Translation guide
The feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one's hopes or expectations.
Expressing a general feeling of disappointment or letdown.
The most direct and common word for 'disappointment'. Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (失望する).
I was disappointed by his attitude.
I feel disappointment at the result.
A very common, slightly more casual and emotional word for disappointment. Often used as a suru-verb (がっかりする) or adverbially.
I was disappointed that I failed the exam.
I was disappointed to hear the news.
Literally 'expectation-miss'. Used when something or someone fails to meet expectations. Often used as a noun or na-adjective.
The movie was a disappointment.
Literally 'to think it's regrettable'. A polite and common way to express disappointment, often used in formal situations.
I am disappointed that I couldn't meet your expectations.
Expressing that you are disappointed in a specific person's actions or character.
Causative form of 失望する, meaning 'to cause disappointment'. Used when someone disappoints you.
He disappointed me.
Causative form of がっかりする, meaning 'to let someone down'. More casual than 失望させる.
He disappointed her by being late again.
Literally 'to misjudge'. Used when someone's actions make you lose respect or think less of them. Stronger than simple disappointment.
Describing a situation, event, or object that is a letdown.
Used as a na-adjective to describe something disappointing. Very colloquial.
It's a disappointing result.
Means 'regrettable' or 'unfortunate', but often used to describe disappointing things. More formal than がっかりな.
That's disappointing news.
Used attributively to modify a noun, meaning 'disappointing' in the sense of not meeting expectations.
Formal or polite ways to express disappointment, often in business or service contexts.
失望 (shitsubou) is more formal and often used in writing or serious contexts. がっかり (gakkari) is more emotional and common in everyday speech. がっかり can also be used as an adverb (がっかりして).
I was so disappointed by his words that I couldn't say anything.
Avoid directly translating 'I am disappointed' as 私は失望している in casual conversation. It sounds stiff. Use がっかりした or 残念だ instead.
I'm disappointed.
To my disappointment, the concert was canceled.
She couldn't hide her disappointment.
His performance ended up being a disappointment.
君を見損なったよ。
I'm disappointed in you. / I thought better of you.
It was a disappointing result.
Expresses a feeling of being pained or sorry, often used when you have to disappoint someone. Very polite.
I am deeply sorry to disappoint you.