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気を落とす

B1 verb #4,500 most common 10 min read

気を落とす

ki o otosu Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 気を落とす in 30 Seconds

Explanation 気を落とす in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 気を落とす (ki o otosu) as a special way to say 'to be sad' or 'to lose energy' after something bad happens. In Japanese, 'Ki' is like your inner battery or spirit. When you 'otosu' (drop) it, you feel weak and unhappy. You will mostly learn this as a phrase to help your friends. For example, if your friend loses their game, you can say 'Ki o otosanaide!' which means 'Don't be sad!' or 'Don't lose your spirit!' It's a very kind thing to say. At this level, don't worry too much about the complicated grammar. Just remember that 'Ki' + 'o' + 'otosu' means your heart feels heavy because you failed at something. You might see it in simple stories where a character loses a toy or fails a small test. It's a very common 'feeling' word in Japan.

At the A2 level, you should start using 気を落とす as a set phrase for encouragement. You probably know 'kanashii' (sad) and 'gakkari' (disappointed), but 'ki o otosu' is more about the 'spirit' (ki) being dropped. This phrase is very useful because it's polite and shows you care about how someone is feeling inside. You should practice the negative form 'Ki o otosanaide kudasai' (Please don't be discouraged). You can use this when someone fails a Japanese test or a job interview. It sounds more natural and 'Japanese' than just saying 'Don't be sad.' You should also notice that it uses the particle 'o' because you are 'dropping' your spirit. It's a transitive verb structure. Try to use it when you want to support someone who is visibly upset by a failure.

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the nuance of 気を落とす compared to synonyms like 'ochikomu' or 'gakkari suru.' While 'gakkari' is a simple disappointment, 'ki o otosu' implies a deeper loss of vital energy (ki) due to a specific event. It is a 'reactionary' phrase. You should be able to use it in various forms, such as 'ki o otoshite iru' to describe someone's current state of dejection. For example: 'Kare wa shiken ni ochite, hidoku ki o otoshite iru' (He failed the exam and is severely dejected). You should also be comfortable using it in causal sentences with 'node' or 'kara.' Understanding this phrase is key to reaching intermediate fluency because it touches on the cultural concept of 'Ki' which is central to the Japanese worldview. It is a standard B1 vocabulary item found in the JLPT N3 level.

At the B2 level, you should master the pragmatic use of 気を落とす in different social registers. In business settings, it can be used to soften the blow of bad news or to offer professional empathy: 'Kaikaku ga umaku ikanakatta koto ni ki o otosazu, tsugi no te o kangaemashou' (Without being discouraged that the reform didn't go well, let's think of the next move). You should also recognize its use in literature and news media, where it often appears with adverbs like 'fukaku' (deeply) or 'sukkari' (completely). At this level, you should also be aware of related physical idioms like 'kata o otosu' (to drop one's shoulders), which often co-occur with 'ki o otosu' to provide a vivid description of a person's defeated posture. You should be able to distinguish it clearly from 'ki o ushinau' (to faint), avoiding a common and potentially embarrassing learner error.

At the C1 level, you should appreciate the psychological and philosophical weight of 気を落とす. It reflects a traditional Japanese view of the self where 'Ki' is a fluid resource that can be raised, lowered, or dispersed. You should be able to analyze its usage in classical or modern literature where it might describe a character's profound existential crisis. For instance, in a novel, a character might 'ki o otosu' not just because of a failure, but because of a betrayal that shatters their worldview. You should also be able to use the phrase in sophisticated grammatical structures, such as passive-honorifics or complex conditional clauses: 'Sore hodo made ni ki o otosarete iru to wa shirazu, shitsurei na koto o moushimashita' (I did not realize you were so discouraged, and I said something rude). Your use of the phrase should show a deep understanding of Japanese social etiquette and the subtle ways to acknowledge another's emotional pain.

