Translation guide
Expresses the feeling of losing hope, confidence, or motivation, often due to a setback or difficulty.
To express that one feels discouraged, demoralized, or has lost the will to continue.
A common and versatile phrase meaning to be disappointed or disheartened. It can be used for both minor letdowns and more significant discouragement.
試験の結果にがっかりした。
I was disheartened by the exam results.
彼の態度にはがっかりだ。
I'm disheartened by his attitude.
To express a loss of hope or optimism about what lies ahead.
Literally 'to lose hope'. A direct and clear way to say one is disheartened about the future.
将来に希望を失っている。
I'm disheartened about the future.
がっかりする focuses on disappointment from an unmet expectation, while 落ち込む emphasizes a depressed emotional state. You can be がっかり without being deeply 落ち込む.
映画がつまらなくてがっかりしたが、落ち込んではいない。
I was disheartened that the movie was boring, but I'm not depressed.
The English phrase 'be disheartened' does not have a single direct equivalent. Using a literal translation like 心を失う is unnatural. Choose the expression that best matches the nuance of your situation.
Means to feel down, depressed, or disheartened. Often used when one's spirits are low due to a specific event.
失敗して落ち込んでいる。
I'm disheartened after failing.
彼女は失恋で落ち込んでいた。
She was disheartened by the breakup.
Literally 'the spirit becomes gloomy'. It conveys a sense of being disheartened or depressed, often by a situation that weighs on one's mind.
雨の日が続くと気がめいる。
I get disheartened when rainy days continue.
Literally 'the heart breaks'. A stronger, more dramatic expression for being completely disheartened or losing all motivation, often after repeated failures.
何度も断られて心が折れた。
I was disheartened after being rejected so many times.
Means to be disappointed or disillusioned. It is more formal and often used when expectations are not met.
彼の行動に失望した。
I was disheartened by his actions.
Means to despair or feel hopeless. Stronger than 'disheartened', used in very serious situations.
彼は人生に絶望していた。
He was disheartened about life.