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B1 noun #3,500 most common 10 min read

失望

shitsubou Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 失望 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 失望 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to express basic emotions. While '失望' (shitsubou) is a bit advanced for a complete beginner, you might encounter it in simple stories or headlines. At this stage, you should understand that it means 'very sad because something you wanted didn't happen.' You probably won't use it in your own speaking yet—you'll likely use 'kanashii' (sad) or 'zannen' (too bad) instead. However, recognizing the kanji for 'lose' (失) and 'hope' (望) can help you start building a foundation for more complex words. Think of it as the 'big version' of being sad. When you see it, just remember it's about a 'missed expectation.' You might see it in a simple sentence like 'He was disappointed.' Focus on the sound 'shitsubou' and link it to the feeling of a balloon popping—the air (your hope) is gone.

By the A2 level, you are beginning to use 'suru' verbs more frequently. You can start to recognize '失望する' (shitsubou suru) as a way to say 'to be disappointed.' At this level, you should learn the basic pattern: '[Something] ni shitsubou suru.' You might use it to talk about a movie that wasn't as good as the trailer, or a test result that was lower than you hoped. You are moving beyond the very simple 'zannen' and starting to use words that sound a bit more serious. It's important to start distinguishing between 'gakkari' (which you use with friends) and 'shitsubou' (which you might see in a textbook or a news clip). You should be able to read the kanji and understand that the first part means 'to lose.' This helps you distinguish it from other 'bou' words like 'kibou' (hope).

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '失望' (shitsubou) comfortably in both speaking and writing. You understand that it carries a certain weight and isn't used for small things like running out of milk. You can use it to describe your feelings about social issues, personal failures, or broken promises. You should also be familiar with the causative form 'shitsubou saseru' (to disappoint someone else), which is very common when talking about family or work relationships. For example, 'I don't want to disappoint my teacher.' You are also beginning to see the word used as a noun in phrases like 'shitsubou no iro' (a look of disappointment). At this stage, you are expected to know the difference between 'shitsubou' and 'zetsubou' (despair), and you should use 'shitsubou' when there's a specific expectation that wasn't met.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '失望' (shitsubou). You can use it in formal essays and debates. You understand its role in corporate and political contexts, such as 'market disappointment' or 'voter disappointment.' You should be able to use more complex grammatical structures, such as 'shitsubou wo kinji-enai' (cannot help but feel disappointed) or 'shitsubou no donzoko' (the depths of disappointment). You also understand the social implications of the word—that expressing 失望 in someone is a significant statement about their character or performance. You can compare and contrast it with synonyms like 'rakutan' or 'genmetsu' in a discussion. Your usage should reflect an awareness of the 'kango' (Sino-Japanese) nature of the word, using it to sound more objective or professional when appropriate.

At the C1 level, you are expected to use '失望' (shitsubou) with the same precision as a native speaker. You understand its literary overtones and its use in philosophical or existential contexts. You can identify the subtle differences between 'shitsubou' and its many synonyms in classical and modern literature. You are comfortable using the word in high-level business negotiations or academic writing to describe the failure of a hypothesis or a strategic letdown. You understand how the word functions in various registers, from the cold, clinical 'shitsubou-kan' (a sense of disappointment) used in sociology to the highly emotional 'shitsubou' used in a dramatic monologue. You can also use the word idiomaticly and recognize its appearance in proverbs or fixed expressions without hesitation.

At the C2 level, you have mastered the entire semantic field surrounding '失望' (shitsubou). You can appreciate the etymological roots of the kanji and how the word's usage has evolved in Japanese history and literature. You can use the word to express complex, multi-layered emotions where disappointment is mixed with other feelings like irony, resignation, or profound disillusionment. You are capable of using the word in creative writing to evoke specific atmospheres. You can also analyze the use of 'shitsubou' in historical documents or complex legal/political texts, understanding exactly what level of failure or loss of trust is being communicated. Your command of the word is such that you can use it to subvert expectations or create subtle rhetorical effects in speech and writing.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

失望 in 30 Seconds

失望 (shitsubou) means serious disappointment or loss of hope.
It is a formal 'kango' word, often used in news, literature, and serious personal contexts.
The grammar pattern is usually '[Source] に失望する' (to be disappointed in/at something).
It is much stronger and more formal than the casual 'gakkari' (let down).