At the C2 level, 気を落とす becomes a tool for high-level rhetorical expression. You can use it to discuss the collective psychology of a group or nation, such as how a society might 'ki o otosu' following a national disaster or economic collapse. You should be able to contrast it with more academic terms like 'iki-shouchin' (crestfallen) or 'zetsubou' (despair) in a nuanced discussion about mental health or social trends in Japan. You should also be sensitive to its poetic uses, perhaps in haiku or contemporary lyrics, where 'dropping the spirit' is used as a metaphor for the changing seasons or the transience of life. At this level, your command of the phrase is indistinguishable from a native speaker, allowing you to use it with perfect timing and tone to convey deep empathy, professional concern, or literary depth.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

気を落とす in 30 Seconds

Means to lose heart or be discouraged after a failure.
Comes from 'Ki' (spirit) + 'Otosu' (to drop).
Most common in the form 'Ki o otosanaide' (Don't be discouraged).
Used in sports, business, and personal setbacks.

The Japanese expression 気を落とす (ki o otosu) is a quintessential idiomatic verb phrase that captures the essence of discouragement, dejection, and the act of losing heart. To understand this phrase, one must first delve into the concept of ki (気), which represents the vital energy, spirit, or air that flows through all living things in Japanese philosophy. When you 'otosu' (落とす - to drop or let fall) this energy, you are literally letting your spirit sink. This isn't just a metaphor for sadness; it describes a physical and psychological state where your internal drive has plummeted due to a setback, failure, or disappointing news.

Core Concept: The phrase describes a reactive state. Something happens—usually negative—and as a result, the person's 'ki' (spirit) drops. It is most frequently used when someone has experienced a failure, such as failing an exam, losing a sports match, or facing a rejection in a romantic or professional context.
Social Function: In Japanese society, maintaining harmony and supporting others' emotional states is crucial. Therefore, you will hear this phrase most often in its negative imperative form: そんなに気を落とさないでください (Please don't be so discouraged). It serves as a polite and empathetic way to console someone who is visibly upset by a failure.

一度の失敗でそんなに気を落とすことはありませんよ。 (There is no need to be so discouraged by a single failure.)

Historically, the concept of 'dropping spirit' appears in literature to describe warriors who have lost their will to fight or scholars who have failed their imperial exams. It suggests a weightiness to the disappointment—as if the spirit itself has become too heavy to carry and has fallen to the ground. In modern contexts, it spans from trivial disappointments (like a favorite store being closed) to life-altering events (like a major business bankruptcy).

彼は第一志望の大学に落ちて、ひどく気を落としている。 (He failed his first-choice university and is extremely dejected.)

Visualizing the Phrase: Imagine a balloon representing your energy. When you are 'ki o otosu', the string is released, and the balloon falls to the floor. The deflation of energy is visible in one's posture—hunched shoulders, looking down, and a lack of vitality in the eyes.

In summary, 'ki o otosu' is the standard way to describe that sinking feeling in your chest when things don't go your way. It is a bridge between the physical sensation of exhaustion and the emotional state of disappointment, deeply rooted in the Japanese understanding of the human spirit.

Using 気を落とす correctly requires an understanding of Japanese verb conjugations and the typical sentence structures used for encouragement or description of emotional states. Since it is a Group 1 (u-verb), it follows standard conjugation patterns. However, its usage is quite specific to certain contexts.

The Negative Imperative (Encouragement): The most common way you will use this is to tell someone else not to be discouraged. You use the negative 'nai' form plus 'de kudasai'.
Example: 気を落とさないでください (Ki o otosanaide kudasai). To friends, you might simply say 気を落とすなよ (Ki o otosu na yo).

試合に負けたからといって、そんなに気を落とすな。 (Just because you lost the match, don't be so discouraged.)

When describing someone else's state, we often use the ~te iru form to indicate a continuous state of dejection. If you say 'Kare wa ki o otoshita', it sounds like a momentary drop, whereas 'Kare wa ki o otoshite iru' describes his current visibly discouraged state.

Causal Structures: We often use the particle 'de' (by means of/due to) or the '~te' form of a verb to explain why someone is discouraged.
Example: 不合格の通知を見て、彼女は気を落とした。 (Seeing the failure notice, she lost heart.)

彼は投資の失敗で、すっかり気を落としてしまった。 (He completely lost heart due to his investment failure.)

In formal writing or business apologies, you might see the honorific version. If a company fails to meet a client's expectations, they might say: 「どうか気を落とされませんよう、お願い申し上げます」. This is a very high-level way of saying 'We hope you aren't too disappointed/discouraged (even though we messed up)'.

