Translation guide
The English word "disillusion" is often a verb meaning to cause someone to realize that a belief or ideal is false. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, you express the idea through phrases about shattered illusions, disappointment, or awakening to reality.
Reality disillusioned him.
Literally 'to break a dream'. Used when someone's hopeful dream or ideal is destroyed by reality.
The news disillusioned her.
Literally 'to make someone open their eyes'. It means to make someone realize the truth, often from a naive or mistaken belief.
His words disillusioned me.
A direct translation using the word 幻滅 (disillusionment). It is understandable but less common in everyday speech; more literary or formal.
That experience disillusioned him.
Expressing the state of having lost one's illusions or naive beliefs.
Literally 'illusions are shattered'. This is a natural way to say you became disillusioned.
He became disillusioned after learning the truth.
The verb 'to be disillusioned'. It is somewhat formal and often used in writing.
He became disillusioned with politics.
Literally 'to wake from a dream'. It implies a return to reality from a hopeful or idealized state.
She became disillusioned.
Means 'to be disappointed'. While not a perfect match, it is often used when disillusionment leads to disappointment.
I was disillusioned by his attitude.
Describing a person who has lost their illusions.
The past tense of 幻滅する used as an adjective. Common in written and spoken language.
The number of disillusioned young people is increasing.
Literally 'dream-broken'. It describes someone whose dreams or hopes have been shattered.
He is a disillusioned artist.
Means 'cooled down' or 'become cynical'. It can describe someone who has lost their passion or idealism.
He looks at the world with disillusioned eyes.
There is no single Japanese verb that perfectly matches 'disillusion'. Using 幻滅させる is possible but can sound unnatural or overly formal. Instead, use phrases like 幻想を打ち砕く or 夢を壊す for the active sense, and 幻滅する or 夢から覚める for the passive sense.