Meaning and Usage
The verb '넘어지다' primarily means 'to fall down' or 'to collapse.' It is commonly used to describe a person or object losing balance and falling over. This verb is often used in everyday situations such as tripping on the street or objects falling due to external forces like wind.
Common Contexts
- Physical falling: People or animals tripping and falling.
- Objects falling: Trees, boxes, or other items collapsing or tipping over.
Collocations and Patterns
- '길에서 넘어지다' (to fall on the street): Describes a person falling while walking.
- '바람에 넘어지다' (to fall because of the wind): Used for objects falling due to wind.
- '조심하지 않으면 넘어지다' (to fall if not careful): A warning about the risk of falling.
Register and Politeness
'넘어지다' is neutral and can be used in both casual and polite speech. It is a common verb in spoken and written Korean.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '넘어지다' with '떨어지다' (to drop/fall from a height). Remember, '넘어지다' implies losing balance and falling down, usually on a surface, while '떨어지다' often involves falling from a higher place to a lower place.