Common Collocations: 1. 肩を落とす (kata o otosu): Literally 'to drop one's shoulders.' This is a physical manifestation of 'ki o otosu'. They are often used together to describe someone looking defeated.
2. がっかりする (gakkari suru): To be disappointed. While 'ki o otosu' is more about the internal spirit, 'gakkari' is the immediate reaction to a letdown.

そんなに気を落とさずに、次に向けて頑張りましょう。 (Without being so discouraged, let's work hard toward the next goal.)

Using 'ki o otosu' shows a high level of emotional intelligence in Japanese. It acknowledges the depth of the other person's struggle. When you see a friend who has failed a test, instead of just saying 'don't be sad' (kanashimanaide), using 'ki o otosanaide' shows you understand that their very energy has been depleted by the event.

The phrase 気を落とす is deeply embedded in Japanese daily life, media, and literature. You will encounter it in diverse settings, from the high-pressure world of sports to the quiet intimacy of a family conversation. Understanding these contexts helps you grasp the specific 'flavor' of the discouragement it describes.

Sports Commentary and Anime: In sports anime or live broadcasts, when a team loses a crucial point or a star player makes a mistake, the commentator will often say, 'ここで気を落としてはいけません！' (You mustn't lose heart here!). It emphasizes the need for mental fortitude. If the player hangs their head, the narrator might describe them as 'ひどく気を落としている様子' (appearing severely dejected).

「キャプテン、気を落とさないで。まだチャンスはあるよ！」 (Captain, don't lose heart. There's still a chance!)

In the workplace, 'ki o otosu' is used when a project fails or a contract is lost. A supportive boss might take a subordinate out for a drink and say, '今回の件は残念だったが、あまり気を落とすな' (This matter was unfortunate, but don't take it too hard). Here, it functions as a professional 'pick-me-up' that maintains the hierarchy while showing empathy.

News and Documentaries: In news reports about natural disasters or economic downturns, reporters use this phrase to describe the emotional state of the victims. For instance, '被災者の方々は、家を失い、深く気を落とされています' (The disaster victims have lost their homes and are deeply dejected). In this context, the phrase carries a heavy, respectful weight.

In literature, particularly 'I-novels' (Shisetsutsu) or psychological fiction, 'ki o otosu' is used to explore the internal landscape of a character. It describes the moment a character's optimism vanishes. For example, a character might realize their life's work has been in vain and 'ki o otosu' so profoundly that they cannot even speak.

彼はその知らせを聞いて、まるで魂が抜けたように気を落とした。 (Hearing that news, he lost heart as if his soul had left his body.)

Daily Socializing: Even in lighter social settings, like a friend losing their wallet, you might say, '災難だったね。でも、そんなに気を落とさないで' (That was a disaster. But don't let it get you down). It shows you are 'on their side' and acknowledge their bad luck.

Whether it's a coach yelling from the sidelines, a friend offering a shoulder to cry on, or a news anchor reporting on a tragedy, 'ki o otosu' is the go-to phrase for acknowledging the 'sinking' of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

While 気を落とす is a common phrase, learners often make subtle errors in its usage, grammar, or situational appropriateness. Because it involves the complex concept of ki, it is easy to confuse with other 'ki' related idioms.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Ki o ushinau': This is the most dangerous error. 気を失う (ki o ushinau) means 'to lose consciousness' or 'to faint.' If you accidentally say 'Kare wa shiken ni ochite ki o ushinatta,' you are saying he fainted because he failed the exam, rather than just being discouraged. While possible, it's usually not what you mean!

❌ 彼は悲しくて気を失った。 (He fainted from sadness. - Very dramatic!)
✅ 彼は悲しくて気を落とした。 (He was discouraged by sadness.)

Another common mistake is the confusion between ki o otosu and ochikomu (落ち込む). While they are similar, ochikomu is an intransitive verb that describes the state of being depressed or 'in a slump.' Ki o otosu is the act of losing heart in response to a specific event. You can 'ki o otosu' and then stay in a state of 'ochikomu' for weeks.

Mistake 2: Using the wrong particle: Learners sometimes try to say 気が落ちる (ki ga ochiru). While grammatically logical (the spirit falls), it is not a standard idiomatic expression. You must use the transitive 'o' with 'otosu'. The only exception is when describing the result: 'Ki ga ochite iru' is occasionally heard but 'Ki o otoshite iru' is much more natural.

