incredibly useful for daily life.

Exam Superstitions

Because 떨어지다 means to fail an exam, Koreans avoid words and actions associated with falling or slipping before a big test. Don't give someone a gift that can easily drop, and avoid saying words like 미끄러지다 (to slip) or 떨어지다 around students taking the Suneung.

Tense Consonant ㄸ

The first consonant ㄸ is a tense consonant. It should be pronounced with a stiff, tight vocal tract, without any puff of air (unaspirated). Practice saying it sharply. If you pronounce it like a soft 'd' or an aspirated 't', it might sound unnatural.

Describing decreases

When you want to say a number, price, or level went down, 떨어지다 is your go-to verb in spoken Korean. 성적이 떨어지다 (grades dropped), 가격이 떨어지다 (price dropped), 혈압이 떨어지다 (blood pressure dropped). It covers almost all forms of numerical decline.

Losing feelings

If someone does something that makes you instantly dislike them, use the phrase '정이 뚝 떨어졌어'. It perfectly captures the feeling of a sudden loss of affection or respect. The adverb 뚝 emphasizes how sudden and complete the drop in affection is.

Tripping vs. Falling

Remember the trajectory. If you are walking and hit your foot on a rock and fall to the ground, that is 넘어지다. If you are sitting on a wall and fall off it to the ground below, that is 떨어지다. Do not mix these up, as it creates confusing mental images for native speakers.

에서 vs 에

Use 에서 when describing the physical starting point of a fall (침대에서 떨어지다 - fell from the bed). Use 에 when describing the abstract event where a failure occurred (시험에 떨어지다 - failed the exam). Getting these particles right shows a high level of proficiency.

Reluctant to leave

Learn the poetic idiom '발길이 떨어지지 않다'. It literally means 'footsteps do not fall'. It is used when you are so sad or reluctant to leave a place or a person that you feel like you physically cannot take a step away.

Modern Usage

In modern times, the most frequent use of 떨어지다 among young people is regarding their smartphones. '배터리 떨어졌어' (My battery died/ran out) is said constantly. It is a great example of how an old word adapts to describe new technology.

记住它

记忆技巧

Imagine a TEAR (tteo) ROLLING (reo) down your cheek and dropping (jida). Tteo-reo-ji-da = To drop/fall.

词源

Native Korean

文化背景

Avoid giving gifts that can 'fall' or using the word around exam times.

The fear of 'falling' behind (뒤떨어지다) drives much of the intense educational and corporate culture in Korea.

在生活中练习

真实语境

对话开场白

"요즘 날씨가 갑자기 추워졌죠? 기온이 많이 떨어졌어요."

"혹시 지갑 떨어뜨리셨어요? 바닥에 지갑이 떨어져 있어요."

"핸드폰 배터리가 다 떨어져 가는데 충전기 빌릴 수 있을까요?"

"집에 쌀이 다 떨어졌는데 마트에 같이 갈래요?"

"면접 결과 나왔어요? 안타깝게도 떨어졌어요."

日记主题

Write about a time you failed a test or interview (시험/면접에 떨어지다) and how you felt.

Describe a situation where you ran out of something important (돈, 배터리, 기름이 떨어지다) and what you did.

Write a short weather report describing a sudden drop in temperature (기온이 떨어지다).

Explain the difference between 떨어지다 and 떨어뜨리다 with your own examples.

Write about someone or something you lost affection for (정이 떨어지다).

常见问题

10 个问题

No, this is a very common mistake. Because 떨어지다 is an intransitive verb, it cannot take the object particle 을/를. You must use the location/context particle 에. The correct phrase is '시험에 떨어졌어요'. Think of it as 'falling in the exam' rather than 'failing the exam'.

떨어지다 means 'to fall' and happens on its own (intransitive). For example, '사과가 떨어지다' (The apple falls). 떨어뜨리다 means 'to drop' and requires someone doing the action (transitive). For example, '내가 사과를 떨어뜨리다' (I dropped the apple). Always check if you need a subject (이/가) or an object (을/를).

