がっくり in 30 Sekunden
- A mimetic word (gitaigo) describing a sudden, heavy drop in spirit, posture, or physical vitality, often resulting in slumped shoulders or a bowed head.
- Commonly used with 'suru' (to feel dejected) or 'kuru' (to be hit by disappointment), and often paired with the particle 'to' as an adverb.
- More intense and physical than the similar word 'gakkari'; it implies a moment where one's strength or will literally gives way.
- Can also describe a sharp statistical decline or a sudden worsening of an elderly person's health, emphasizing the abruptness of the change.
The Japanese word がっくり (Gakkuri) is a powerful mimetic word, known as gitaigo, which vividly captures the intersection of physical collapse and emotional devastation. At its core, it describes a sudden, sharp drop. Imagine a person receiving news so disappointing that their strength literally leaves their body, causing their head to bow or their shoulders to slump instantly. This is the essence of gakkuri. Unlike a slow fade into sadness, this word implies a momentary, heavy impact that 'breaks' one's spirit or physical posture. It is frequently categorized under the CEFR B1 level because, while the concept is simple, using it naturally requires an understanding of Japanese expressive nuances that go beyond basic adjectives like 'kanashii' (sad).
- Physical Manifestation
- The most common visual associated with this word is '肩を落とす' (dropping one's shoulders). When someone is gakkuri, their posture changes immediately due to a loss of tension or willpower.
- Emotional Weight
- Emotionally, it signifies a deep sense of discouragement or being 'heartbroken' by a specific event, such as failing an exam or being rejected by a crush.
不合格の通知を見て、彼はがっくりと肩を落とした。
(Upon seeing the notice of failure, he dropped his shoulders in deep disappointment.)
One of the most interesting aspects of gakkuri is its versatility. While it is primarily used for psychological states, it can also describe a sudden decrease in physical health or stamina. For instance, if an elderly person's health declines rapidly after a certain event, gakkuri might be used to describe that sudden 'drop' in vitality. It is also used in financial contexts or data analysis to describe a sharp, unexpected plunge in numbers or value, though this is less common than the emotional usage.
In conversation, you will often hear it paired with the verbs suru (to do/be) or kuru (to come/hit). Saying 'Gakkuri kita' (It came to me heavily) suggests that the disappointment hit you like a physical blow. This highlights the Japanese linguistic tendency to treat emotions as external forces that act upon the individual. Using gakkuri correctly shows a high level of empathy and descriptive ability, as you are not just saying you are 'sad,' but that you have been 'deflated' by circumstances.
期待していただけに、その結果にはがっくりしたよ。
(Since I had high expectations, I was truly crestfallen by that result.)
- Intensity Level
- Compared to 'gakkari' (disappointed), gakkuri is more intense and more physical. While 'gakkari' is a general feeling, gakkuri is the moment the spirit breaks.
Grammatically, がっくり functions as an adverb, often taking the particle to (がっくりと) to describe the manner in which an action occurs. However, in casual speech, the to is frequently omitted. It is also very common to use it as a suru-verb (がっくりする) or with the verb kuru (がっくりくる) to indicate that a feeling of disappointment has arrived or taken hold of the speaker.
試合に負けて、チーム全員ががっくりときている。
(Having lost the match, the whole team is feeling completely dejected.)
When using gakkuri to describe a physical change, it is almost always paired with verbs related to posture. The most iconic phrase is gakkuri to kubi o tareru (to hang one's head dejectedly) or gakkuri to kata o otosu (to drop one's shoulders). These phrases are staples in Japanese literature and news reporting to describe losers in sports or politicians who have lost an election. The word provides a 'visual' for the listener, allowing them to see the physical collapse of the subject's energy.
- With 'Suru' (To be disappointed)
- Used when the speaker or subject feels the disappointment internally. Example: 'Tensuu ga warukute gakkuri shita' (I was dejected because my score was bad).
- With 'Kuru' (To be hit by disappointment)
- Used to emphasize the shock or the external cause of the feeling. Example: 'Kanojo no kotoba ni gakkuri kita' (Her words really hit me hard/made me lose heart).
In more advanced contexts, gakkuri can describe a sudden drop in quantity or quality. For example, if a company's profits 'gakkuri ochiru' (drop sharply), it implies a sudden and noticeable decline that causes concern. This usage is less about emotion and more about the 'steepness' of the decline. However, even in these cases, the word retains a nuance of 'unfortunate' or 'disappointing' change.
