How to say "tumbling" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 転倒てんとうnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbCovers falling down or toppling over, typically of a person or an upright object losing balance and falling. It treats the event as an accident or mishap, as in falling over while walking.そのレースでは３人も転倒した。↗No less than 3 men fell in that race.
- adverb (with と), suru verbAn onomatopoeic word for something large and heavy rolling or tumbling along, with a rumbling impression. Think of a boulder or drum rolling; it is not used for a person simply falling over.
Use 転倒 for a person or object falling or toppling over, and 「ゴロゴロ」 for something large and heavy rolling or tumbling with a rumbling sound.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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