The Japanese word 失望 (shitsubou) is a powerful noun that encapsulates the profound sense of letdown when reality fails to meet expectations. It is composed of two kanji: 失 (shitsu), meaning 'loss' or 'to lose,' and 望 (bou), meaning 'hope' or 'expectation.' Together, they literally translate to the 'loss of hope.' While in English we might use 'disappointment' for small things like a rainy day, 失望 often carries a heavier emotional weight in Japanese, suggesting a deeper psychological impact or a formal evaluation of failure.

Core Nuance: Unlike the light disappointment of missing a bus, 失望 suggests a structural collapse of trust or an emotional void left by a significant failure. It is the gap between a high peak of anticipation and a low valley of reality.

期待が大きかっただけに、結果に対する失望も深かった。 (Because the expectations were so high, the disappointment regarding the result was also deep.)

In interpersonal relationships, 失望 is used to describe losing faith in someone's character. If a friend betrays you, you don't just feel 'sad'; you feel 失望. It implies that you held them in high regard, and that image has now been shattered. In professional contexts, a manager might express 失望 regarding a team's performance, which serves as a serious critique rather than a mere expression of sadness. It is a word that looks backward at what was expected and compares it painfully to what currently is.

新政府の政策には国民全体が失望している。 (The entire nation is disappointed in the new government's policies.)

Societal Context: In Japanese culture, where 'saving face' and meeting group expectations are paramount, 失望 represents a significant social friction. It often appears in news headlines regarding corporate scandals or political failures.

Furthermore, 失望 is often paired with the verb 'suru' (to do) to become 'shitsubou suru' (to be disappointed). It can also be used as a noun followed by 'wo kanjiru' (to feel disappointment) or 'wo ataeru' (to give/cause disappointment to others). Understanding the weight of this word helps learners navigate the emotional landscape of Japanese communication, moving beyond basic adjectives like 'kanashii' (sad) into the realm of complex human evaluation.

彼は自分自身に失望して、しばらく立ち直れなかった。 (He was disappointed in himself and couldn't recover for a while.)

その映画の結末は多くのファンに失望を与えた。 (The ending of that movie caused disappointment to many fans.)

Grammar Tip: The particle 'ni' is used to indicate the source of disappointment: [Source] + ni + 失望する.

親の期待を裏切り、彼らを失望させてしまった。 (I betrayed my parents' expectations and ended up disappointing them.)

Using 失望 (shitsubou) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility as both a noun and a suru-verb. In its most basic form, it functions as a noun that can be the subject or object of a sentence. For example, '失望が広がる' (disappointment spreads) or '失望を隠せない' (cannot hide one's disappointment). However, most learners will encounter it as '失望する' (to be disappointed). It is vital to remember that in Japanese, you are disappointed *at* or *in* something using the particle に (ni).

Pattern 1: [Noun] + に失望する: This is the standard way to say you are disappointed in something. Example: '彼の嘘に失望した' (I was disappointed in his lies).

私は自分の不甲斐なさに失望しました。 (I was disappointed in my own helplessness/lack of spirit.)

Another common construction involves the causative form '失望させる' (to make someone disappointed / to disappoint someone). This is frequently used when discussing social obligations or family expectations. If you fail an exam your parents wanted you to pass, you might say '親を失望させた' (I disappointed my parents). This places the focus on the impact your actions had on others' feelings.

そんなことを言われるとは、本当に失望したよ。 (I was truly disappointed that you would say such a thing.)

Pattern 2: 失望の + [Noun]: Using 失望 as a modifier. '失望の色' (a look of disappointment) or '失望の声' (voices of disappointment/complaint).

In literary or more formal settings, you might see '失望を禁じ得ない' (cannot help but feel disappointment). This is a sophisticated way to express a strong, unavoidable feeling of letdown. It is often used in editorials or formal critiques of public figures. Conversely, for self-reflection, '失望のどん底' (the depths of disappointment/despair) describes an extreme emotional state where all hope seems lost.

彼女の顔には失望の色が隠せなかった。 (The look of disappointment on her face could not be hidden.)

今回の不祥事に対し、多くの市民が失望の声を上げている。 (Many citizens are raising voices of disappointment regarding this latest scandal.)

Pattern 3: [Verb Phrase] + ことに失望する: Used when the cause is an action or event. '彼が約束を守らなかったことに失望した' (I was disappointed that he didn't keep his promise).