定年退職してから、父はがっくりと老け込んだ。
(After retiring, my father suddenly aged quite noticeably/lost his vitality.)
Another common pattern involves the use of gakkuri to describe physical exhaustion. If someone works for 24 hours straight and then collapses into a chair, you might say they sat down gakkuri to. Here, it isn't necessarily sadness, but the complete absence of muscle tension. This 'limpness' is the physical root of all its other meanings.
膝の力ががっくりと抜けて、その場に崩れ落ちた。
(The strength in his knees suddenly gave out, and he collapsed on the spot.)
You will encounter がっくり in a wide variety of daily life scenarios, ranging from casual conversations among friends to dramatic scenes in anime or television dramas. Because it is so expressive, it is a favorite for storytellers to show, rather than just tell, a character's internal state. In anime, you might see a character literally turn blue or have 'despair lines' drawn over them while someone says 'Gakkuri shiteru ne' (He looks totally crushed).
- Sports Commentary
- When a star player misses a crucial penalty or a team loses in the final seconds, commentators often use gakkuri to describe the visible disappointment of the athletes and the fans.
- Workplace and Office
- If a major project is canceled or a bonus is smaller than expected, coworkers might whisper about how the manager looks gakkuri. It captures the shared sense of 'all that effort for nothing.'
「昨日のデート、どうだった？」「それが、ドタキャンされてがっくりだよ。」
("How was your date yesterday?" "Actually, they canceled at the last minute, so I'm totally bummed.")
In news media, particularly when discussing health or economics, gakkuri is used to describe sharp downturns. A headline might read 'Export volumes drop gakkuri,' signaling to the reader that the decline was sudden and significant. In a medical context, families might use it to describe a loved one's sudden loss of vigor: 'Since the surgery, his physical strength has dropped gakkuri.' This conveys a sense of concern that goes beyond a simple 'decrease.'
Literature also makes frequent use of gakkuri to bypass lengthy descriptions of grief. By saying a character 'gakkuri to hiza o tsuita' (dropped to their knees in dejection), the author immediately communicates the weight of the tragedy. It is a word that appeals to the reader's visual imagination, making the scene more visceral.
期待の新作ゲームが延期になって、ファンはがっくりしている。
(The long-awaited new game was delayed, and fans are feeling deeply disappointed.)
- Daily Conversations
- Used when talking about small failures: dropping an ice cream cone, missing the bus, or finding out your favorite store is closed. It adds a touch of 'drama' to small misfortunes.
For learners of Japanese, the most common pitfall with がっくり (Gakkuri) is confusing it with its close relative, がっかり (Gakkari). While they look and sound similar, and both relate to disappointment, they are not interchangeable. Gakkari is a general, light-to-medium feeling of disappointment. Gakkuri is more intense, more sudden, and carries a much stronger physical nuance. If you use gakkuri for a minor inconvenience, you might sound like you are being overly dramatic or that you have literally collapsed on the floor.
- Mistake: Confusing with 'Ukkari'
- Learners often mix up 'gakkuri' with 'ukkari' (carelessly/accidentally). While both are adverbs, 'ukkari' describes the cause of a mistake, while 'gakkuri' describes the reaction to the result of that mistake.
- Mistake: Overusing the 'To' Particle
- While 'gakkuri to' is correct, using it in very casual speech can sometimes sound a bit stiff or literary. In a text message to a friend, 'gakkuri shita' or just 'gakkuri...' is much more natural.
Another mistake is using gakkuri to describe someone else's permanent personality. Gakkuri describes a state or a reaction to an event, not a character trait. You cannot say someone is a 'gakkuri person.' Instead, you would say they 'look gakkuri' (gakkuri shite iru) because of something that just happened. It is a temporary loss of spirit, not a chronic condition.
❌ 彼はがっくりな人です。
(He is a dejected person - Incorrect usage)✅ 彼は結果を聞いてがっくりしている。
(He is feeling dejected after hearing the result - Correct usage)
Furthermore, be careful not to confuse it with bikkuri (surprised). While both describe a sudden reaction to information, bikkuri is neutral-to-positive (surprise), whereas gakkuri is always negative (disappointment/loss of strength). If you tell someone you were 'gakkuri' when you won the lottery, they will be very confused! Always ensure the context involves a loss or a negative outcome.
