Disappointment in Japanese: 失望

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失望

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 失望 in various situations, particularly when discussing unmet expectations or feelings of letdown. For instance, someone might express 失望 after a job interview that didn't go well or when a long-awaited event turns out disappointing.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 失望 is 落胆 (rakutan), which means 'dejection' or 'discouragement.' While both convey a sense of disappointment, 落胆 often expresses a more profound emotional slump, whereas 失望 can be used for more everyday disappointments.

Culture

The kanji for 失望 combines 失 (shitsu), meaning 'to lose,' and 望 (bō), meaning 'hope' or 'wish,' creating a powerful visual representation of lost hope. In Japanese culture, expressing disappointment can be nuanced, as it often reflects societal values around humility and emotional restraint.

FAQ

Q.What does 失望 mean in English?

失望 translates to 'disappointment' in English, reflecting a sense of letdown or lost hope due to unmet expectations.

Q.How do you use 失望 in a sentence?

You can say, '私はその映画に失望しました' (Watashi wa sono eiga ni shitsubou shimashita), which means 'I was disappointed by that movie.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 失望?

A common mistake is using 失望 in overly casual contexts where it might feel too strong; for lighter disappointments, words like '残念' (zannen) might be more appropriate.

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