失望 — meaning in English: Disappointed

shīwàng · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for disappointment

梦想

mèngxiǎng

钉

dīng

天花板

tiānhuābǎn

失望

shīwàng

人类

rénlèi

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 失望 (shīwàng) in personal conversations when discussing unmet expectations, such as when a friend cancels plans or when a student receives a disappointing exam result. It's also common in business settings, particularly when a project fails to meet its goals.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 失落 (shīluò), which also means 'lost' or 'disheartened.' However, 失望 (shīwàng) specifically conveys the feeling of disappointment regarding unmet hopes, while 失落 (shīluò) can imply a more general sense of loss without the expectation component.

Culture

The word 失望 (shīwàng) combines 失 (shī), meaning 'to lose,' and 望 (wàng), meaning 'to hope' or 'to expect.' This reflects a deep cultural understanding in Chinese society about the interplay of hope and disappointment, emphasizing the value placed on expectations in relationships and personal endeavors. Interestingly, the concept of disappointment is often discussed in traditional Chinese literature, highlighting its philosophical significance.

FAQ

Q.What does 失望 mean in English?

失望 (shīwàng) translates to 'disappointed' in English, reflecting the feeling of letdown when expectations are not met.

Q.How do you use 失望 in a sentence?

You can use 失望 (shīwàng) in a sentence like: '我对这次考试感到失望' (Wǒ duì zhè cì kǎoshì gǎndào shīwàng), which means 'I feel disappointed about this exam.'

Q.Are there common mistakes when using 失望?

A common mistake is using 失望 (shīwàng) in contexts where the disappointment is not emotional, such as when referring to a factual disappointment. It's best suited for conveying feelings rather than straightforward negative outcomes.

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Chinese (Mandarin) 2000