Japanese is incredibly rich in onomatopoeic expressions for emotions. Understanding where がっくり fits in the spectrum of 'sadness' words will help you choose the right one for the right situation. While gakkuri focuses on the sudden physical drop, other words focus on the lingering feeling or the specific cause of the sadness.
- がっかり (Gakkari)
- The most common alternative. It's 'disappointment' in a general sense. Use this for everyday bummers. If gakkuri is a 10/10 on the disappointment scale, gakkari is a 5/10.
- しょんぼり (Shonbori)
- This describes someone looking sad and lonely, like a wet puppy. It's less about a 'sudden drop' and more about a 'drooping' appearance over time. It's often used for children or cute characters.
- がっくり (Gakkuri) vs. げっそり (Gessori)
- While gakkuri is a sudden drop in spirit or posture, gessori describes a sudden drop in weight or looking haggard from stress or illness. They both imply a 'sudden loss,' but gessori is specifically about physical appearance/health.
試験に落ちてがっくりするのと、怒られてしょんぼりするのは違います。
(There is a difference between feeling 'gakkuri' (dejected) from failing an exam and feeling 'shonbori' (downcast) from being scolded.)
For more formal or academic contexts, you might avoid onomatopoeia and use Sino-Japanese (Kango) words. 意気消沈 (Ikishouchin) means to be in low spirits or lose heart. 失望 (Shitsubou) means despair or disappointment. These words carry more weight in writing but lack the 'vividness' of gakkuri in spoken Japanese. If you are writing a novel, you might use gakkuri to describe the character's movement and shitsubou to describe their internal state.
Finally, consider 落胆 (Rakutan). This is a formal noun for 'discouragement.' It is often used in news reports: 'The fans expressed their rakutan.' While gakkuri is what you feel and show, rakutan is the concept of that feeling. Choosing between these depends entirely on who you are talking to and whether you want to be descriptive or analytical.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
Japanese has thousands of these mimetic words. 'Gakkuri' is part of a specific group of words ending in '-uri' that describe sudden physical or emotional shifts. Its cousin 'bikkuri' (surprise) follows the same phonetic pattern but for a different emotion!
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing it as 'gakuri' without the double 'k' stop.
- Using an English 'r' sound instead of the Japanese flap 'r'.
- Confusing it with 'gakkari' during fast speech.
- Vowel lengthening: Pronouncing it as 'gaakkuri' or 'gakkurii'.
- Missing the glottal stop between 'ga' and 'ku'.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Easy to read in Hiragana, but requires understanding context to differentiate from similar words.
Easy to write, but learners often forget the small 'tsu' or double 'k'.
Requires the right 'vibe' and physical nuance to sound natural.
Can be easily confused with 'gakkari' or 'bikkuri' in fast speech.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Adverb + と (to)
がっくりと肩を落とす (Adverbial use with 'to' for emphasis).
Suru-verb formation
がっくりする (Turning an onomatopoeia into a verb).
Kuru (to come) for emotional impact
がっくりくる (Describing an emotion that hits you from the outside).
Te-form for cause and effect
負けて、がっくりした (Feeling dejected *because* of losing).
State of being with ~te iru
がっくりしている (Expressing a current, ongoing state of dejection).
Beispiele nach Niveau
アイスを落として、がっくりした。
I dropped my ice cream and felt dejected.
Used as a 'suru' verb to show feeling.
テストの点が悪くて、がっくり。
The test score was bad, so I'm crushed.
Shortened form used in casual speech.
おもちゃが壊れて、がっくりした。
The toy broke, and I was disappointed.
Describing a reaction to a negative event.
雨で遠足が中止。がっくり。
The field trip was canceled due to rain. Bummer.
Used to express a sudden disappointment.
大好きなパンが売り切れで、がっくりした。
My favorite bread was sold out, so I was dejected.
Reaction to a minor daily disappointment.
ゲームで負けて、がっくり。
I lost the game and felt down.
Common casual usage.
プレゼントがなくて、がっくりした。
There was no present, so I was disappointed.
Expressing a lack of something expected.
バスに乗り遅れて、がっくり。
I missed the bus and felt crushed.
Reaction to a sudden unlucky event.
楽しみにしていた映画が面白くなくて、がっくりした。
The movie I was looking forward to wasn't interesting, so I was disappointed.
Gakkuri used for a mismatch between expectation and reality.
彼は試合に負けて、がっくりと肩を落とした。
He lost the match and dropped his shoulders in dejection.
Standard phrase 'kata o otosu' with gakkuri.
