In 15 Seconds
- Loss of hope or expectation.
- Used when reality falls short.
- Not for minor annoyances.
- Carries emotional weight.
Meaning
This isn't just a little 'oops.' `失望` (shīwàng) is that heavy feeling when your hopes are dashed. It's when you expected something good, or even just okay, and reality falls way short. Think of it as the emotional equivalent of a deflated balloon – all the air of expectation just gone.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about a canceled plan
哎呀，你们的演唱会取消了？太让人失望了！
Oh no, your concert was canceled? That's so disappointing!
Reviewing a product online
这个手机的电池续航能力很失望。
The battery life of this phone is very disappointing.
Talking about a movie
这部电影的结局让人失望。
The ending of this movie was disappointing.
Cultural Background
The concept of disappointment and dashed hopes is universal. However, the specific term `失望` (shīwàng) reflects a cultural emphasis on 'hope' (希望, xīwàng) as a valuable commodity. In contexts where collective goals or societal expectations are strong, the feeling of `失望` can carry significant social weight, reflecting not just personal letdown but a failure to meet a perceived collective standard.
The 'Sinking' Feeling
Think of the 'shī' (失) in `失望` as 'sinking.' Your hopes sink like a stone when you're disappointed. It helps to visualize that sinking feeling.
Don't Overuse It!
Using `失望` for minor things like a delayed train makes you sound overly dramatic. Stick to bigger letdowns; save it for when your hope truly takes a hit.
In 15 Seconds
- Loss of hope or expectation.
- Used when reality falls short.
- Not for minor annoyances.
- Carries emotional weight.
What It Means
失望 (shīwàng) is more than just being a bit sad. It's about a loss of hope or expectation. You had a certain picture in your mind. Maybe you thought a friend would help. Or perhaps a new gadget would be amazing. When that picture shatters, you feel 失望. It’s that heavy sigh when things don't work out. It carries a weight of unmet expectations. It’s like your personal weather forecast suddenly turned gloomy. You might feel let down, disheartened, or even a bit betrayed. It’s the opposite of excitement or anticipation. It’s the quiet moment after the music stops.
How To Use It
You use 失望 when your hopes are crushed. It applies when someone or something fails to meet your expectations. You can feel 失望 about people, events, or even products. It’s a common feeling, so don't shy away from it. Just be mindful of the context. Is it a major letdown or a minor inconvenience? 失望 leans towards the more significant side. You wouldn't say you're 失望 because your toast is slightly burnt. But you might feel 失望 if your favorite cafe closed down.
Real-Life Examples
- Your friend promised to help you move. They never showed up. You feel
失望. - You excitedly ordered a new game online. It arrived damaged and unplayable. You're very
失望. - Your team was expected to win the championship. They lost in the first round. The fans are
失望. - You studied hard for a test. You thought you'd ace it. You got a bad grade. You feel
失望. - You were hoping for a promotion. Someone else got the job. You feel
失望.
When To Use It
Use 失望 when you genuinely feel let down. This happens when your hopes are not met. It's for situations where you had a positive expectation. This could be about a person's actions. It could be about the outcome of an event. It could also be about a product's performance. Think of it as the feeling after a disappointing movie. You know, the one everyone raved about? Yeah, that feeling. It's also used when you lose faith in something or someone. You thought they were reliable. Now you're not so sure. That's 失望 kicking in.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 失望 for minor annoyances. If your internet is slow for a minute, you're not 失望. You're just annoyed. If you can't find your favorite snack at the store, that's not 失望. That's just a bummer. 失望 implies a deeper sense of unmet expectation. It’s not for everyday, trivial letdowns. Avoid using it when you’re just mildly inconvenienced. It’s like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Overkill, right? Also, don't use it when you're angry. Anger and disappointment are different emotions, though they can overlap. 失望 is more about sadness and loss of hope.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 失望 with simple sadness or anger. They might also use it for very minor issues. It's like calling a drizzle a hurricane. It just doesn't fit the scale.
失望 because the bus is late.
✓I am *annoyed* because the bus is late.
失望 at the bad weather.
✓He is *unhappy* about the bad weather.
失望 her friend for lying.
✓She is *angry with* her friend for lying.
