Meaning and Usage
The verb "쓰러지다" primarily means "to fall down" or "to collapse." It is often used to describe a person or object falling due to exhaustion, illness, or external forces like wind. It carries a nuance of sudden or involuntary falling.
Common Contexts
- Physical collapse due to fatigue or illness: 쓰러지다 is frequently used when someone faints or collapses unexpectedly.
- Objects falling down: Trees, buildings, or structures can 쓰러지다 when they fall or collapse.
Collocations and Patterns
- 쓰러지다 + 에 (location): Indicates where someone or something falls.
- 너무 피곤해서 쓰러지다: To collapse because of extreme tiredness.
- 바람에 쓰러지다: To fall down because of the wind.
Register and Politeness
쓰러지다 is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, when describing serious medical conditions, more formal expressions might be preferred.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 쓰러지다 with 넘어지다, which also means "to fall." 쓰러지다 often implies a collapse or fall due to weakness or external force, while 넘어지다 is more general for tripping or falling over. Use 쓰러지다 when emphasizing collapse or fainting.