Furthermore, avoid using 'ki o otosu' for physical objects. You cannot 'ki o otosu' your phone (that would be keitai o otosu). The object must always be 'ki' (spirit). Similarly, don't confuse it with 気を落とす (ki o otosu) and 気を付ける (ki o tsukeru). The latter means 'to be careful'.

❌ 道で財布を気を落とした。 (I 'discouraged' my wallet on the street.)
✅ 道で財布を落とした。 (I dropped my wallet on the street.)

Mistake 3: Overusing 'Sugoku': While 'sugoku' (very) is common in spoken Japanese, pairing it with 'ki o otosu' can sound a bit childish. For a more natural B1+ level sound, use ひどく (hidoku) or 深く (fukaku) to describe the depth of the dejection.

By avoiding these common pitfalls—especially the 'fainting' confusion—you will sound much more natural and empathetic when using this vital Japanese idiom.

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for expressing sadness and disappointment. While 気を落とす is specific to the 'dropping of spirit,' several other words offer different nuances or levels of formality.

1. 落ち込む (Ochikomu): Nuance: This is the most common alternative. It means 'to feel down' or 'to be depressed.' While 'ki o otosu' is the reaction to a specific blow, 'ochikomu' describes the resulting state. It is more internal and personal.
Example: 彼は昨日からずっと落ち込んでいる。 (He's been depressed since yesterday.)
2. がっかりする (Gakkari suru): Nuance: This focuses on disappointment—the gap between expectation and reality. It's often used for lighter situations than 'ki o otosu.'
Example: 楽しみしていた旅行が中止になって、がっかりした。 (I was disappointed that the trip I was looking forward to was canceled.)

比較：
- 気を落とす (Reactionary, loss of spirit)
- 意気消沈する (Formal, literary dejection)
- へこむ (Slang, 'to be dented'/bummed out)

3. 意気消沈する (Iki-shouchin suru): Nuance: A four-character idiom (yojijukugo) that is very formal and literary. It describes a state where one's 'iki' (spirit) has 'shouchin' (withered and sunk). You'll see this in books or formal reports.
Example: 敗戦のニュースに国民は意気消沈した。 (The citizens were crestfallen at the news of the defeat.)
4. 失望する (Shitsubou suru): Nuance: Literally 'to lose hope.' This is stronger than 'ki o otosu' and often implies that you have given up on someone or something.
Example: 彼の嘘には本当に失望した。 (I was truly disappointed/lost hope in his lies.)

「そんなにしょんぼりしないで」 (Don't look so downcast/droopy.) - Shonbori is an onomatopoeia for looking sad.

When choosing an alternative, consider the 'source' of the sadness. If it's a specific failure, 'ki o otosu' is perfect. If it's a general mood, 'ochikomu' is better. If it's a casual 'bummer,' 'hekomu' or 'gakkari' works best. Mastering these distinctions will make your Japanese sound nuanced and emotionally resonant.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, 'Ki' was thought to be a physical substance that could be manipulated. Dropping it meant you were literally losing your life force.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ki o o.to.sɯ/

US /ki oʊ oʊ.toʊ.su/

Japanese has pitch accent. In 'otosu', the accent often falls on 'to' (Heiban or Nakadaka depending on region), but generally, it is pronounced with relatively flat intonation in this phrase.

Rhymes With

Kotosu (to pass time) Motosu (not a word, but similar to 'modosu') Tosu (to pass through) Hosu (to dry) Nosu (to iron/stretch) Yosu (to stop) Kosu (to cross over) Sosu (not common)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'otosu' as 'otosoo' (long vowel).
Stressing the 'ki' too hard like an English word.
Mumbling the 'o' particle so it sounds like 'kiotosu'.
Confusing 'otosu' with 'ochiru' (the intransitive version).
Making the 'u' at the end of 'otosu' too voiced (it's often nearly silent).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Kanji are basic (JLPT N4/N3 level).

Writing 3/5

Simple to write, but remember the 'o' particle.

Speaking 4/5

Requires correct context and pitch accent.