第一志望の大学に落ちて、がっくりきている。
I failed my first-choice university and I'm feeling really down.
Using 'gakkuri kuru' to show the impact of news.
財布を忘れて、がっくりした。
I forgot my wallet and was totally dejected.
Reaction to a significant personal mistake.
旅行がキャンセルになって、がっくりだね。
The trip got canceled, that's a real bummer, isn't it?
Using 'gakkuri da' as a predicate.
一生懸命作った料理を落として、がっくりした。
I dropped the dish I worked so hard on and was crushed.
Loss of effort leading to gakkuri.
欲しかった服が売り切れていて、がっくりした。
The clothes I wanted were sold out, so I was dejected.
Expressing disappointment in a shopping context.
雨で花火大会が中止になり、みんながっくりしている。
The fireworks festival was canceled due to rain, and everyone is dejected.
Describing a collective state of disappointment.
期待していたボーナスが少なくて、がっくりきた。
The bonus I was expecting was small, so I was really hit hard by disappointment.
Gakkuri kuru emphasizes the shock of the news.
病気をしてから、体力ががっくりと落ちた。
Since getting sick, my physical strength has dropped sharply.
Using gakkuri to describe a sharp physical decline.
信頼していた友人に嘘をつかれ、がっくりした。
I was lied to by a friend I trusted, and I lost heart.
Emotional dejection from betrayal.
不景気で、会社の売り上げががっくりと減った。
Due to the recession, the company's sales have decreased sharply.
Applying the word to business/economic stats.
彼はがっくりと膝をつき、しばらく動かなかった。
He dropped to his knees in dejection and didn't move for a while.
Physical description of total collapse.
計画が白紙に戻り、スタッフ一同がっくりしている。
The plan went back to square one, and all the staff are dejected.
Describing a group's reaction to a setback.
愛犬が死んでから、祖父はがっくりと老け込んだ。
Since his dog died, my grandfather has aged noticeably.
Gakkuri to fukekomu is a common collocation for sudden aging.
あんなに練習したのに予選落ちなんて、がっくりだよ。
After all that practice, failing the qualifiers is just devastating.
Expressing deep regret and disappointment.
新製品の売れ行きが予想を下回り、社長はがっくりとしている。
The sales of the new product fell below expectations, and the president is feeling dejected.
Formal workplace context for emotional state.
定年後、目標を失ってがっくりと元気がなくなった人を多く見る。
After retirement, I see many people who lose their vitality suddenly after losing their goals.
Describing a psychological phenomenon.
そのニュースを聞いて、彼はがっくりと首を垂れた。
Upon hearing that news, he hung his head in deep dejection.
Literary physical description.
地震の影響で、観光客の数ががっくりと落ち込んだ。
Due to the earthquake, the number of tourists dropped sharply.
Describing a sudden statistical downturn.
長年連れ添った妻に先立たれ、彼はがっくりと衰えてしまった。
After losing his wife of many years, he became suddenly frail.
Describing physical/mental decline after loss.
期待が大きかっただけに、裏切られた時のショックはがっくりときた。
Because the expectations were so high, the shock of being betrayed hit me really hard.
Emphasizing the weight of disappointment.
交渉が決裂し、担当者はがっくりとした表情で戻ってきた。
The negotiations broke down, and the person in charge returned with a dejected expression.
Describing a professional's outward appearance.
階段から落ちてから、祖母の足腰ががっくりと弱くなった。
Since falling down the stairs, my grandmother's legs and hips have become suddenly weak.
Describing a sudden physical weakening.
政界引退を表明した彼の背中は、どこかがっくりとして見えた。
His back, as he announced his retirement from politics, looked somehow dejected.
Nuanced description of a person's aura/posture.
バブル崩壊後、地価はがっくりと下落の一途をたどった。
After the bubble burst, land prices took a sharp and steady plunge.
Using gakkuri in a historical/economic context.
最愛の弟子に背かれ、老師はがっくりと気力を失ってしまった。
Betrayed by his most beloved disciple, the old master completely lost his will.
Literary use for loss of vital energy.
猛暑の影響で、農作物の収穫量ががっくりと落ち込むことが懸念される。
There are concerns that crop yields will drop sharply due to the heatwave.
Formal predictive usage in news/reports.
期待されていた若手選手が怪我で戦線離脱し、ファンはがっくりと肩を落としている。
The promising young player was sidelined by injury, and fans are dropping their shoulders in dejection.
Expressing collective disappointment in a formal tone.
