Definition
塌 (tā) means 'to collapse' of structures, 'to droop' of a face, or 'to sink' of ground — it always describes physical deformation under weight or pressure. 垮 (kuǎ) is broader, covering both physical collapse and figurative breakdown (e.g., of a person or organization). 倒塌 (dǎo tā) is the more formal two-character synonym for building collapse only.
verb
to collapse (of structures, etc.)to droopto sag (of face, etc.)to settle downto sink (of ground)
Easily confused
- 场chǎnglook-alike(classifier) used for performances, sports matches, and other public events
- 他tāsound-alikehe; him
- 塞sāilook-alike(verb) to stuff, to squeeze in; to block, to stop up
- 她tāsound-alikeshe
- 堂tánglook-alike(noun) hall, large room for a specific purpose
- 它tāsound-alikeit
- 至zhìlook-alike(verb, literary) to arrive
- 塔tǎsound-alikepagoda; tower
- 在zàilook-alike(verb) to be (located) at; to exist; to be alive
- 踏tàsound-aliketo step on, to tread, to stamp
Examples
- 塌，。Nà zuò qiáo túrán tā le, xìnghǎo méi rén shòushāng.That bridge suddenly collapsed; fortunately no one was hurt.
- ，塌。Tā niánjì dà le, liǎnjiá de ròu dōu tā xiàqù le.He is old, the flesh on his cheeks has sagged.
- ，塌。Bàoyǔ guòhòu, dìmiàn tā xiàqù le yí kuài.After the heavy rain, a part of the ground sank down.
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