期待していた新製品の機能が少なかったことに、ユーザーは失望した。 (Users were disappointed that the new product they were expecting had few features.)

You will encounter 失望 (shitsubou) in various strata of Japanese society, from the nightly news to the climactic moments of a drama. In the world of journalism, it is a staple term. When a stock market crashes, when a beloved athlete fails to qualify, or when a political candidate loses a 'sure-fire' election, the media will report on the '失望' of the supporters or the public. It provides a serious, objective-sounding label for collective emotional letdown.

In the News: Headlines like '市場に失望感が広がる' (A sense of disappointment spreads in the market) are common when economic data is worse than expected.

ファンたちはチームの敗北に深い失望を味わった。 (The fans tasted deep disappointment at the team's defeat.)

In fictional media like anime, manga, and TV dramas, 失望 is a key thematic driver. It is often used during 'betrayal arcs' or when a student fails to meet a mentor's high expectations. A character might look at another and say, '君には失望したよ' (I am disappointed in you), which usually signals a major turning point in their relationship. The word carries a certain dramatic weight—it's not just that the character is annoyed; they have lost their 'hope' (望) in the other person.

「もう君の言葉には失望した。信じることはできない。」 (I'm already disappointed in your words. I can't believe you.)

In Literature: Modern Japanese literature often explores themes of existential disappointment. Authors like Natsume Soseki or Osamu Dazai frequently use terms related to 失望 to describe characters' disillusionment with society.

In everyday life, you might hear it used in a more self-deprecating way. A student who failed to study might say, '自分に失望している' (I'm disappointed in myself). It is less common to hear friends use it casually about small things; if a restaurant is out of your favorite dish, you'd use '残念' (zannen - too bad) or 'ショック' (shokku). 失望 is reserved for when the 'hope' (望) you had was significant. For instance, if you traveled across the country to see a specific landmark and it was closed for renovation, 失望 would be the appropriate word for that deep letdown.

長い間待っていた続編の内容に、多くの読者が失望を表明した。 (Many readers expressed disappointment at the content of the long-awaited sequel.)

人生に失望することもあるが、希望を捨ててはいけない。 (There are times when you might be disappointed in life, but you must not give up hope.)

Contextual Summary: Use it for: Broken trust, failed major goals, political/social critiques, and deep personal disillusionment.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 失望 (shitsubou) is using it for trivial matters. In English, 'disappointed' is a very broad word. You can be 'disappointed' that the coffee shop is out of oat milk. However, in Japanese, using 失望 for such a minor inconvenience sounds overly dramatic or even slightly bizarre. For small, everyday letdowns, use がっかり (gakkari) or 残念 (zannen) instead.

Mistake 1: Over-dramatization: Incorrect: '雨が降って失望した' (I was 'despairing' because it rained). Correct: '雨が降って残念だ' (It's too bad it rained) or 'がっかりした' (I'm let down).

❌ ケーキが売り切れで失望した。
✅ ケーキが売り切れでがっかりした。

Another common error is confusing 失望 (shitsubou) with 絶望 (zetsubou). While they look similar and both involve 'hope' (望), 絶望 is much stronger. 絶望 means 'despair' or 'hopelessness,' often in a life-or-death or ultimate sense. If you are 'disappointed' in a movie, you use 失望. If you feel there is no reason to continue living, you use 絶望. Using 絶望 when you mean 'disappointed' will make you sound like you are in a state of total existential crisis.

❌ 試験に落ちて人生に失望した (I was disappointed in life—too weak for the context).
✅ 試験に落ちて人生に絶望した (I despaired of life—appropriate for the intensity).

Mistake 2: Particle Errors: Learners often use 'を' (wo) instead of 'に' (ni) with 失望する. Remember: [Source] に失望する. You are disappointed 'into' or 'at' the source.

Finally, be careful with the target of the word. Telling someone 'あなたに失望した' is a very aggressive act in Japanese. It is a judgment of their character. English speakers might say 'I'm disappointed in you' to a child for a small mistake, but in Japanese, this would be extremely harsh. For children or friends, phrases like '悲しいな' (It makes me sad) or 'もっとできると思ってたよ' (I thought you could do more) are more culturally appropriate ways to express letdown without the cold finality of 失望.

❌ 子供が野菜を食べなくて失望した。
✅ 子供が野菜を食べなくて残念に思った。

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for negative emotions, and choosing the right word for 'disappointment' depends entirely on the intensity and the context. While 失望 (shitsubou) is the standard term for a loss of hope, several other words occupy nearby semantic space. Understanding these distinctions is key to achieving natural-sounding Japanese.