その一言が決定打となり、彼の自信はがっくりと崩れ去った。
That one remark was the final blow, and his confidence crumbled away completely.
Metaphorical use for abstract concepts like confidence.
手術後の経過が思わしくなく、本人の落胆ぶりはがっくりと目に見えるほどだ。
The post-operative progress was not good, and his dejection is visibly profound.
Describing a visible state of extreme disappointment.
長年の研究成果が否定され、彼はがっくりと筆を置いてしまった。
His years of research were debunked, and he dejectedly put down his pen (gave up).
Idiomatic use for giving up a profession/passion.
巨星落つ。その報に接し、国民はがっくりと深い悲しみに沈んだ。
A great star has fallen. Upon receiving the news, the nation sank into a profound and dejected grief.
Highly formal, almost poetic usage.
市場の期待を裏切る下方修正に、株価はがっくりと牙を抜かれたかのように下落した。
Following a downward revision that betrayed market expectations, the stock price plummeted as if it had been defanged.
Sophisticated metaphorical usage in financial journalism.
精根尽き果て、彼はがっくりと崩れ落ちるようにその場に伏した。
Exhausted to the core, he prostrated himself on the spot, collapsing dejectedly.
Using gakkuri to describe extreme physical and mental exhaustion.
伝統ある老舗が暖簾を下ろすと聞き、街の人々はがっくりと肩を落とした。
Hearing that the long-established shop with a rich tradition was closing its doors, the townspeople dropped their shoulders in dejection.
Describing the loss of cultural heritage.
かつての威光はどこへやら、がっくりと衰えた彼の姿に、かつての敵さえも同情を禁じ得なかった。
His former glory gone, even his former enemies couldn't help but feel sympathy for his suddenly frail and diminished state.
Advanced narrative description of a fallen figure.
一縷の望みさえも絶たれ、彼はがっくりと膝を折り、運命を受け入れた。
With even the last glimmer of hope extinguished, he dropped to his knees in dejection and accepted his fate.
High-level literary expression.
供給過剰により、その希少価値はがっくりと地に落ちた。
Due to oversupply, its rarity value plummeted to the ground.
Abstract usage for value and status.
その致命的な失策により、政権の支持率はがっくりと底を打った。
Due to that fatal blunder, the administration's approval rating plummeted to rock bottom.
Political analysis usage.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— To be hit by a wave of disappointment or shock. It implies the feeling 'came' to you.
その一言には、正直がっくりきたよ。
— The past tense of feeling dejected. Used to describe the reaction to an event.
楽しみにしていたのに中止になって、がっくりした。
— A casual way to say 'I'm so bummed' or 'What a disappointment.'
せっかく準備したのに、がっくりだよ。
— The adverbial form, describing how someone did something (like falling or bowing).
彼はがっくりと椅子に座り込んだ。
— To disappoint someone else or make them lose heart.
親をがっくりさせたくない。
— The 'level' of disappointment (slangy/casual).
今回のミスはがっくり度が高いね。
— Feeling a bit dejected or slightly down.
最近、彼は仕事がうまくいかなくてがっくり気味だ。
— To fall into a deep state of dejection.
結果が悪くてがっくり落ち込んでいる。
— To collapse suddenly, either physically or metaphorically (like a plan).
建物ががっくりと崩れ落ちた。
— To suddenly become weak or frail.
病気をしてからがっくりと衰えてしまった。
Wird oft verwechselt mit
The most common confusion. Gakkari is general disappointment; Gakkuri is sudden and physical.
Ukkari means carelessly. While a mistake made 'ukkari' might make you feel 'gakkuri', they are different.
Bikkuri is surprise. Gakkuri is disappointment. Don't mix them up when reacting to news!
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— To be visibly disappointed. The shoulders physically drop because the person has no energy left.
不採用のメールを読んで、肩をがっくり落とした。
Common— To lose all strength in one's legs due to shock or exhaustion.
あまりのショックに膝ががっくり折れた。
Dramatic— To give up on a creative endeavor or career out of deep disappointment.
批判を浴びて、彼はがっくりと筆を置いてしまった。
Literary— To hang one's head in shame or deep sadness.
叱られた選手たちはがっくりと首を垂れていた。
Formal/Literary— For momentum or progress to come to a sudden, disappointing halt.
スキャンダルで政権の勢いががっくりと止まった。
Journalistic— To suddenly age or look much older after a stressful event.
