塌

tā

HSK 7

塌 — tā

1. to collapse (of a structure); to cave in

   屋顶塌了，大家赶快撤离。 wūdǐng tā le dàjiā gǎnkuài chèlí — The roof collapsed; everyone evacuate quickly.

2. to droop; to sag (e.g., of hair, leaves, or facial features)

   雨把花瓣打得塌了，显得很憔悴。 yǔ bǎ huābàn dǎdé tā le xiǎnde hěn qiáocuì — The rain flattened the petals, making them look very wilted.

3. to settle down; to subside (e.g., ground or sediment settling)

   填土需要时间压实，否则地面会慢慢塌陷。 tiántǔ xūyào shíjiān yāshí fǒuzé dìmiàn huì mànmàn tāxiàn — Backfill needs time to compact; otherwise the ground will slowly settle.