がっかり (Gakkari): An onomatopoeic word used for the feeling of being let down or discouraged. It is much more casual and common in daily speech than 失望. It focuses on the sudden drop in energy or mood.

楽しみにしていた旅行が中止になって、がっかりした。 (I was let down because the trip I was looking forward to was canceled.)

Another important alternative is 落胆 (rakutan). Like 失望, it is a Sino-Japanese word (kango), but it specifically refers to 'losing heart' or 'losing courage.' While 失望 is about the loss of the *object* of hope, 落胆 is about the *internal* loss of spirit. You might feel 失望 at a result, and as a consequence, you feel 落胆 (become discouraged).

幻滅 (Genmetsu): Meaning 'disillusionment.' This is used when an idealized image of someone or something is shattered by reality. It is a specific type of 失望 where the 'illusion' (幻) is 'destroyed' (滅).

彼のわがままな態度を見て、彼に幻滅した。 (I was disillusioned with him after seeing his selfish attitude.)

Then there is 期待外れ (kitai-hazure). This literally means 'expectations missed' or 'letdown.' It is often used as a noun to describe a thing (a movie, a meal, a product) that didn't live up to the hype. It is less about the deep emotional state of the person and more about the objective failure of the item to meet the standard.

あのレストランの料理は期待外れだった。 (The food at that restaurant was a letdown/didn't meet expectations.)

Comparison Table

失望 (Shitsubou): Heavy, formal, loss of hope/trust.
がっかり (Gakkari): Casual, daily, emotional 'deflation.'
幻滅 (Genmetsu): Disillusionment, breaking of an ideal.
落胆 (Rakutan): Losing spirit/courage after a failure.
期待外れ (Kitai-hazure): Something that didn't live up to expectations.

Finally, for the most extreme cases, we have 絶望 (zetsubou), meaning 'total despair.' Use this only when there is absolutely no light at the end of the tunnel. If 失望 is a rainy day when you wanted a picnic, 絶望 is a permanent winter. Choosing the right one shows your sensitivity to the weight of Japanese emotional expression.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 望 (bou) originally depicted a person standing on a hill looking at the full moon, representing 'looking forward' or 'hoping.' 失望 literally means that moon/hope has been lost.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ɕit͡sɯᵝboː

US ʃitsuboʊ

Flat pitch (Heiban) in standard Tokyo Japanese, but can vary by dialect.

Rhymes With

Kibou (Hope) Zetsubou (Despair) Tenbou (Outlook) Yambou (Ambition) Bou (Stick) Chou (Butterfly) Kou (High) Sou (Layer)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tsu' as 'su'.
Shortening the final long 'o' (saying 'shitsubo' instead of 'shitsubou').
Over-emphasizing the 'u' in 'shitsu' (it is often voiceless/silent in natural speech).
Confusing the pitch accent with 'shitsubou' (despair), though they are often similar.
Merging 'shitsu' and 'bou' too quickly without the slight stop after 'tsu'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Kanji are common but require attention to the 'bou' part.

Writing 4/5

The character '望' is complex to write correctly from memory.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once 'tsu' is mastered.

Listening 2/5

Clear 'kango' sound, easy to distinguish in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

期待 (Expectation) 失う (To lose) 望む (To hope) 悲しい (Sad) 残念 (Too bad)

Learn Next

絶望 (Despair) 幻滅 (Disillusionment) 落胆 (Discouragement) 信頼 (Trust) 裏切る (To betray)

Advanced

意気消沈 (Dejection) 慨嘆 (Lamentation) 慙愧 (Remorse) 焦燥 (Impatience) 虚脱 (Lethargy)

Grammar to Know

〜に失望する

結果に失望する。

〜を失望させる

両親を失望させる。

失望のあまり〜

失望のあまり、食欲がなくなった。

〜ことに失望する

彼が来なかったことに失望した。

失望を禁じ得ない

その決定には失望を禁じ得ない。

Examples by Level

彼は失望しました。

He was disappointed.

Basic noun + desu/mashita.

そのニュースに失望しました。

I was disappointed by that news.

Using 'ni' to show the cause.

失望しないでください。

Please don't be disappointed.

Negative request form: shitsubou shinai de kudasai.

