How to say "disappointment" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 失望しつぼうnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbThe core, everyday word for disappointment: hopes or expectations not being fulfilled. Use it for the straightforward feeling of being let down by an outcome, person, or result.
- 失意しついno-adjectiveDeeper, heavier disappointment verging on despondency or a broken heart, often over a serious loss or defeat. Choose it when the disappointment is profound and sorrowful, not a mild letdown.
- 拍子抜けひょうしぬけsuru verb, intransitive verb, no-adjectiveCovers the anticlimax sense: the deflated, disenchanted feeling when something built up turns out to be a let-down, and your interest drains away. Best for underwhelming experiences rather than grief.
- 悲観ひかんnoun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbReally means pessimism or taking a gloomy view; discouragement rather than disappointment as such. It is seldom the word you want for plain disappointment, which it covers only marginally.
- 落胆らくたんnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbEmphasizes dejection and loss of heart—being discouraged by a setback—more than the feeling of disappointment itself. It suits contexts of dispirited, downcast reaction to failure.
For strong, heartfelt disappointment use 失望 or 失意; for deflated anticlimax use 「拍子抜け」; 悲観 and 落胆 center on discouragement and gloominess rather than disappointment itself.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 失望しつぼうdisappointment
- 失意しついdisappointment
- 拍子抜けひょうしぬけanticlimax
- 悲観ひかんpessimism
- 落胆らくたんdiscouragement
- すかdisappointment
- 当て外れあてはずれdisappointment
- 期待はずれきたいはずれdisappointment
- 欠望けつぼうdisappointment
- 力抜けちからぬけdiscouragement
- 力落しちからおとしdiscouragement
- 思惑違いおもわくちがいmiscalculation
- 遺憾の意いかんのいregret
- 肩透かしかたすかしdisappointment
- 萎えなえdisappointment
See also
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