Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Disappointment" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "disappointment", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
失望
しつぼう (shitsubō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
失意
しつい (shitsui)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "disappointment" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 失望 and 失意.
In Japanese, 失望 (しつぼう (shitsubō)) is typically associated with "disappointment; despair; loss of hope" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to deep disappointment, despair, or loss of hope when expectations or desires are not met. Often used as 失望する or 失望感. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Disappointment! "I disappointed Haruka-san..." ...っ, B-Baka! I would never be disappointed in you! I believe in your potential more than anyone else in the universe!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『しつぼう（失望）！『ハルカさんを失望させてしまった…』って落ち込むなんて、バカね！あんたに失望するわけないでしょ！私は宇宙の誰よりもあんたの実力を信じてるんだから！』.
On the other hand, 失意 (しつい (shitsui)) maps to "disappointment; despair; loss of hope; dejection; downcast" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a state of deep disappointment, despair, loss of hope, or dejection due to failures, losses, or betrayal. Often used as 失意のどん底. A literal translation of "disappointment" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "失望"
最も信頼していたパートナーの突然の裏切り行為に、彼は深く_______し、しばらく人間不信に陥ってしまいました。
By the sudden betrayal of the partner he trusted the most, he was deeply disappointed, falling into a state of distrust in humanity for a while.
Bilingual Context for "失意"
長年連れ添った最愛の妻を亡くし、彼は_______のどん底に突き落とされました。
Having lost his beloved wife who had been with him for many years, he was thrust into the abyss of despair.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "最も信頼していたパートナーの突然の裏切り行為に、彼は深く_______し、しばらく人間不信に陥ってしまいました。" (Meaning: "By the sudden betrayal of the partner he trusted the most, he was deeply disappointed, falling into a state of distrust in humanity for a while.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "失望" fits here because it means "disappointment; despair; loss of hope" in the context of: "By the sudden betrayal of the partner he trusted the most, he was deeply disappointed, falling into a state of distrust in humanity for a while.". "失意" represents "disappointment; despair; loss of hope; dejection; downcast".