私は少し失望しました。

I was a little disappointed.

Adding an adverb 'sukoshi'.

期待したのに、失望した。

I expected it, but I was disappointed.

Using 'noni' for contrast.

みんな失望しています。

Everyone is disappointed.

Continuous state: shitsubou shite imasu.

失望はよくないです。

Disappointment is not good.

Using shitsubou as a subject.

彼女は失望の色を見せた。

She showed a look of disappointment.

Noun + no + Noun.

テストの結果に失望しました。

I was disappointed in the test results.

Standard 'ni' particle usage.

彼は友だちに失望したようです。

It seems he was disappointed in his friend.

Using 'youdesu' for appearance/inference.

そんなに失望しないで。

Don't be so disappointed.

Casual negative request.

映画の内容に失望した人が多い。

There are many people who were disappointed in the movie's content.

Relative clause modifying 'hito'.

自分に失望するのはやめましょう。

Let's stop being disappointed in ourselves.

Using 'no wa yamemashou'.

彼は失望して家に帰りました。

He was disappointed and went home.

Te-form for sequence of events.

期待が大きすぎると、失望も大きいです。

If expectations are too big, disappointment is also big.

Conditional 'to' for general truths.

父を失望させたくありません。

I don't want to disappoint my father.

Causative form 'shitsubou saseru'.

期待していた新製品の機能に失望した。

I was disappointed in the features of the new product I was expecting.

More complex noun phrase before 'ni'.

彼女は彼の嘘に深く失望した。

She was deeply disappointed in his lies.

Adding the adverb 'fukaku' (deeply).

失望を隠しきれず、彼はうつむいた。

Unable to hide his disappointment, he looked down.

Using the 'kirezu' (cannot completely) form.

今回の不祥事で、国民の失望が広がっている。

With this latest scandal, the public's disappointment is spreading.

Noun 'shitsubou' as a subject.

期待を裏切って、彼らを失望させてしまった。

I betrayed their expectations and ended up disappointing them.

Te-shimau form for regret.

失望することもあるけれど、前を向こう。

There are times when we get disappointed, but let's look forward.

Using 'koto mo aru' for occasional occurrences.

彼の振る舞いには本当に失望させられた。

I was truly made to feel disappointed by his behavior.

Passive causative 'saserareta'.

失望のあまり、彼は何も言えなかった。

He was so disappointed that he couldn't say anything.

Using 'no amari' (so much that...).

政府の対応の遅さに、国民は失望を禁じ得ない。

The public cannot help but feel disappointed at the government's slow response.

Formal expression 'wo kinji-enai'.

期待が大きかった分、失望もひとしおだった。

Because the expectations were so high, the disappointment was all the more intense.

Using 'bun' (to that extent) and 'hitoshio' (even more).

彼は人生の失望をバネにして成功した。

He used his disappointments in life as a springboard to success.

Metaphorical use: 'wo bane ni shite'.

その計画の失敗は、彼にとって大きな失望となった。

The failure of that plan became a great disappointment for him.

Noun + ni natta.

失望の色を隠しながら、彼女は微笑んだ。

While hiding her look of disappointment, she smiled.

Using 'nagara' for simultaneous actions.

市場は予測を下回る決算に失望売りを見せた。

The market showed 'disappointment selling' due to financial results that fell below forecasts.

Specific economic term: 'shitsubou-uri'.

彼の不誠実な態度に、私はすっかり失望してしまった。

I have become completely disappointed in his insincere attitude.

Using 'sukkari' (completely).

失望感にさいなまれ、彼は部屋に閉じこもった。

Tormented by a sense of disappointment, he shut himself in his room.

Using 'ni sainamare' (to be tormented by).

理想と現実の乖離に、彼は深い失望を覚えた。

He felt a deep disappointment at the gap between ideal and reality.

Formal verb 'oboeru' (to feel/experience).

長年の努力が報われず、彼は失望のどん底に突き落とされた。

His years of effort were not rewarded, and he was plunged into the depths of disappointment.

Metaphorical 'donzoko ni tsukiotosareru'.

その作家の新作は、批評家たちに失望の声を上げさせた。

The author's new work caused critics to raise voices of disappointment.

Causative with 'koe wo agesaseru'.

彼女の政治家としての変節は、支持者に深刻な失望を与えた。

Her change of principles as a politician gave serious disappointment to her supporters.

Noun 'shitsubou' + 'ataeru'.