Listening 3/5

Common phrase, easy to recognize once learned.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

気落とす元気失敗悲しい

Learn Next

落ち込む意気消沈失望励ます立ち直る

Advanced

お力落とし魂が抜ける意気阻喪気が気でない気を揉む

Grammar to Know

Te-form for cause

負けて気を落とした。

Negative imperative (naide)

気を落とさないで。

State of being (te-iru)

気を落としている。

Noun modification

気を落としている人。

Conditional (tara)

気を落としたら、元気がなくなる。

Examples by Level

気を落とさないでください。

Please don't be discouraged.

Negative imperative form for encouragement.

テストが悪かったけど、気を落とさないで。

The test was bad, but don't lose heart.

Casual negative form.

彼は気を落としています。

He is feeling discouraged.

Present continuous state.

そんなに気を落とすなよ。

Don't be so discouraged (casual).

Masculine casual imperative.

気を落とすと、病気になりますよ。

If you lose heart, you will get sick.

Conditional 'to' structure.

あまり気を落とさないでね。

Don't be too discouraged, okay?

Use of 'amari' with negative.

彼女は気を落とした。

She lost heart.

Simple past tense.

気を落とさないで、頑張りましょう！

Don't be discouraged, let's do our best!

Sentence combining encouragement and future action.

試合に負けて、彼は気を落としている。

Having lost the match, he is discouraged.

Te-form for reason.

失敗しても、気を落とす必要はありません。

Even if you fail, there is no need to lose heart.

Hitsuyou wa arimasen (No need).

彼女が気を落としているので、心配です。

Since she is discouraged, I am worried.

Node (Since/Because).

気を落とさずに、次を考えよう。

Without losing heart, let's think about the next step.

Zu ni (without doing).

父は仕事のミスで気を落とした。

My father lost heart due to a mistake at work.

De (particle indicating cause).

気を落としている友達に、何を言えばいいですか？

What should I say to a discouraged friend?

Noun modification (discouraged friend).

そんなに気を落とすことはないよ。

It's not like you need to be that discouraged.

Koto wa nai (no need to).

彼はひどく気を落としてしまった。

He completely lost heart.

Shimatta (regrettable completion).

第一志望の大学に落ちて、彼女はすっかり気を落としている。

Failing her first-choice university, she has completely lost heart.

Sukkari (completely) emphasizes the state.

一度や二度の失敗で気を落とすようでは、プロにはなれない。

If you lose heart over one or two failures, you can't become a professional.

You de wa (If it's the case that...).

彼は自分の不注意で事故を起こし、深く気を落としている。

He caused an accident due to his own carelessness and is deeply dejected.

Fukaku (deeply) adds intensity.

気を落としている暇があったら、練習しなさい。

If you have time to be discouraged, go practice.

Hima ga attara (If you have time).

彼女が気を落とさないように、みんなで励ました。

Everyone encouraged her so that she wouldn't lose heart.

You ni (so that).

そんなに気を落とすな。明日は明日の風が吹く。

Don't be so discouraged. Tomorrow is another day.

Use of a Japanese proverb.

彼は失恋して、かなり気を落としているようだ。

He seems quite discouraged after the breakup.

Youda (It seems).

気を落とすのも無理はないが、前を向こう。

It's natural to lose heart, but let's look forward.

Muri wa nai (It's natural/understandable).

計画が白紙に戻り、チーム全体が気を落としている。

The plan returned to a blank slate, and the entire team is discouraged.

Hakushi ni modoru (idiom for starting over).

彼は長年連れ添った愛犬を亡くし、ひどく気を落としている。

He lost his long-time companion dog and is severely dejected.

Nagane tsuresotta (long-time companion).

期待していた結果が得られず、彼は気を落とした様子で部屋を出た。

Not getting the expected results, he left the room looking discouraged.

Yousu de (in a state/manner of).

あまり気を落とされませんよう、心よりお祈り申し上げます。

I sincerely pray that you will not be too discouraged.

Honorific form (sonkeigo).

不景気のニュースばかりで、世の中全体が気を落としているようだ。

With nothing but news of the recession, the whole world seems to be losing heart.

Bakari (nothing but).

彼は自分の力の限界を感じて、すっかり気を落としてしまった。

He felt the limit of his own power and completely lost heart.

Genkai o kanjite (feeling the limit).

