Used to describe the feeling of being disappointed when things do not go as expected.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to express feelings of disappointment or being let down.
- Commonly used in everyday conversation to describe personal reactions.
- Indicates a gap between expectations and reality.
類似語との比較
「失望する」はより硬い表現で、書き言葉やフォーマルな場面で使われます。「落胆する」は、より深い悲しみや気力の低下を伴うニュアンスがあります。「がっかりする」は、それらに比べて日常的で、大げさすぎない失望を伝えるのに最も適しています。
Examples
楽しみにしていた旅行が雨で中止になり、がっかりした。
everydayI was disappointed because the trip I was looking forward to was canceled due to rain.
彼の不誠実な対応には、正直がっかりしました。
formalHonestly, I was disappointed by his insincere response.
あーあ、がっかりした。
informalOh man, what a letdown.
今回のプロジェクトの成果は、期待を大きく下回り、関係者をがっかりさせた。
academicThe results of this project fell far below expectations and disappointed the stakeholders.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
がっかりさせないで
Don't let me down
がっかりするな
Don't be disappointed
期待外れでがっかりだ
I'm disappointed because it didn't meet my expectations
Often Confused With
Zannen emphasizes the regret or pity of a situation, while gakkari emphasizes the feeling of personal letdown.
Shitsubou is a formal noun/verb used in written language or serious contexts, whereas gakkari is purely conversational.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Gakkari is primarily used in spoken Japanese to describe personal feelings. It is informal to neutral in register. Avoid using it in professional settings when addressing superiors directly, as it can sound accusatory.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the particle 'wo' instead of 'ni' when expressing the cause of disappointment. Remember that 'ni' is the standard particle for the target of this emotion. Also, avoid using it as a formal report word.
Tips
Use with 'ni' to specify the cause
Always use the particle 'ni' to indicate what caused your disappointment. For example, 'Shiken ni gakkari shita' (I was disappointed with the exam).
Avoid using with superiors directly
Saying 'gakkari shita' to a boss or teacher sounds like you are judging them. It is better to use more indirect or formal language in those settings.
Japanese indirectness and disappointment
In Japanese culture, people often avoid saying 'gakkari' directly to someone's face to maintain harmony. You might hear people express it more subtly.
Word Origin
The word is onomatopoeic, reflecting the sound or image of something collapsing or losing its shape. Over time, it evolved to represent the sudden loss of spirit or expectation.
Cultural Context
Disappointment is often expressed indirectly in Japan to maintain group harmony. Using 'gakkari' is a direct way to show emotion, so it is usually reserved for close friends or family.
Memory Tip
Think of the sound 'gakkari' as the sound of your shoulders dropping down. When you are disappointed, your posture slumps—that is 'gakkari'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「残念」は状況や結果に対して「惜しい」「もったいない」という客観的な評価を含みます。一方「がっかり」は、自分の期待が外れたことによる「感情的な落ち込み」に焦点が当たります。
「がっかりしました」と言うと、相手の行動に対して不満を述べることになるため、非常に失礼に聞こえる場合があります。目上の人には「期待外れでした」など、より丁寧な表現を使いましょう。
はい、「がっかりする」という現在形や、「がっかりしている」という状態を表す形でも使えます。状況に合わせて使い分けましょう。
「がっかり」自体を名詞的に使うことは少ないですが、「がっかり感」のように接尾辞をつけて使うことはあります。
Test Yourself
期待していた映画の内容___がっかりした。
「〜にがっかりする」という形が定型表現だからです。
彼は結果を見てがっかりした。
「がっかり」は「落胆」の日常的な言い換えです。
（テストの / がっかりした / 結果に / 私は）
日本語の基本的な語順は「主語＋修飾語＋述語」です。
Score: /3
Summary
Used to describe the feeling of being disappointed when things do not go as expected.
- Used to express feelings of disappointment or being let down.
- Commonly used in everyday conversation to describe personal reactions.
- Indicates a gap between expectations and reality.
Use with 'ni' to specify the cause
Always use the particle 'ni' to indicate what caused your disappointment. For example, 'Shiken ni gakkari shita' (I was disappointed with the exam).
Avoid using with superiors directly
Saying 'gakkari shita' to a boss or teacher sounds like you are judging them. It is better to use more indirect or formal language in those settings.
Japanese indirectness and disappointment
In Japanese culture, people often avoid saying 'gakkari' directly to someone's face to maintain harmony. You might hear people express it more subtly.
Examples
4 of 4楽しみにしていた旅行が雨で中止になり、がっかりした。
I was disappointed because the trip I was looking forward to was canceled due to rain.
彼の不誠実な対応には、正直がっかりしました。
Honestly, I was disappointed by his insincere response.
あーあ、がっかりした。
Oh man, what a letdown.
今回のプロジェクトの成果は、期待を大きく下回り、関係者をがっかりさせた。
The results of this project fell far below expectations and disappointed the stakeholders.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
