Translation guide
Expressing a state of deep discouragement, loss of hope, or dejection. Japanese offers several nuanced terms, from everyday expressions of feeling down to more literary or severe states of despair.
To express a general, everyday sense of being discouraged, disheartened, or in low spirits.
The most common and versatile verb for feeling down, depressed, or discouraged. Can be used for temporary or longer-lasting states.
I'm feeling down because I failed the exam.
He was really despondent after the breakup.
Literally 'the spirit sinks in.' Describes a feeling of being depressed or gloomy, often due to a situation or environment.
Continuous rainy days make me feel despondent.
Onomatopoeic word describing a dejected, crestfallen, or dispirited state, often with a visible drooping posture.
He's looking despondent after being scolded.
To express a more profound, often longer-lasting state of hopelessness and despair.
To despair, to give up all hope. Stronger than 落ち込む, implying a complete loss of hope.
He is despondent about his future.
It's a hopeless situation.
An adjective meaning 'disappointed' or 'disheartened,' often used in more formal or literary contexts. Implies deep disappointment and loss of spirit.
He left his hometown in despondency.
To become desperate and reckless out of despair. Implies a state of 'devil-may-care' attitude born from hopelessness.
I'm so despondent I don't care anymore.
To describe a person's appearance or atmosphere as gloomy, cheerless, or visibly despondent.
A common adjective meaning 'gloomy,' 'melancholy,' or 'depressed.' Describes both a person's mood and a depressing atmosphere.
He has a despondent look on his face.
It's gloomy weather.
Describes a person or atmosphere as gloomy, somber, or cheerless. Often carries a nuance of being dark and depressing.
He is despondent and always alone.
A literary word meaning 'dejected,' 'crestfallen,' or 'dispirited.' Often used in written descriptions.
落ち込む is used for everyday feelings of being down or discouraged, while 絶望する implies a deeper, more existential despair. Use 落ち込む for temporary setbacks and 絶望する for situations where all hope seems lost.
English 'despondent' can sound formal or literary. In Japanese, directly translating it as 失意の or 悄然とした may sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. Stick to 落ち込む or 憂鬱な for most everyday contexts.
He left the room looking despondent.