失望はしばしば、新たな自己発見の契機となる。

Disappointment often becomes an opportunity for new self-discovery.

Philosophical subject usage.

彼は失望を顔に出さないよう、細心の注意を払った。

He took great care not to show his disappointment on his face.

Using 'saishin no chuui wo harau' (pay utmost attention).

現代社会に対する失望が、若者の間で厭世観を生んでいる。

Disappointment with modern society is giving birth to pessimism among the youth.

Abstract societal cause and effect.

失望を乗り越える強さが、真のリーダーには求められる。

The strength to overcome disappointment is required of true leaders.

Passive voice 'motomerareru'.

その壮大な構想が瓦解したとき、彼を襲ったのは筆舌に尽くしがたい失望であった。

When that grand vision collapsed, what struck him was a disappointment beyond description.

High-level idiom 'hitsuzetsu ni tsukushigataki'.

人生の不条理に対する失望を、彼は文学という形で昇華させた。

He sublimated his disappointment at the absurdity of life into the form of literature.

Using 'shouka saseru' (sublimate).

期待という名の虚像が崩れ去り、後に残ったのは冷徹な失望だけだった。

The illusion named expectation crumbled away, and all that remained was a cold, piercing disappointment.

Literary metaphors 'kyozou' and 'reitetsu'.

国民の失望を汲み取れない政治は、早晩行き詰まるだろう。

Politics that cannot grasp the public's disappointment will sooner or later reach a dead end.

Using 'kumitoru' (to sympathize/grasp) and 'souban' (sooner or later).

失望の淵に立たされてなお、彼は一筋の光を追い求めた。

Even when standing on the brink of disappointment, he still sought a single ray of light.

Dramatic 'fuchi ni tatasarete nao'.

彼の音楽には、失われた時代への甘美な失望が漂っている。

In his music, there drifts a sweet disappointment for a lost era.

Oxymoronic 'kanbi na shitsubou'.

失望を糧にして成長できる者こそが、真の強者であると言えよう。

One might say that only those who can grow by using disappointment as nourishment are truly strong.

Using 'kate ni shite' (as nourishment/food).

万策尽きた後の失望は、時として悟りに近い静寂をもたらす。

The disappointment after all measures have been exhausted sometimes brings a silence close to enlightenment.

Using 'bansaku tsukita' (at one's wits' end).

Common Collocations

深い失望

失望を隠せない

失望の色

失望を禁じ得ない

市場の失望

自分に失望する

失望を招く

失望のどん底

失望の声

失望感

Common Phrases

失望させる

— To disappoint someone else.

期待を裏切って親を失望させた。

失望を味わう

— To 'taste' or experience disappointment.

彼は人生で何度も失望を味わってきた。

失望に終わる

— To end in disappointment.

その交渉は失望に終わった。

失望を拭う

— To wipe away or overcome disappointment.

失望を拭い去って再出発する。

失望をあらわにする

— To show disappointment openly.

彼は審判の判定に失望をあらわにした。

失望を通り越して

— Beyond disappointment (often moving into anger or apathy).

あまりのひどさに、失望を通り越して呆れた。

失望を買う

— To earn or incur disappointment from others.

彼の態度は周囲の失望を買った。

失望を覚える

— To feel a sense of disappointment (formal).

政治の現状に失望を覚える。

失望が広がる

— Disappointment spreads (e.g., among a group).

若者の間に政治への失望が広がっている。

失望のあまり

— So disappointed that... (expressing a resulting action).

失望のあまり寝込んでしまった。

Often Confused With

失望 vs 絶望 (Zetsubou)

Zetsubou is 'despair' (no hope at all), while Shitsubou is 'disappointment' (loss of a specific hope).

失望 vs 落胆 (Rakutan)

Rakutan is more about the internal loss of spirit, while Shitsubou is about the reaction to a failed expectation.

失望 vs 幻滅 (Genmetsu)

Genmetsu is specific to the breaking of an ideal or illusion about someone.

Idioms & Expressions

"失望のどん底に落ちる"

— To fall into the absolute depths of disappointment.

計画が白紙になり、彼は失望のどん底に落ちた。

Literary

"失望を禁じ得ない"

— Cannot suppress or help but feel disappointment.

彼の無責任な行動には失望を禁じ得ない。

Formal

"期待が大きければ失望も大きい"

— The greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment.