気を落とす暇もないほど忙しく働くことで、悲しみを忘れようとした。

He tried to forget his sadness by working so hard he didn't even have time to be discouraged.

Hima mo nai hodo (to the extent of having no time).

そんなに気を落とすことはありません。道は一つではないのですから。

There's no need to be so discouraged. There's more than one path.

Explanatory 'no desu kara'.

長年の研究が否定され、その老学者は深く気を落とした。

His years of research were rejected, and the elderly scholar was deeply discouraged.

Passive verb 'hitei sare' (being rejected).

彼は信頼していた友人に裏切られ、人間不信に陥るほど気を落としている。

Betrayed by a trusted friend, he is so discouraged that he's falling into a state of misanthropy.

Ochiiru hodo (to the extent of falling into).

震災の被害を目の当たりにし、誰もが気を落とさずにはいられなかった。

Witnessing the disaster damage, no one could help but lose heart.

Zu ni wa irarenai (cannot help but).

彼女は自分の才能に限界を感じ、一時は筆を折るほどに気を落とした。

She felt the limits of her talent and at one point was so discouraged she almost gave up writing.

Fude o oru (to give up writing/profession).

気を落としている彼に対して、不用意な言葉をかけるべきではなかった。

I shouldn't have spoken careless words to him while he was discouraged.

Bekidewa nakatta (should not have).

経営破綻の知らせを受け、社員一同、気を落としている暇もなく対応に追われた。

Upon receiving news of the bankruptcy, all employees were busy responding, without time to even lose heart.

Taiou ni owareru (to be overwhelmed with responding).

彼の沈んだ表情からは、どれほど深く気を落としているかが伺えた。

From his sunken expression, one could gather how deeply discouraged he was.

Ukagau (to gather/infer).

過ちを悔やんで気を落とすよりも、その経験を糧にすべきだ。

Rather than losing heart by regretting mistakes, one should use the experience as fuel.

Kate ni subeki (should use as nourishment/fuel).

近代文学において、主人公が些細な挫折で気を落とす描写は、日本的な無常観の表れとも言える。

In modern literature, the depiction of a protagonist losing heart over a minor setback can be seen as an expression of the Japanese sense of impermanence.

Mujoukan (sense of impermanence).

彼は、自らのアイデンティティの根幹を揺るがす出来事に遭遇し、魂を削られるかのように気を落とした。

He encountered an event that shook the very core of his identity and lost heart as if his soul were being carved away.

Tamashii o kezuraru (soul being carved/eroded).

未曾有の国難を前に、国民が気を落とさぬよう、指導者には力強いメッセージが求められている。

In the face of an unprecedented national crisis, leaders are required to provide powerful messages so that the citizens do not lose heart.

Mizou no kokunan (unprecedented national crisis).

芸術家にとって、批評家の酷評に気を落とすことなく、己の道を突き進む精神力は不可欠である。

For an artist, the mental strength to push forward on one's own path without losing heart at a critic's harsh review is essential.

Tsukisusumu (to push forward).

彼の凋落ぶりは凄まじく、かつての栄光を知る者は、今の彼が気を落としている姿を見て言葉を失った。

His decline was so dramatic that those who knew his former glory were speechless seeing him so discouraged now.

Chourakuburi (state of decline).

気を落とすという行為そのものが、自己への過度な期待の裏返しであるという見方もある。

There is a view that the act of losing heart itself is the flip side of excessive expectations of oneself.

Ura-gaeshi (the flip side/reverse).

万策尽きたかのように見えた時、彼は一瞬気を落としたが、すぐに不屈の精神を取り戻した。

When it seemed all measures were exhausted, he lost heart for a moment but immediately regained his indomitable spirit.

Bansaku tsukiru (to be at one's wit's end).

言葉の端々に、彼がどれほど気を落としているかが滲み出ていた。

In every corner of his words, how deeply he had lost heart was seeping out.

Nijimideru (to seep out/ooze).

Common Collocations

ひどく気を落とす

あまり気を落とさない

失敗に気を落とす

すっかり気を落とす

深く気を落とす

一瞬気を落とす

気を落とす必要はない

気を落とす暇もない

気を落としている様子

気を落とさずに

Common Phrases

気を落とさないでください

— Standard polite way to say 'Please don't be discouraged'.

