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)ta T1
1to collapse
2to droop
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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
By ear
Play it, then pick what 塌 means.
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
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 塌 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 塌 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 塌?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 塌 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 塌 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
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.