苦労が重なり、彼女はがっくりと老け込んでしまった。
Neutral— To fail to meet expectations in a way that causes deep dejection.
その映画の結末はがっくりと期待を裏切るものだった。
Neutral— For one's reputation or value to plummet suddenly.
不正が発覚し、彼の名声はがっくりと地に落ちた。
Formal— To feel a sudden sinking feeling in one's heart.
計画が中止になり、彼はがっくりと気落ちした。
NeutralLeicht verwechselbar
Similar sound and meaning (disappointment).
Gakkari is the feeling of being disappointed. Gakkuri is the sudden loss of spirit/posture. Gakkuri is more intense.
期待していた店が休みでがっかりした。 (Light) vs. 倒産を知ってがっくりした。 (Heavy)
Both involve a 'drop' and negative feeling.
Gessori is specifically about physical thinness or looking haggard. Gakkuri is about posture and spirit.
病気でげっそり痩せた。 (Thin) vs. 負けてがっくりした。 (Sad)
Both describe a sad appearance.
Shonbori is more about looking lonely or pathetic (like a child). Gakkuri is about a sudden break in tension.
叱られてしょんぼりする。 (Cute/Sad) vs. 絶望してがっくりする。 (Heavy/Adult)
Very similar sound and physical meaning.
Gaku-tto is purely physical (a jerk or snap). Gakkuri usually includes the emotional component of dejection.
膝ががくっとなった。 (Physical) vs. 膝ががっくり折れた。 (Emotional/Physical)
Both describe being exhausted/limp.
Guttari is about being tired or worn out (like from heat). Gakkuri is about being dejected or losing heart.
暑さでぐったりする。 (Tired) vs. 振られてがっくりする。 (Dejected)
Satzmuster
[Event] で がっくりした。
テストでがっくりした。
[Noun] が [Verb-form] がっくり。
財布がなくてがっくり。
がっくりと [Physical Action]。
がっくりと肩を落とす。
[News/Words] に がっくりくる。
母の言葉にがっくりきた。
[Status] が がっくりと [Decrease-verb]。
売り上げががっくりと減った。
[Person] は がっくりと [Aging-verb]。
祖父はがっくりと老け込んだ。
[Abstract Concept] が がっくりと [Fall-verb]。
自信ががっくりと崩れ去った。
[Formal Event], [Subject] は がっくりと [Emotional-verb]。
落選の報に、彼はがっくりと膝を折った。
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
High in daily conversation, sports, and storytelling.
-
Using 'gakkuri' for small, everyday things like forgetting an umbrella.
→
Use 'gakkari' or 'shippai' for small things.
'Gakkuri' implies a heavier loss of spirit or a physical collapse.
-
Pronouncing it 'gakuri' without the double 'k'.
→
Pronounce it with a sharp stop: 'ga-k-kuri'.
The small 'tsu' is vital for the 'sudden' feeling of the word.
-
Saying 'Gakkuri na hito' to mean a sad person.
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Say 'Gakkuri shite iru hito'.
'Gakkuri' is an adverb/verb, not a na-adjective for personality.
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Using 'gakkuri' for a happy surprise.
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Use 'bikkuri' or 'odoroki'.
'Gakkuri' is strictly negative/dejected.
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Confusing 'gakkuri' with 'ukkari' (carelessly).
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Ukkari wasureru (carelessly forget) vs. Gakkuri suru (feel dejected).
They sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Tipps
Pair it with Posture
To sound like a pro, always remember the phrase 'gakkuri to kata o otosu'. It's the most natural way to use the word.
Gakkari vs Gakkuri
Remember: Gakkari = 'Oh no.' Gakkuri = 'My life is over (momentarily).'
The 'To' Particle
Use 'gakkuri to' for actions (like falling) and 'gakkuri suru' for feelings.
Visual Cues
In Japan, showing your disappointment through posture (gakkuri) is often seen as more sincere than just saying it.
The Pause Matters
Don't rush the word. That little pause in the middle (tsu) represents the moment your heart drops.
Katakana for Impact
If you're writing a comic or a very casual message, use ガックリ to show extra shock.
Watch the Stats
In news, if you hear 'gakkuri', get ready for some bad economic news about numbers dropping.
The '-uri' Family
Learn it alongside 'bikkuri' and 'yukkuri' to see the pattern of Japanese mimetic words.
Business Caution
Don't tell your boss you are 'gakkuri' unless it's a very serious failure; it might sound too emotional.