In Korean, 떨어지다 is used metaphorically to mean 'to run out' or 'to be depleted'. When you say '돈이 떨어졌다', it literally translates to 'money has fallen', but it means your supply of money has dropped to zero. You can use this for anything that runs out, like rice, gas, or battery.

No, you should use 넘어지다. 떨어지다 is used when something falls from a higher place to a lower place (vertical movement). 넘어지다 is used when someone or something loses balance and falls over on the ground (horizontal movement turning into a collapse). If you trip on a rock, you 넘어졌어요.

You say '기온이 떨어졌어요'. This is the standard way to express a decrease in temperature. You will hear this constantly in Korean weather forecasts. You can also add the adverb 뚝 to emphasize a sudden drop: '기온이 뚝 떨어졌어요'.

Yes, but with a slight nuance. Usually, Koreans say 비가 오다 (rain comes) or 비가 내리다 (rain descends). However, 빗방울이 떨어지다 (raindrops fall) is also very common. It emphasizes the physical drops hitting a surface, like when it just starts to rain.

It is a common idiom that means 'to lose affection' or 'to be turned off' by someone. '정' (jeong) is a complex Korean concept of affection, attachment, or bond. When '정이 떨어지다', that bond is broken, usually because the person did something rude or disappointing.

This is the resultant state form. It means 'to be in a state of being separated or far apart'. You use it to describe physical distance between places (우리 집은 학교에서 떨어져 있다) or emotional/physical distance between people (가족과 떨어져 살다 - to live apart from family).

In everyday conversation, 떨어지다 is perfectly fine for almost everything. However, in formal writing or news, specific synonyms are preferred. For prices dropping, use 하락하다. For numbers decreasing, use 감소하다. For failing a tournament, use 탈락하다.

It means 'to lose one's appetite'. Literally, it translates to 'taste for food has fallen'. It is very commonly used when someone is sick, stressed, or when the weather is too hot, causing them not to want to eat anything.

自我测试 200 个问题

writing

Write a sentence saying 'The apple fell from the tree.'

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

Subject (사과가) + Origin (나무에서) + Verb (떨어졌어요).

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Subject (사과가) + Origin (나무에서) + Verb (떨어졌어요).

writing

Write a sentence saying 'I ran out of money.'

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

Subject (돈이) + Adverb (다) + Verb (떨어졌어요).

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Subject (돈이) + Adverb (다) + Verb (떨어졌어요).

writing

Write a sentence saying 'I failed the interview.'

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

Context (면접에) + Verb (떨어졌어요).

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Context (면접에) + Verb (떨어졌어요).

writing

Write a sentence saying 'The temperature will drop tomorrow.'

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

Time (내일은) + Subject (기온이) + Future Verb (떨어질 거예요).

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Time (내일은) + Subject (기온이) + Future Verb (떨어질 거예요).

writing

Write a sentence saying 'My phone battery ran out.'

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

Subject (핸드폰 배터리가) + Verb (떨어졌어요).

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Subject (핸드폰 배터리가) + Verb (떨어졌어요).

writing

Write a sentence saying 'I lost my appetite.'

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

Subject (입맛이) + Verb (떨어졌어요).

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Subject (입맛이) + Verb (떨어졌어요).

writing

Write a sentence saying 'My house is far away from the station.'

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

State form: 떨어져 있어요.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

State form: 떨어져 있어요.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'The price dropped a lot.'

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

Subject (가격이) + Adverb (많이) + Verb (떨어졌어요).

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Subject (가격이) + Adverb (많이) + Verb (떨어졌어요).

writing

Write a sentence saying 'I lost affection for him.' (Idiom)

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

Idiom: 정이 떨어지다.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Idiom: 정이 떨어지다.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'We ran out of rice at home.'

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

Subject (쌀이) + Verb (떨어졌어요).

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Subject (쌀이) + Verb (떨어졌어요).

writing

Write a sentence saying 'Tears fell.'

