Translation and Meaning of: 落ち込む - ochikomu

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 落ち込む (おちこむ, ochikomu). It is quite common in everyday life and expresses a feeling that we have all experienced at some point. In this article, we will explore its meaning, how it is used in Japan, its origin, and even tips for memorizing it efficiently. If you want to understand how the Japanese express emotional states, this is a key word to add to your vocabulary.

The meaning of 落ち込む is "to be depressed" or "to feel down."

落ち込む is a Japanese verb that can be translated as "to feel depressed," "to lose enthusiasm," or "to fall into a state of despondency." It is used to describe when someone feels down due to a difficult situation, such as disappointment, failure, or bad news. Unlike words like 悲しい (かなしい, sad), which indicate momentary sadness, 落ち込む suggests a more prolonged state of demotivation.

A practical example would be after receiving a failure on an important test. A Japanese person might say: テストに落ちて落ち込んでいる (てすとに おちて おちこんでいる, "I'm feeling down because I failed the test"). This expression is so common that it frequently appears in everyday conversations, dramas, and even manga.

The origin and composition of 落ち込む

The word 落ち込む is composed of two kanji: 落 (おち, "to fall") and 込 (こ, "to enter deeply"). Together, they create the idea of "falling inward" into a negative emotional state. This construction is interesting because it reflects the feeling of being engulfed by an emotion, as if the person is sinking into their own thoughts.

It is worth noting that 込む is a versatile suffix in Japanese, appearing in other verbs such as 考え込む (かんがえこむ, "to dive into thoughts") or 黙り込む (だまりこむ, "to fall completely silent"). This pattern helps to understand why 落ち込む conveys this notion of emotional depth.

How do the Japanese use 落ち込む in everyday life?

In Japan, openly expressing negative emotions is not as common as in some Western cultures. Therefore, 落ち込む is a socially accepted way to communicate that someone is not well, without going into very deep details. It is often heard in contexts of work, studies, or relationships, especially when there are unfulfilled expectations.

An interesting fact is that, unlike Portuguese, where "depression" has a clinical weight, 落ち込む is lighter and more temporary. Japanese people usually use it for fleeting situations, while うつ (depression) is reserved for medical conditions. This distinction is important to avoid confusing the in real conversations.

Tips for memorizing 落ち込む

An effective way to memorize 落ち込む is to associate it with the image of someone literally "falling" (落ち) into a hole of emotions (込む). Visualizing this scene helps to not only the meaning but also the kanji writing. Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, like 今日は落ち込んでいる (きょうは おちこんでいる, "Today I am feeling down"), to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.

Additionally, paying attention to dialogues from doramas or animes can be useful, as characters often use this word in dramatic or comedic moments. Listening to its pronunciation and context repeatedly makes its use more natural, making it easier to recognize in real conversations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 落ち込む

• 落ち込む - dictionary form
• 落ちこむ - Casual form
• 落ち込みます - Polished form
• 落ち込める - potential form
• 落ち込もう - imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 沈む (Shizumu) - Sink, dive, be depressed.
• 憂鬱になる (Yūutsu ni naru) - Enter a state of melancholy, suffering from sadness.
• 落胆する (Rakutan suru) - Feeling disappointed, disillusioned.
• 悲観する (Hikan suru) - Having a pessimistic outlook, seeing the negative side.
• 意気消沈する (Iki shōchin suru) - Feeling down or unmotivated, losing the spirit.