Translation and Meaning of: 墜落 - tsuiraku

The Japanese word 墜落[ついらく] (tsuiraku) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries important nuances for those studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and usage in different contexts, from everyday situations to references in the media. If you've ever wondered how this word is employed or what its relation is to safety and technology in Japan, keep reading to find out.

Meaning and usage of 墜落 [ついらく]

The term 墜落[ついらく] is composed of the kanjis 墜 (to fall, to plunge) and 落 (fall), forming a word that describes a violent fall or accident involving heavy objects, such as airplanes, buildings, or vehicles. Unlike words like 落下 (rakka), which indicates a more general fall, 墜落 is specifically used for catastrophic situations.

In Japan, this word frequently appears in news about airplane accidents or collapses. For example, after the incident of Japan Airlines Flight 123 in 1985, the term was widely used in the media. Its use in formal and journalistic contexts reinforces its association with serious events, avoiding ambiguities.

Origin and components of kanjis

The etymology of 墜落 dates back to classical Chinese, where both kanjis were already used to describe falls. The character 墜 combines the radical 土 (earth) with 隊 (troops), suggesting a mass fall, while 落 brings the radical 艹 (grass) and 各 (each), indicating something that descends in a scattered manner. This composition reinforces the idea of a significant impact.

It is worth noting that, although kanjis have alternative readings (such as 墜ちる ochiru for 墜), the form ついらく is almost exclusively read as on'yomi (Chinese reading), making it more technical and less common in informal conversations. Japanese students should pay attention to this detail to avoid usage errors.

Trivia and memorization tips

An effective way to memorize 墜落 is to associate it with impact sounds. The pronunciation "tsuiraku" resembles the noise of something crashing to the ground, which helps to reinforce its meaning. Additionally, the kanji 墜 appears in words like 墜死 (tsuishi, death by fall), reinforcing its connection to fatal accidents.

Culturally, Japan has a strict history of accident investigation, especially in aviation. Therefore, 墜落 is a word that frequently appears in documentaries and official reports. For those consuming news in Japanese, recognizing it can be crucial for understanding reports on disasters or safety innovations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 墜落 (tsuiraku) - Ditching, aircraft crash.
• 飛行機事故 (hikouki jiko) - Airplane accident, emergency situation with aircraft.
• 落下事故 (rakkajiko) - Fall accident, an event in which something falls and causes damage.
• 機体破壊 (kitai hakai) - Structural damage to the aircraft; destruction of the airplane body.
• 墜ちる (ochiru) - Fall or collapse, generally used to describe something that falls quickly.
• 落ちる (ochiru) - Fall, used more generally, without specific implications of disasters.
• 落下する (rakkasuru) - Fall, the action of something that descends due to gravity.
• 倒れる (taoreru) - Fall or drop, often used in reference to people or objects.
• 墜落する (tsuiraku suru) - Airplane crash refers specifically to an aviation accident.
• 落下 (rakka) - Fall, the act of descending or plummeting.
• 落下事故を起こす (rakka jiko wo okosu) - Causing a fall accident; reference to being responsible for a situation where something falls.
• 墜落事故 (tsuiraku jiko) - Aircraft crash incident.
• 機体事故 (kitai jiko) - Accident involving the structure of an aircraft, including mechanical failures.
• 航空事故 (koukuu jiko) - Air accident; a broad term that encompasses all types of incidents in flight.
• 飛行機墜落 (hikouki tsuiraku) - Airplane crash; specific situation in which an airplane falls.
• 航空機事故 (koukuki jiko) - Aircraft accident; refers to any incident involving airplanes.
• 航空機墜落 (koukuki tsuiraku) - Aircraft crash, similar to "飛行機墜落" but with a focus on any type of aircraft.
• 航空機破壊 (koukuki hakai) - Destruction of the aircraft; refers to irreparable damage to an aircraft.

墜落

Romaji: tsuiraku
Kana: ついらく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: falling down; beating

Meaning in English: falling;crashing

Definition: An aircraft that loses control and crashes to the ground.

Example Sentences - (墜落) tsuiraku

See below some example sentences:

墜落した飛行機の犠牲者に哀悼の意を表します。

Tsuiraku shita hikouki no giseisha ni aidou no i wo hyou shimasu

We express our condolences to the victims of the crashed plane.

Express the condolences to the victims of the rugged plane.

• 墜落した飛行機 - plane crash
• の - Possession particle
• 犠牲者 - victims
• に - target particle
• 哀悼の意を表します - we express our condolences