Disappointment occurs when the gap between expectation and reality is wide.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Feeling sad because expectations were not met.
- Used for deep disappointment or disillusionment.
- Commonly used with the verb suru.
Overview
- 1概要：「失望」は、自分が抱いていた期待や希望が達成されなかった時に感じる、落胆や悲しみの感情を表す名詞です。単に「残念だ」という気持ちよりも、より深く、期待値が高かった分だけショックが大きいというニュアンスが含まれます。2) 使用パターン：主に「失望する」という動詞や、「失望を感じる」「失望させる」といった形で使われます。他者に対しても、自分自身の状況に対しても用いることができます。3) 一般的な文脈：ビジネスの現場で業績が期待を下回った時、スポーツで応援していたチームが負けた時、あるいは信頼していた人の言動に裏切られた時など、非常に幅広いシチュエーションで用いられます。4) 類語との比較：「落胆」は少し古風で文学的な響きがあり、「がっかり」は日常会話で使われるカジュアルな表現です。「失望」はこれらの中では最も硬く、深刻なニュアンスを持つ言葉です。
Examples
彼の態度に失望した。
everydayI was disappointed by his attitude.
今回の結果には失望を禁じ得ない。
formalI cannot help but feel disappointed by this result.
あまり期待しないで。失望するよ。
informalDon't expect too much. You'll be disappointed.
経済政策に対する国民の失望が広がっている。
academicPublic disappointment with economic policy is spreading.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
失望を買う
to incur disappointment (from others)
失望の色が濃い
look very disappointed
失望のどん底
depths of disappointment
Often Confused With
Sounds more literary and old-fashioned. It implies a loss of courage or spirit.
Means 'despair'. It is much stronger than 'shitsubou' and suggests a total loss of hope.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Shitsubou is a formal noun that is rarely used in casual, friendly conversation. It carries a heavy emotional weight compared to gakkari. It is most appropriate in professional, written, or serious public contexts.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use shitsubou for minor inconveniences like a late train. It is better to use gakkari for daily small disappointments. Ensure you use the particle 'ni' to indicate the source of the disappointment.
Tips
Use with 'suru' verb
The most common way to use this word is as a suru-verb: 'shitsubou suru'. It turns the noun into a clear action of feeling disappointed.
Avoid in casual talk
Do not use 'shitsubou' with close friends for minor things. Use 'gakkari' instead to sound more natural.
Contextual weight
In Japanese culture, expressing deep disappointment directly can be perceived as very heavy. Use it carefully in social settings.
Word Origin
The kanji '失' means to lose, and '望' means hope or expectation. Together, they literally mean 'to lose one's hope'.
Cultural Context
In Japanese society, explicitly stating disappointment can be seen as confrontational. It is often used in formal reports or when evaluating performance to maintain professional distance.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Shi' (death/four) and 'tsubou' (tubs). Imagine your hopes falling into a tub of death, leaving you feeling very disappointed.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「がっかり」は日常会話で広く使われるカジュアルな表現です。一方、「失望」はより硬く、深刻な出来事や深い精神的ショックを伴う場合によく使われます。
はい、あります。期待を裏切って相手を悲しませるという意味で「彼を失望させる」のように使います。
はい、非常によく使われます。業績や結果が期待に届かなかった際に「失望の結果となった」のように表現されます。
「期待」や「希望」が対照的な意味を持ちます。また、満足した状態を表す「満足」も文脈によっては反対語となります。
Test Yourself
期待していた結果が得られず、私は深く___した。
期待が叶わなかった状況なので「失望」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
Disappointment occurs when the gap between expectation and reality is wide.
- Feeling sad because expectations were not met.
- Used for deep disappointment or disillusionment.
- Commonly used with the verb suru.
Use with 'suru' verb
The most common way to use this word is as a suru-verb: 'shitsubou suru'. It turns the noun into a clear action of feeling disappointed.
Avoid in casual talk
Do not use 'shitsubou' with close friends for minor things. Use 'gakkari' instead to sound more natural.
Contextual weight
In Japanese culture, expressing deep disappointment directly can be perceived as very heavy. Use it carefully in social settings.
Examples
4 of 4彼の態度に失望した。
I was disappointed by his attitude.
今回の結果には失望を禁じ得ない。
I cannot help but feel disappointed by this result.
あまり期待しないで。失望するよ。
Don't expect too much. You'll be disappointed.
経済政策に対する国民の失望が広がっている。
Public disappointment with economic policy is spreading.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
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.