そんなに気を落とさないでくださいね。

気を落とすなよ

— Casual, masculine way to encourage a friend.

おい、気を落とすなよ。

ひどく気を落とす

— To be severely dejected or crushed.

彼は失恋してひどく気を落としている。

気を落とすのも無理はない

— It's understandable that you feel discouraged.

あんなことがあったら、気を落とすのも無理はない。

気を落としている場合じゃない

— This is no time to be discouraged.

今は気を落としている場合じゃないぞ。

すっかり気を落としてしまう

— To completely lose heart, often unintentionally.

すっかり気を落としてしまったようだ。

気を落とさず前向きに

— Don't lose heart, keep a positive attitude.

気を落とさず前向きに行きましょう。

気を落とした様子で

— Appearing to be discouraged.

彼は気を落とした様子で帰っていった。

あまり気を落とさないほうがいい

— It's better not to be too discouraged.

あまり気を落とさないほうがいいですよ。

気を落とすことはない

— There is no reason to be discouraged.

一度のミスで気を落とすことはない。

Often Confused With

気を落とす vs 気を失う

Means to faint. Don't use it for discouragement!

気を落とす vs 気を付ける

Means to be careful. Completely different meaning.

気を落とす vs 気を配る

Means to pay attention or be considerate.

Idioms & Expressions

"肩を落とす"

— To drop one's shoulders; a physical sign of discouragement.

彼は肩を落として歩いていた。

Neutral

"意気消沈する"

— To be crestfallen or dejected.

負けて意気消沈している。

Formal

"青菜に塩"

— Like salt on green vegetables; looking completely wilted/discouraged.

叱られて、彼は青菜に塩の状態だ。

Idiomatic

"力落とし"

— Loss of strength/spirit due to grief or failure.

お力落としのないように。

Formal/Condolence

"うなだれる"

— To hang one's head in shame or discouragement.

彼はガックリとうなだれた。

Neutral

"気が滅入る"

— To feel depressed or gloomy.

雨が続くと気が滅入る。

Neutral

"心が折れる"

— One's heart/will breaks; to lose motivation completely.

あまりの忙しさに心が折れた。

Informal

"目も当てられない"

— Too terrible to look at; often used when someone is pitiably dejected.

彼の気を落とした姿は目も当てられない。

Neutral

"顔に書いてある"

— It's written on your face; used when someone's dejection is obvious.

気を落としているのが顔に書いてあるよ。

Informal

"暗い顔をする"

— To make a dark/gloomy face.

そんなに暗い顔をするなよ。

Neutral

Easily Confused

気を落とす vs 落ち込む

Both mean feeling down.

Ochikomu is a state of depression; Ki o otosu is the reaction to a blow.

彼は一週間ずっと落ち込んでいる。

気を落とす vs 失望する

Both involve disappointment.

Shitsubou is losing hope in something/someone; Ki o otosu is losing your spirit.

政治に失望した。

気を落とす vs へこむ

Both mean discouraged.

Hekomu is slang and used for minor things.

ゲームで負けてへこんだ。

気を落とす vs 落胆する

Both mean discouraged.

Rakutan is more formal/academic.

その結果に落胆した。

気を落とす vs がっかりする

Both mean disappointed.

Gakkari is the feeling of 'oh no'; Ki o otosu is deeper.

雨でがっかりした。

Sentence Patterns

気を落とさないで。

〜で気を落とす。

ミスで気を落とす。

〜て、気を落としている。

負けて、気を落としている。

あまり気を落とさないほうがいい。

気を落とすのも無理はない。

気を落とさぬよう...

気を落とさぬよう、励ましの言葉をかける。

気を落とす必要はない。

気を落とさないでください。

Word Family

Nouns

落胆 (rakutan - discouragement)

気 (ki - spirit)

落とし物 (otoshimono - lost property)

Verbs

落とす (otosu - to drop)

落ちる (ochiru - to fall)

落ち着く (ochitsuku - to calm down)

Adjectives

惜しい (oshii - regrettable)

気分

気持ち

気力

落第

下落

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in everyday conversation and media.