Similar Expressions
灰心(huīxīn): This means 'to lose heart' or 'to be discouraged.' It's very close to失望, but often implies a loss of motivation to continue. You might feel灰心after repeated failures.沮丧(jǔsàng): This means 'dejected' or 'depressed.' It’s a stronger feeling, often implying a more prolonged state of low spirits.不满(bùmǎn): This means 'dissatisfied' or 'unhappy.' It’s more about displeasure with a specific situation or action, less about lost hope.
Common Variations
很失望(hěn shīwàng): Very disappointed. This is the most common way to intensify the feeling.太失望了(tài shīwàng le): Too disappointed! Expresses strong disappointment.令人失望(lìng rén shīwàng): Disappointing (adjective). Used to describe something that causes disappointment. Like a disappointing movie.希望落空(xīwàng luòkōng): Hopes fell through. This focuses more on the dashed hopes aspect.
Memory Trick
Picture a disappointed person sipping (shī wàng) a cup of tea, but it's cold! Their face shows pure 失望. The cold tea represents the unmet expectation, the dashed hope. Sipping the cold tea is the moment of realization. It’s a small, sad, relatable moment. Just like 失望 itself.
Quick FAQ
Q. Is 失望 a strong word?
A. Yes, it implies a significant letdown. It's not for minor inconveniences. Think of it as a serious case of unmet expectations. You wouldn't use it if your Wi-Fi dropped for a second. But you might use it if your whole vacation plan got canceled. It carries emotional weight.
Q. Can you be 失望 about yourself?
A. Absolutely! You can feel 失望 if you don't achieve a personal goal. Or if you act in a way you regret. It’s about your own expectations not being met. Maybe you expected to run a marathon but couldn't finish. That could lead to self-directed 失望.
Q. Is 失望 formal or informal?
A. It's pretty versatile! You can use it in most everyday conversations. It's also fine in slightly more formal settings. Think of a polite complaint email. You could say you are 失望 with the service. It's not slang, but it’s not overly stiff either. It hits a nice neutral ground.
Usage Notes
While `失望` is versatile, avoid using it for minor daily inconveniences as it implies a significant unmet expectation. It's generally neutral in formality but can be intensified with adverbs like `很` (hěn), `非常` (fēicháng), or phrases like `太...了` (tài...le) for stronger emphasis.
The 'Sinking' Feeling
Think of the 'shī' (失) in `失望` as 'sinking.' Your hopes sink like a stone when you're disappointed. It helps to visualize that sinking feeling.
Don't Overuse It!
Using `失望` for minor things like a delayed train makes you sound overly dramatic. Stick to bigger letdowns; save it for when your hope truly takes a hit.
Adjective Power!
You can use `失望` as an adjective describing something. Try `令人失望` (lìng rén shīwàng) - 'disappointing'. Example: 'This movie was `令人失望`.'
Face Value Matters
In Chinese culture, maintaining 'face' (面子, miànzi) is important. Letting someone down or failing expectations can cause both parties to lose face, making `失望` a sensitive topic in certain social contexts.
Examples
12哎呀，你们的演唱会取消了？太让人失望了！
Oh no, your concert was canceled? That's so disappointing!
Here, `失望` describes the feeling caused by the cancellation.
这个手机的电池续航能力很失望。
The battery life of this phone is very disappointing.
Used here as an adjective phrase `很失望` to describe the product's poor performance.
这部电影的结局让人失望。
The ending of this movie was disappointing.
Describes the negative impact of the movie's conclusion.
虽然结果令人失望，但我们尽力了。#努力过就好
Although the result was disappointing, we did our best. #EffortCounts
A common way to express disappointment publicly while maintaining a positive outlook.
我以为你会来帮我，结果你没来，我有点失望。
I thought you'd come help me, but you didn't. I'm a little disappointed.
Expressing personal disappointment towards a friend's action.
对于未能获得此职位，我感到非常失望，但我感谢您提供的机会。
I am very disappointed not to have received this position, but I thank you for the opportunity.
Expressing disappointment professionally, acknowledging the opportunity.
球队的表现让人失望，他们本该赢的。
The team's performance was disappointing; they should have won.
Expressing disappointment about a team's failure to meet expectations.
