Translation guide
Expresses a state of low spirits, discouragement, or sadness. Japanese has several common verbs and adjectives for this feeling, ranging from mild disappointment to deep gloom.
To say you feel sad, down, or in low spirits in a general sense.
To express loss of motivation or hope after a setback.
Feeling disappointed or let down. Often used when expectations are not met.
結果を聞いてがっかりした。
I was dejected when I heard the result.
A more formal, literary term for being utterly dispirited or crestfallen.
To describe a deeper, lingering sadness or dark mood.
A common adjective for feeling gloomy, depressed, or melancholic. Can describe both mood and atmosphere.
今日はなんだか憂鬱だ。
I feel kind of dejected today.
Describes a gloomy, somber personality or atmosphere. Can be negative if used for a person.
落ち込む implies a more internal, lingering sadness, while がっかりする is often a reaction to a specific disappointment. Use 落ち込む for 'feeling down' and がっかりする for 'being disappointed'.
失恋して落ち込んでいる。
I'm dejected after a breakup.
プレゼントが気に入らなくてがっかりした。
I was dejected because I didn't like the present.
The most common and versatile verb for feeling down or depressed. Can be used for mild to moderate dejection.
最近、ちょっと落ち込んでいる。
I've been feeling a bit down lately.
試験に落ちて落ち込んだ。
I felt dejected after failing the exam.
Literally 'spirit sinks'. A common phrase for feeling heavy-hearted or depressed.
雨の日は気が沈む。
Rainy days make me feel dejected.
Describes a visibly dejected, crestfallen state. Often used for someone looking sad and dispirited.
彼はしょんぼりと帰っていった。
He went home looking dejected.
彼は失敗して意気消沈している。
He is dejected after his failure.
彼は陰気な顔をしている。
He has a dejected look on his face.