Common Mistakes

気を失う (Ki o ushinau) → 気を落とす (Ki o otosu)
Ki o ushinau means to faint. Ki o otosu means to be discouraged.
気が落ちる (Ki ga ochiru) → 気を落とす (Ki o otosu)
The idiom requires the transitive verb 'otosu' and the particle 'o'.
財布を気を落とした → 財布を落とした
Don't include 'ki' when you drop physical objects.
気を落とすなください → 気を落とさないでください
Incorrect grammar for negative request.
死んだ時に「気を落とさないで」 → 「お力落としのないように」
For death, use the more formal 'o-chikara-otoshi'.

Tips

Encouraging Others

Always keep 'Ki o otosanaide' in your pocket for friends who fail tests or matches.

The Particle 'O'

Never use 'ga' with this phrase. It's always 'Ki O otosu'.

Pair with Adverbs

Use 'hidoku' or 'sukkari' to sound like a more advanced speaker.

The Concept of Ki

Remember that 'Ki' is energy. You are literally dropping your energy levels.

Tone Matters

Say it with a soft voice to show genuine empathy.

Storytelling

Use 'kata o otosu' to describe the physical look of someone who 'ki o otosu'.

Hierarchy

It's safe to use with almost anyone if you use the right politeness level.

Fainting Confusion

Avoid 'Ki o ushinau' unless someone actually passed out!

Slang Alternative

Use 'hekomu' with close friends for a more casual vibe.

Anime Cues

Listen for this when a character's eyes go dark or they look at the ground.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of your 'Ki' (energy) as a balloon. When you fail, you 'Otosu' (drop) the string, and the balloon falls. You are now discouraged.

Visual Association

A person holding a deflated heart-shaped balloon that has fallen to the floor.

Word Web

気落とす元気落ち込む失望がっかり勇気失敗

Challenge

Try to find a scene in an anime where a character looks sad and say 'Ki o otoshite iru' out loud.

Word Origin

The phrase combines 'Ki' (気), a concept borrowed from Chinese 'Qi' meaning vital energy, and 'Otosu' (落とす), the transitive verb for 'to drop'.

Original meaning: To physically let one's vital energy fall to the ground.

Japonic / Sino-Japanese vocabulary influence.

Cultural Context

Avoid using it for very severe grief (like death) unless close to the person.

Similar to 'losing heart' or 'getting down,' but used more in polite consolations.

Used in 'Slam Dunk' when players lose a match. Common in 'Your Lie in April' regarding musical failures. Frequently heard in NHK morning dramas (Asadora).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Failing an exam

不合格
次がある
頑張った
残念

Losing a sports match

惜しかった
ナイスゲーム
練習
悔しい

Business failure

プロジェクト
ミス
挽回
報告

Breakup / Romance

失恋
縁がなかった
新しい出会い
辛い

Losing an object

財布
災難
警察
予備

Conversation Starters

"最近、何か気を落とすようなことがありましたか？"

"友達が気を落としている時、どうやって励ましますか？"

"試験に落ちた友達に「気を落とさないで」と言ったことがありますか？"

"気を落とした時、どうやって元気を出しますか？"

"日本人はよく「気を落とさないで」と言いますか？"

Journal Prompts

最近、ひどく気を落とした出来事について書いてください。どうやって立ち直りましたか？

「気を落とす」と「落ち込む」の違いについて、自分の考えを日本語で説明してください。

誰かを励ます時に使う「気を落とさないで」という言葉の力について書いてください。

もし大切な試合で負けて気を落としている友達がいたら、どんな手紙を書きますか？

自分の「気」を落とさないために、毎日気をつけていることはありますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is transitive because it uses 'otosu' (to drop something). You are the one 'dropping' your spirit.

No, that is not a natural idiom in Japanese. Use 'Ki o otosu'.

'Ki o otosu' is the immediate reaction to a failure. 'Ochikomu' is the prolonged state of being down.

No, it's only for human spirit/energy.

Yes, but use the honorific form 'Ki o otosaremasen you' if they failed at something.

'Genki o dasu' (to cheer up) or 'Ki o torinaosu' (to pull oneself together).

Yes, it is appropriate for the sadness of losing a pet.

You can say 'Arigatou gozaimasu. Ganbarimasu.' (Thank you. I'll do my best.)

Yes, it typically appears at the N3 (B1) level.

Yes, it is written as 気を落とす.