✗ 我对今天的交通感到失望。
✗ I am disappointed with today's traffic.
Traffic is usually an annoyance, not a cause for deep disappointment.
✗ 他对老板的决定感到失望。
✗ He is disappointed with his boss's decision.
If the feeling is strong displeasure or anger, '不满' (dissatisfied) or '生气' (angry) might be better.
我照着教程做的，结果像个灾难现场，真是太失望了！哈哈。
I followed the tutorial, and it ended up looking like a disaster scene. Truly disappointing! Haha.
Using `失望` humorously for a comically bad outcome.
我对自己这次考试的表现感到非常失望。
I am very disappointed with my performance on this exam.
Focuses on self-expectation not being met.
大家说这里很美，但我来了之后觉得有点失望。
Everyone said this place was beautiful, but after I came, I felt a bit disappointed.
Comparing personal experience to popular opinion.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
The sentence describes a situation where expectations were not met, leading to a feeling of disappointment. `失望` fits this context perfectly.
Choose the sentence that uses '失望' correctly.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Option B correctly uses `失望` to express disappointment about a poor exam result. Option A is incorrect as sunshine is usually positive. Option C uses `失望` in a negative context where it shouldn't be. Option D is incorrect; receiving a gift usually brings happiness, not disappointment.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While '不满意' (dissatisfied) is related, the sentence aims to express a deeper sense of unmet expectation, which `失望` captures better. Using both '不满意' and '失望' here is slightly redundant and less natural. Focusing on `失望` directly conveys the intended meaning more strongly.
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
The phrase `太失望了` (too disappointing) fits the context of a movie whose plot failed to meet expectations after anticipation.
Translate this sentence into Chinese.
This translation uses `感到失望` (gǎndào shīwàng) to express the feeling of disappointment towards the service received.
Choose the sentence that uses '失望' correctly.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Option A is correct as it expresses disappointment about a trip. Option B is too general; 'disappointed' might not be the right word for general shopping. Option C uses `失望` as a command, which is less common than expressing it as a feeling. Option D is grammatically awkward; while the result can be disappointing, linking it directly with 'but he is not angry' needs better phrasing.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While '失望' alone is grammatically correct, in the context of betrayal, a stronger adverb like '非常' (very) or '极其' (extremely) is often needed to convey the depth of emotion associated with such a serious letdown.
Put the words in the correct order to form a meaningful sentence.
The phrase `感到失望` (gǎndào shīwàng) means 'to feel disappointed'. Placing '这次' (this time) before it specifies when the disappointment occurred.
Translate this sentence into Chinese.
Using `令人失望` (lìng rén shīwàng) effectively describes the project's failure as a cause of disappointment.
Match the Chinese phrases with their meanings.
Understanding the nuances between these similar terms is key. `失望` focuses on unmet expectations, `灰心` on loss of motivation, `沮丧` on a deeper sadness, and `不满` on general displeasure.
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
The reason given ('because this doesn't align with my consistent perception of him') strongly indicates unmet expectations, making `失望` the most appropriate choice.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While '我太失望了' is understandable, using '这太令人失望了' (This is too disappointing) more directly links the disappointing outcome (his opposition) to the feeling. It creates a smoother flow and emphasizes the cause of disappointment.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 失望
Rarely used here; might feel overly dramatic.
Ugh, my pizza is cold. So `失望`!
Common in everyday chats with friends.
我以为你会来，你没来，我有点`失望`。
Standard usage, suitable for most situations.
我对这次的考试结果感到`失望`。
Used in polite complaints or formal feedback.
对于未能获得此职位，我感到非常`失望`。
When You Might Feel 失望
Friend cancels plans
你没来，我有点`失望`。
Product doesn't work
这手机太`失望`了。
Job rejection
未能录用，感到`失望`。
Movie/Show ending
结局真`失望`。
Team loses
球队表现`失望`。
Personal failure
我对自己很`失望`。
失望 vs. Similar Expressions
Usage Scenarios for 失望
Interpersonal
- • Friend's broken promise
- • Partner's unmet expectation
- • Trust issues
Products & Services
- • Faulty gadget
- • Bad customer service
- • Underwhelming product launch
Events & Outcomes
- • Cancelled trip
- • Team's loss
- • Failed project
Personal
- • Self-criticism
- • Not reaching goals
- • Regret over actions
Practice Bank
12 exercises我以为他会帮我，但他没有来，我感到很 ______。
The sentence describes a situation where expectations were not met, leading to a feeling of disappointment. `失望` fits this context perfectly.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Option B correctly uses `失望` to express disappointment about a poor exam result. Option A is incorrect as sunshine is usually positive. Option C uses `失望` in a negative context where it shouldn't be. Option D is incorrect; receiving a gift usually brings happiness, not disappointment.