The Buckling Knee
Associate the 'K' in gakkuri with 'Knees'. Your knees go 'gakkuri' when you lose hope.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Imagine a **GA**nt (Giant) **K**angaroo that **K**ollapses because he is **U**pset and **RI**diculously sad. GA-K-K-U-RI!
Visuelle Assoziation
Visualize a person's shoulders as a bridge that suddenly breaks in the middle, forming a 'V' shape. That sudden 'break' is gakkuri.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to act out 'gakkuri' physically. Stand up straight, then suddenly let your head and shoulders drop while exhaling. Now, say the word 'gakkuri' as you do it. This physical connection helps the brain remember mimetic words.
Wortherkunft
Gakkuri is an onomatopoeic word (gitaigo). In Japanese, the 'ga' sound often represents something large, heavy, or sudden. The 'ku' sound followed by 'ri' often indicates a state or a completed action. Together, they mimic the sound or visual of a heavy object suddenly losing its support and falling.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The physical action of a joint or a support suddenly giving way (e.g., knees buckling).
Japanese sound-symbolic vocabulary (Mimetic).Kultureller Kontext
While 'gakkuri' is common, using it to describe someone's serious health decline should be done with empathy, as it emphasizes their loss of strength.
The closest English equivalents are 'crestfallen,' 'dejected,' or 'gutted.' However, English doesn't have a single onomatopoeic word that covers both the emotion and the physical posture as neatly as Japanese does.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Exams and Academic Results
- 試験に落ちてがっくりする
- 点数が低くてがっくり
- 浪人が決まってがっくり
- がっくりと肩を落とす受験生
Sports and Competition
- 逆転負けでがっくり
- ミスをしてがっくりくる
- がっくりと膝をつく選手
- チーム全体ががっくりしている
Romance and Relationships
- 告白して振られ、がっくり
- デートを断られてがっくり
- 嘘をつかれてがっくりきた
- 恋人の態度にがっくりする
Health and Aging
- 病気でがっくり衰える
- がっくりと老け込む
- 体力ががっくり落ちる
- 退院後、がっくり元気がなくなった
Economy and Finance
- 株価ががっくり下がる
- 売り上げががっくり減る
- 利益ががっくり落ち込む
- 景気ががっくり悪化する
Gesprächseinstiege
"「最近、何かでがっくりしたことはありますか？」 (Have you felt dejected about anything recently?)"
"「一生懸命準備したのにがっくりした経験、教えてください。」 (Tell me about a time you worked hard and then felt crushed.)"
"「がっかりとがっくりの違い、わかりますか？」 (Do you know the difference between 'gakkari' and 'gakkuri'?)"
"「試合で負けてがっくりしている友達に、なんて声をかけますか？」 (What would you say to a friend who is dejected after losing a game?)"
"「がっくりと肩を落としたくなるようなニュース、最近ありましたか？」 (Has there been any news lately that made you want to drop your shoulders in dejection?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
今日、少しがっくりした出来事を日本語で書いてみましょう。 (Write about something that made you feel a bit dejected today.)
自分が「がっくり」した時、どうやって立ち直りますか？ (When you feel 'gakkuri', how do you recover?)
「がっくり」という言葉を使って、短い物語を作ってください。 (Create a short story using the word 'gakkuri'.)
過去に一番がっくりした瞬間について詳しく描写してください。 (Describe in detail the moment you felt most dejected in the past.)
「がっくり」と「がっかり」を両方使った日記を書いてみましょう。 (Try writing a journal entry using both 'gakkuri' and 'gakkari'.)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYou can, but it sounds a bit dramatic. For example, if you miss a bus, 'gakkari' is more common. If you miss the *last* bus and have to walk 2 hours in the rain, 'gakkuri' fits perfectly.
It is rarely used in business emails or legal documents, but it is very common in novels, news reports, and sports journalism to provide a vivid description of people's reactions.
'Gakkuri suru' is just feeling the state. 'Gakkuri kuru' implies that the news or event hit you hard, emphasizing the impact of the disappointment.
No, 'gakkuri' is exclusively for negative feelings (disappointment, loss of heart) or negative physical declines.
Yes, ガックリ (Katakana) is often used in manga or advertisements to make the word stand out or to emphasize the 'sound' of the collapse.
It's used to describe a sudden decline in an elderly person's strength or health, often after a specific trigger like an illness or the death of a spouse.
It is primarily an adverb, but it can function as a noun-like state when used with 'da' (e.g., Gakkuri da).
