Translation guide
Dismay is a feeling of shock, disappointment, and sadness caused by something unexpected and unpleasant. In Japanese, it is expressed through various words and phrases that convey shock, discouragement, or distress, depending on the context.
To express a sudden feeling of shock, distress, or alarm at an unpleasant event or news.
A strong word for being stunned or dumbfounded, often used in written or formal contexts. It conveys a sense of shock and dismay.
I was dismayed to hear the news.
A common, everyday expression meaning 'to be shocked'. It covers a range of negative surprise, including dismay.
I was dismayed by his sudden resignation.
Focuses on the disappointment aspect of dismay. It means to be discouraged or disheartened.
I was dismayed by the rejection notice.
A very common word for disappointment. While milder than 'dismay', it can be used when the dismay is primarily about letdown.
I was dismayed precisely because I had high hopes.
A formal term meaning concern or apprehension, often used in news or official statements to express dismay about a situation.
The government is dismayed by the situation.
To express a feeling of being discouraged or disheartened, often after a setback.
Describes a state of being dispirited or dejected. It captures the sinking feeling of dismay.
The team is dismayed after the defeat.
Means disappointment or disillusionment. It can be used when dismay stems from unmet expectations.
An idiomatic phrase meaning to feel depressed or dispirited. It conveys a sense of dismay that weighs on one's mind.
I feel dismayed by all the bad news.
To express dismay at someone's behavior or decision, often implying disapproval.
愕然 (がくぜん) is a stronger, more literary term for being stunned or dismayed, while ショックを受ける is a common, everyday expression for being shocked. Use 愕然 in writing or formal speech, and ショックを受ける in casual conversation.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'dismay' in all contexts. Translating it directly as がっかり (disappointment) or ショック (shock) may not capture the full nuance. Choose the expression that best fits the specific shade of meaning.
To my dismay, the event was canceled.
Uses がっかり for a personal sense of disappointment.
彼の行動に失望した。
I was dismayed by his behavior.
彼の突然の告白に呆然とした。
I was dismayed by his sudden confession.