Find and fix the mistake:
我对这个结果不满意，感到失望。
While '不满意' (dissatisfied) is related, the sentence aims to express a deeper sense of unmet expectation, which `失望` captures better. Using both '不满意' and '失望' here is slightly redundant and less natural. Focusing on `失望` directly conveys the intended meaning more strongly.
这部电影的剧情太 ______ 了，我本来很期待。
The phrase `太失望了` (too disappointing) fits the context of a movie whose plot failed to meet expectations after anticipation.
I was disappointed by the service.
Hints: Use '感到' for feeling., 'Service' is '服务'.
This translation uses `感到失望` (gǎndào shīwàng) to express the feeling of disappointment towards the service received.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Option A is correct as it expresses disappointment about a trip. Option B is too general; 'disappointed' might not be the right word for general shopping. Option C uses `失望` as a command, which is less common than expressing it as a feeling. Option D is grammatically awkward; while the result can be disappointing, linking it directly with 'but he is not angry' needs better phrasing.
Find and fix the mistake:
他对朋友的背叛感到失望。
While '失望' alone is grammatically correct, in the context of betrayal, a stronger adverb like '非常' (very) or '极其' (extremely) is often needed to convey the depth of emotion associated with such a serious letdown.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
The phrase `感到失望` (gǎndào shīwàng) means 'to feel disappointed'. Placing '这次' (this time) before it specifies when the disappointment occurred.
It's disappointing that the project failed.
Hints: 'Project' is '项目'., 'Failed' is '失败'., Use '令人失望' for 'disappointing'.
Using `令人失望` (lìng rén shīwàng) effectively describes the project's failure as a cause of disappointment.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding the nuances between these similar terms is key. `失望` focuses on unmet expectations, `灰心` on loss of motivation, `沮丧` on a deeper sadness, and `不满` on general displeasure.
我对他的行为感到______，因为这不符合我对他一贯的认知。
The reason given ('because this doesn't align with my consistent perception of him') strongly indicates unmet expectations, making `失望` the most appropriate choice.
Find and fix the mistake:
我本以为你会支持我，结果你反对，我太失望了。
While '我太失望了' is understandable, using '这太令人失望了' (This is too disappointing) more directly links the disappointing outcome (his opposition) to the feeling. It creates a smoother flow and emphasizes the cause of disappointment.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
20 questionsThe characters break down to 'lose' (失) and 'hope' (望). So, it literally means to lose hope. This perfectly captures the feeling of having your expectations dashed and your hopes vanish.
It can be, depending on the context. 失望 signifies a loss of hope or expectation, which can range from mild letdown to deep disillusionment. It's generally considered more impactful than simple annoyance but less intense than despair.
Technically, you could, but it's generally not recommended. Using 失望 for minor inconveniences, like a slow internet connection, might sound overly dramatic or even humorous. It's best reserved for situations where your expectations were genuinely unmet.
Use 失望 when someone or something fails to meet your expectations or hopes. This could be about a person's actions, the outcome of an event, or the quality of a product. It's that feeling you get when reality doesn't match what you anticipated.
You'd typically say '我对[朋友的名字/他/她]感到失望' (Wǒ duì [friend's name/him/her] gǎndào shīwàng). For example, '我对你没来感到失望' (Wǒ duì nǐ méi lái gǎndào shīwàng) means 'I'm disappointed you didn't come.'
Yes, you can use the phrase 令人失望 (lìng rén shīwàng), which means 'disappointing'. For instance, '这部电影真令人失望' (Zhè bù diànyǐng zhēn lìng rén shīwàng) means 'This movie is really disappointing.'
