HSK 7, v, 13 strokes, radical 土, rank #6318, Very Hard
塌
tā
to droop
HSK 7, v, 13 strokes, radical 土, rank #6318, Very Hard
塌
tā
to settle down
HSK 7, v, 13 strokes, radical 土, rank #6318, Very Hard
塌
tā
to collapse, to fall into ruin
HSK 7, v, 13 strokes, radical 土, rank #6318, Very Hard
tā(ta1) T1
1to collapse
2to droop
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March 24, 2026
塌tā(ta1)
The character 塌 (tā) primarily means to collapse or to droop, often used in contexts where something physically or figuratively falls down or deteriorates. It can refer to structures failing, like buildings, or even to emotional states, indicating a loss of spirit or energy.
Strokes13Radical土Frequency#6318DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of collapse can be linked to the importance of stability in both physical structures and social relationships. The phrase '房子塌了' (the house collapsed) can symbolize failure or loss of security in a community context.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tall stack of books that suddenly 'tā' (falls) over, creating a mess on the floor. The character 塌 can be visualized as '土' (earth, indicating a foundation) collapsing under the weight of '塔' (tower). Picture the tower sinking into the earth!
Meanings of 塌
tā(ta1)
1to collapse
2to droop
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 塌
塌Simplified
13Strokes
土Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#6318Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 塌
Podcast: 塌
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AI Study Notes for 塌
Quick Contrast
塌 (tā) vs 倒 (dǎo): use 塌 for structural collapse or drooping, while 倒 emphasizes falling over or toppling down.
Usage Notes
When using 塌, be careful not to confuse it with similar verbs like 倒 (dǎo) which also means to fall but can imply a more sudden or intentional action. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in construction or discussions about stability.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 塌 connects to other verbs describing physical changes or states, such as 落 (luò, to fall) and 衰退 (shuāituì, to decline). Students should focus on using it in compound phrases and understanding its application in different contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 塌 in contexts where 倒 (dǎo) is more appropriate, such as saying '这棵树塌了' (this tree collapsed), when it would be better to say '这棵树倒了' (this tree fell down). Always consider the context and the nuance of the collapse.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 塌
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Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 塌?
Decomposition of 塌
IDS Structure⿰土⿱日羽
塌Full Character
=
土Tu3
left
日Ri4
top
羽yu3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 3
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 塌?
How to say to collapse in Chinese
“to collapse” in Chinese is塌tā
The character 塌 (tā) primarily means to collapse or to droop, often used in contexts where something physically or figuratively falls down or deteriorates. It can refer to structures failing, like buildings, or even to emotional states, indicating a loss of spirit or energy.
When to use 塌
When using 塌, be careful not to confuse it with similar verbs like 倒 (dǎo) which also means to fall but can imply a more sudden or intentional action. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in construction or discussions about stability.
塌 or something close to it
塌 (tā) vs 倒 (dǎo): use 塌 for structural collapse or drooping, while 倒 emphasizes falling over or toppling down.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 塌 in contexts where 倒 (dǎo) is more appropriate, such as saying '这棵树塌了' (this tree collapsed), when it would be better to say '这棵树倒了' (this tree fell down). Always consider the context and the nuance of the collapse.
Write 塌
塌
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Practice writing 塌 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 塌
塌 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