今回の失敗は、期待が大きければ失望も大きいことを教えてくれた。

Proverbial

"失望の色を隠せない"

— Unable to hide the look of disappointment on one's face.

敗北が決まった瞬間、監督は失望の色を隠せなかった。

Neutral

"失望の淵"

— The abyss/brink of disappointment.

彼は失望の淵から這い上がった。

Literary

"失望を糧にする"

— To use disappointment as nourishment for growth.

失望を糧にして、次こそは成功させよう。

Positive/Motivational

"失望の溜息"

— A sigh of disappointment.

会場からは失望の溜息が漏れた。

Neutral

"自分に失望する"

— To be disappointed in oneself (a very common idiomatic reflective phrase).

嘘をついた自分に失望した。

Personal

"失望の極み"

— The height/extreme of disappointment.

それはまさに失望の極みであった。

Formal

"失望を胸に"

— With disappointment in one's heart (usually followed by leaving or continuing).

彼は失望を胸に、静かに部屋を去った。

Literary

Easily Confused

失望 vs 失礼 (Shitsurei)

Starts with the same kanji '失'.

Shitsurei means 'rude' or 'impolite'. It is about behavior, not hope.

失礼なことを言ってすみません。

失望 vs 希望 (Kibou)

Ends with the same kanji '望'.

Kibou is 'hope' (positive), while Shitsubou is 'loss of hope' (negative).

未来に希望を持つ。

失望 vs 残念 (Zannen)

Both translate as 'disappointed' or 'too bad'.

Zannen is lighter and used for situations; Shitsubou is heavier and often used for people or deep results.

雨が降って残念だ。

失望 vs 失敗 (Shippai)

Often occur together.

Shippai is the 'failure' itself; Shitsubou is the 'feeling' caused by the failure.

実験は失敗したが、失望はしていない。

失望 vs 落胆 (Rakutan)

Very similar formal meaning.

Rakutan emphasizes 'dropping' (落) one's 'heart/spirit' (胆). Shitsubou emphasizes 'losing' (失) 'hope' (望).

彼は落胆して肩を落とした。

Sentence Patterns

[Source] に失望しました。

テストの結果に失望しました。

[Person] を失望させたくない。

先生を失望させたくない。

失望の色が [Face/Place] に浮かぶ。

彼の顔に失望の色が浮かんだ。

失望を隠せない。

ファンは失望を隠せなかった。

失望のあまり [Action]。

失望のあまり、泣き出した。

失望を禁じ得ない。

不誠実な対応に失望を禁じ得ない。

失望を糧にする。

失敗による失望を糧にする。

失望のどん底に突き落とされる。

彼は失望のどん底に突き落とされた。

Word Family

Nouns

失望 (Disappointment)

失望感 (Sense of disappointment)

Verbs

失望する (To be disappointed)

失望させる (To disappoint someone)

Adjectives

失望的な (Disappointing - rare, usually use nouns)

望み (Hope)

期待 (Expectation)

落胆 (Discouragement)

幻滅 (Disillusionment)

絶望 (Despair)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media, literature, and serious discussions; less common in light daily chat.

Common Mistakes

Using 'wo' instead of 'ni'. → Kare ni shitsubou suru.
The source of the feeling takes 'ni'.
Using it for a cold coffee. → Ko-hi- ga samete gakkari shita.
失望 is too heavy for coffee.
Confusing it with 絶望. → Shitsubou (disappointment) vs Zetsubou (despair).
Don't say you are in despair over a movie.
Misspelling 望. → 望 (hope) vs 聖 (holy).
The bottom part is 'king' (王) not 'soil' (土).
Using it as an adjective (shitsubou na). → Shitsubou-teki na (rare) or just the noun.
It's primarily a noun/verb.

Tips

Avoid Triviality

Don't use 失望 for minor things. It makes you sound like a drama queen/king. Stick to 'gakkari' for small stuff.

Particle Precision

Always use 'ni' for the cause. 'Kare ni shitsubou shita' is correct. 'Kare wo shitsubou shita' is wrong.

The 'You' Factor

Telling someone 'Anata ni shitsubou shita' is a relationship-ender. Use it with extreme caution.

Formal Nuance

In essays, use 'shitsubou wo kinji-enai' to sound sophisticated and serious about a topic.

Kanji Logic

Remember Lose + Hope. It's the most logical way to remember the meaning and the spelling.