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

Subject (눈물이) + Verb (떨어졌어요).

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Subject (눈물이) + Verb (떨어졌어요).

writing

Write a sentence saying 'Because I failed the exam, I am sad.'

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

Connective: 떨어져서.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Connective: 떨어져서.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'The cup fell to the floor.'

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

Destination: 바닥에.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Destination: 바닥에.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'My grades dropped.'

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

Subject: 성적이.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Subject: 성적이.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'Confidence dropped.'

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

Subject: 자신감이.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Subject: 자신감이.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'I live apart from my family.'

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

State: 떨어져 살다.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

State: 떨어져 살다.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'The stock price dropped suddenly.'

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

Adverb: 갑자기.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Adverb: 갑자기.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'We ran out of gas.'

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

Subject: 기름이.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Subject: 기름이.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'Raindrops are falling.'

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

Progressive: 떨어지고 있어요.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Progressive: 떨어지고 있어요.

writing

Write a sentence saying 'The quality is low (dropped).' (Present tense)

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

Subject: 질이.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Subject: 질이.

speaking

Say 'I failed the exam' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Focus on the particle 에 and past tense.

speaking

Say 'The temperature dropped a lot' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Focus on 기온이 and 많이.

speaking

Say 'I ran out of money' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Focus on 돈이 and 다.

speaking

Say 'The apple fell' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Basic physical meaning.

speaking

Say 'My battery is dead (ran out)' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Common daily phrase.

speaking

Say 'I lost my appetite' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Useful for health/food topics.

speaking

Say 'We are completely out of stock (everything ran out)' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Useful in stores/restaurants.

speaking

Say 'I fell from the bed' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Focus on origin particle 에서.

speaking

Say 'The price dropped' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Focus on 가격이.

speaking

Say 'I live far away from my family' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Focus on state form 떨어져.

speaking

Say 'My grades dropped' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Focus on 성적이.

speaking

Say 'I lost affection for him' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Idiomatic expression.

speaking

Say 'We ran out of rice' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Household vocabulary.

speaking

Say 'Tears are falling' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Present tense.

speaking

Say 'My confidence dropped' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Abstract noun usage.

speaking

Say 'We ran out of gas' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Car/driving context.

speaking

Say 'The cup fell' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Basic physical object.

speaking

Say 'The quality dropped' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Evaluation context.

speaking

Say 'Raindrops are falling' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Weather context.

speaking

Say 'I failed the interview' in polite Korean.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Professional context.

listening

Listen and transcribe: [Audio: 시험에 떨어졌어요]

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Failed the exam.

listening

Listen and transcribe: [Audio: 돈이 다 떨어졌어요]

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Ran out of money.

listening

Listen and transcribe: [Audio: 기온이 떨어질 거예요]

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Temperature will drop.

listening

Listen and transcribe: [Audio: 배터리가 떨어졌어요]

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Battery ran out.

listening

Listen and transcribe: [Audio: 입맛이 떨어졌어요]

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Lost appetite.

listening

Listen and transcribe: [Audio: 사과가 떨어졌어요]

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Apple fell.

listening

Listen and transcribe: [Audio: 침대에서 떨어졌어요]

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Fell from the bed.

listening

Listen and transcribe: [Audio: 가격이 떨어졌어요]

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Price dropped.

listening

Listen and transcribe: [Audio: 정이 뚝 떨어졌어요]

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Lost affection completely.

listening

Listen and transcribe: [Audio: 멀리 떨어져 있어요]

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Is far apart.

listening

Listen and transcribe: [Audio: 쌀이 다 떨어졌어요]

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Ran out of rice.

listening

Listen and transcribe: [Audio: 면접에 떨어졌어요]

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Failed the interview.

listening

Listen and transcribe: [Audio: 성적이 떨어졌어요]

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Grades dropped.

listening

Listen and transcribe: [Audio: 기름이 떨어졌어요]

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Ran out of gas.

listening

Listen and transcribe: [Audio: 눈물이 떨어져요]

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

Tears are falling.

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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