Not usually. You would use 'gaku-tto' for mechanical jerks. 'Gakkuri' is almost always tied to living things or data/stats.
It's a temporary state of being 'crushed' or 'dejected' rather than the clinical condition of depression (utsu).
Extremely common! It's the standard word for when a character's plans fail and they slump over in a comedic or dramatic way.
Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen
Translate to Japanese: 'I was dejected because I failed the test.'
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Write a sentence using 'がっくりと肩を落とす'.
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Describe a time you felt 'gakkuri' in 2 sentences.
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Say 'I'm so bummed out' using 'gakkuri' in a casual way.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Explain the difference between 'gakkuri' and 'gakkari' in Japanese.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Listen to the tone: 'Gakkuri shichatta...' Does the speaker sound happy or sad?
Translate: 'His confidence crumbled suddenly (gakkuri).'
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Use 'がっくりくる' in a sentence about a friend.
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Write a sentence about a 'gakkuri' moment at work.
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Translate: 'He aged suddenly after his wife died.'
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Write a sentence describing a sudden drop in sales.
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Translate: 'I felt dejected after the date was canceled.'
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Write a sentence using 'がっくりくる' regarding news.
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Translate: 'I hang my head in dejection.'
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Write a sentence using 'がっくり' about a game.
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Translate: 'I was dejected by the result.'
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Write a sentence about feeling 'gakkuri' due to rain.
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Translate: 'The whole team is dejected.'
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Translate: 'I hung my head in dejection.'
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Write a sentence about a 'gakkuri' feeling after a breakup.
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Translate: 'I felt dejected after the failure.'
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Translate: 'I was dejected by the news.'
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Write a sentence about a 'gakkuri' feeling in sports.
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Translate: 'The sales dropped sharply.'
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Translate: 'He aged suddenly after the accident.'
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Write a sentence using 'がっくり' about a failed project.
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Translate: 'The number of tourists dropped sharply.'
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/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
がっくり (Gakkuri) is your go-to word for 'soul-crushing' disappointment that shows in your body. Use it when you want to describe someone who has literally or figuratively 'dropped' due to bad news. Example: 'Expected a win but lost? Gakkuri shita!'
- A mimetic word (gitaigo) describing a sudden, heavy drop in spirit, posture, or physical vitality, often resulting in slumped shoulders or a bowed head.
- Commonly used with 'suru' (to feel dejected) or 'kuru' (to be hit by disappointment), and often paired with the particle 'to' as an adverb.
- More intense and physical than the similar word 'gakkari'; it implies a moment where one's strength or will literally gives way.
- Can also describe a sharp statistical decline or a sudden worsening of an elderly person's health, emphasizing the abruptness of the change.
Pair it with Posture
To sound like a pro, always remember the phrase 'gakkuri to kata o otosu'. It's the most natural way to use the word.
Gakkari vs Gakkuri
Remember: Gakkari = 'Oh no.' Gakkuri = 'My life is over (momentarily).'
The 'To' Particle
Use 'gakkuri to' for actions (like falling) and 'gakkuri suru' for feelings.
Visual Cues
In Japan, showing your disappointment through posture (gakkuri) is often seen as more sincere than just saying it.
Verwandte Inhalte
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Mehr emotions Wörter
ぼんやり
B1Verschwommen; geistesabwesend. Wird verwendet, um eine unklare Sicht oder einen unkonzentrierten Geisteszustand zu beschreiben.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1Etwas (z.B. einen Ball) auffangen oder eine Situation/Kritik ernsthaft annehmen.
達成感
B1Das Gefühl der Zufriedenheit und des Stolzes, wenn Sie eine Aufgabe erfolgreich abgeschlossen oder ein Ziel erreicht haben. Es ist die Belohnung für Ihre Bemühungen.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1Sich an eine neue Umgebung anzupassen ist der Schlüssel zum Erfolg.
健気な
B2Beschreibt jemanden, der trotz Schwäche oder schwieriger Umstände bewundernswerten Mut und Einsatz zeigt.
感心な
B1Bewundernswert; lobenswert. 'Er ist ein bewundernswerter Junge, der fleißig lernt.' 'Ihre Einstellung ist wirklich bewundernswert.'
感心
B1Bewunderung oder beeindruckt sein von der Leistung oder dem Verhalten einer Person.
感心する
B1Von den Fähigkeiten oder dem Verhalten einer Person beeindruckt sein.