失望 is quite versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings. It's not slang, but it's common enough for everyday conversation. In professional contexts, it might be used politely to express dissatisfaction, like 'I am disappointed with the results.'
失望 (shīwàng) is about unmet expectations or hopes. 灰心 (huīxīn) is more about losing heart or motivation, often after repeated failures or setbacks. You might feel 失望 about a single event, but 灰心 implies a longer-term discouragement.
不满 (bùmǎn) means 'dissatisfied' or 'unhappy' with something specific. It focuses on displeasure. 失望 goes deeper, involving a loss of hope or expectation. You can be 不满 with slow service, but you'd feel 失望 if the service was terrible after you were promised excellent quality.
Yes, besides 灰心 and 不满, you might hear 沮丧 (jǔsàng), which means 'dejected' or 'depressed,' implying a more profound sadness. The choice depends on the intensity and nuance you want to convey.
Using 失望 inappropriately, like for minor issues, can make your communication sound unnatural or overly dramatic. It might confuse native speakers or make you seem sensitive. It's better to use more fitting words like 'annoyed' or 'unhappy' for smaller problems.
Absolutely. You can say '我对自己的表现感到失望' (Wǒ duì zìjǐ de biǎoxiàn gǎndào shīwàng), meaning 'I am disappointed with my own performance.' This happens when you fail to meet your own standards or goals.
Yes, you can add adverbs like '有点' (yǒudiǎn - a little) or '不那么' (bù nàme - not so) before 失望. For example, '我有点失望' (Wǒ yǒudiǎn shīwàng) means 'I'm a little disappointed,' making the feeling less intense.
The most direct opposites are 期待 (qīdài - to look forward to, anticipate) and 希望 (xīwàng - hope). When things go well, you feel 满意 (mǎnyì - satisfied) or 高兴 (gāoxìng - happy), rather than disappointed.
失望 is quite common. People often express disappointment about everyday things like traffic, weather, or small personal letdowns (though using it for very minor things is less standard). It's a natural part of expressing emotions about life's ups and downs.
Not directly. 失望 inherently describes a negative feeling. However, you might hear it in contexts like 'This result is disappointing, BUT...' where the disappointment serves as a starting point for a more positive outlook or a plan for improvement.
In collectivist cultures, letting down the group or failing to meet group expectations can lead to significant 失望. It might be felt more keenly when it impacts others, not just oneself. Publicly expressing 失望 might also be handled delicately to avoid causing loss of face.
Yes, you can intensify 失望 with adverbs like '非常' (fēicháng - very), '极其' (jíqí - extremely), or phrases like '太...了' (tài...le - too...). For example, '我对这个结果太失望了！' (Wǒ duì zhège jiéguǒ tài shīwàng le!) expresses extreme disappointment.
Native speakers often use 感到失望 (gǎndào shīwàng - feel disappointed) or simply state they 失望. They might also use 令人失望 (lìng rén shīwàng - disappointing) to describe the cause. Context determines the best phrasing, often adding adverbs for intensity.
失望 is disappointment, a loss of hope. 绝望 (juéwàng) is despair, a complete loss of hope, often implying hopelessness and inability to recover. 绝望 is a much stronger and more severe emotion than 失望.
Related Phrases
灰心
related topicTo be discouraged; lose heart
Both `失望` and `灰心` relate to negative feelings arising from unmet expectations, but `灰心` specifically implies a loss of motivation to continue.
满意
antonymSatisfied
`满意` represents the positive state of having expectations met, directly contrasting with the negative state of unmet expectations expressed by `失望`.
期待
antonymTo look forward to; to expect
`期待` is the feeling of positive anticipation before an event, which is the precursor to potential `失望` if the event does not meet those expectations.
沮丧
related topicDejected; depressed
`沮丧` describes a state of low spirits and sadness, often a consequence of prolonged or severe `失望`.
希望
related topicHope
`失望` literally means 'to lose hope' (`失` + `望`), making 'hope' (`希望`) its conceptual opposite and foundational element.
不满
related topicDissatisfied; unhappy
`不满` expresses displeasure, which can be a component of `失望`, but `失望` specifically includes the element of dashed hopes and expectations.
