衰落 shuāiluò to fall
to fall; to drop; to decline; to deteriorate; to go downhill
How to remember 衰落: 衰 weak + 落 fall = to fall.
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How it is used
- To decline / fall from prosperity - 家道衰落 (jiādào shuāiluò) the family fortunes declined; 帝国衰落 (dìguó shuāiluò) the empire declined.
- Applies to nations, families, industries, cities losing their former standing.
- Contrast 衰退 (shuāituì), which is used for economic recession; 衰落 is broader historical/social decline.