1.
to fall in love
To suddenly or unexpectedly develop romantic feelings for someone. A direct parallel to the English expression 'fall in love,' conveying that love is something one falls into rather than chooses.
A common expression combining 恋 (romantic love) + に (into) + 落ちる (to fall). Like the English "fall in love," it implies that love happens suddenly or irresistibly, not through deliberate choice.
Common patterns
- 人に恋に落ちる: to fall in love with someone
- 一目で恋に落ちる: to fall in love at first sight
- 恋に落ちてしまう: to end up falling in love (with a nuance of it being beyond one's control)
Similar words
- 恋をする: to be in love, to have a crush — more neutral and everyday; doesn't carry the "falling" metaphor
- 惚れる: to fall for, to be smitten — more colloquial and direct
- 好きになる: to come to like — broader and milder; can apply to non-romantic contexts too
Usage
Common in romantic fiction, song lyrics, and everyday conversation. Slightly more dramatic or literary than 好きになる, emphasizing the uncontrollable nature of romantic attraction.
Related Words
Compare:
惚れる (to fall for, to be smitten)