News Keywords

When you hear 'shitsubou' on the news, it's usually followed by 'uri' (selling) or 'hirogaru' (spreading).

Self-Reflection

It's safe to use 'jibun ni shitsubou shita' (disappointed in myself) to show humility and high standards.

Group Expectations

Understand that in Japan, 失望 often comes from failing the group's expectations, not just your own.

The Balloon

Think of a balloon called 'Hope.' 失望 is the sound of it popping and disappearing.

The Moon

Remember the 'moon' in the second kanji. 失望 is like a night where the moon is lost behind clouds.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are holding a 'SHITSU' (sheet) of paper with your 'BOU' (hopes) written on it. Suddenly, you 'lose' (失) the sheet. You feel 失望.

Visual Association

Imagine a person looking at a beautiful full moon (望), and then a dark cloud (失) covers it completely, leaving them in the dark.

Word Web

Hope Expectation Loss Sadness Trust Failure Result Feeling

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a time you felt 失望 using the particle 'ni' for the source.

Word Origin

Sino-Japanese (Kango). It entered the Japanese language via Chinese characters and vocabulary systems.

Original meaning: To lose (失) hope or expectations (望).

Japonic (using Chinese characters).

Cultural Context

Be extremely careful using 'あなたに失望した' (I'm disappointed in you) as it can be perceived as a permanent severing of respect.

In English, 'disappointment' is often used lightly. In Japanese, 失望 is heavier. English speakers should use 'gakkari' for small things.

The 'Lost Generation' (Shitsubou no Sedai) in literature. Political slogans regarding 'Voter Disappointment'. Dramatic scenes in 'The Tale of Genji' where characters feel let down by love.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Work/Professional

結果に失望する
上司を失望させる
計画の失敗に失望する
期待外れの成果

Personal Relationships

友人の嘘に失望する
恋人に失望する
信頼を裏切られて失望する
自分に失望する

Politics/Society

政府に失望する
社会の現状に失望する
国民の失望感
失望の声が上がる

Entertainment/Art

映画の結末に失望する
新作の内容に失望する
ファンの失望を招く
期待外れの続編

Sports

敗北に失望する
不調な選手に失望する
サポーターの失望
失望の色を隠せない

Conversation Starters

"最近、何か失望したことはありますか？ (Have you been disappointed in anything recently?)"

"期待していた映画が面白くなかった時、どう感じますか？ (How do you feel when a movie you expected to be good isn't?)"

"自分に失望した時、どうやって立ち直りますか？ (When you're disappointed in yourself, how do you recover?)"

"政治に対して失望を感じることはありますか？ (Do you ever feel disappointment toward politics?)"

"「失望」と「がっかり」の違いは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the difference between 'shitsubou' and 'gakkari'?)"

Journal Prompts

あなたが人生で一番失望した時のことを書いてください。 (Write about the time you were most disappointed in your life.)

期待を裏切られた時、あなたは相手を許せますか？ (When your expectations are betrayed, can you forgive the other person?)

失望をプラスの力に変えるにはどうすればいいでしょうか。 (How can we turn disappointment into a positive force?)

最近のニュースで失望を感じたものについて述べてください。 (Describe a recent news item that made you feel disappointment.)

自分自身に失望しないために、どのような工夫をしていますか？ (What steps do you take to avoid being disappointed in yourself?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It's better to use 'kitai-hazure' (missed expectations) or 'zannen' (too bad). 失望 sounds like the meal destroyed your hope for humanity.

No, it is primarily a noun. You can say 'shitsubou wo kanjiru' (feel disappointment) or add 'suru' to make it a verb.

Honestly, there isn't a truly 'polite' way because the sentiment is harsh. You might say 'Kitai shite ita no desu ga...' (I was expecting [more], but...).

がっかり is casual and onomatopoeic, like 'oh man!'. 失望 is formal and serious, like 'I have lost faith'.

Yes, very often. It's used to describe market reactions to bad earnings or failed negotiations.

Generally no, but you can say 'shitsubou wo kate ni suru' (use disappointment as nourishment) to mean growing from failure.

The particle 'ni' is used for the source: '[Source] ni shitsubou suru'.

In standard Tokyo Japanese, the 'u' is often whispered or silent, making it sound more like 'shits-bou'.

No, that's too light. Use 'shokku' or 'zannen'.

Yes, especially during emotional climaxes where a character loses trust in a mentor or friend.