Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Disappointment" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "disappointment", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
残念
ざんねん (zannen)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
失望
しつぼう (shitsubō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "disappointment" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 残念 and 失望.
In Japanese, 残念 (ざんねん (zannen)) is typically associated with "disappointment; regret; pity; unfortunate" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to feeling disappointed, regrettable, or showing pity for an unfortunate outcome. Often used as 残念な結果 or 残念に思う. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Disappointment! If you don't spend the weekend with me, it's not just a disappointment, it's a tragedy! So clear your schedule!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『ざんねん（残念）！週末、私とのデートをキャンセルするなんて、残念どころか人生最大の損失よ！分かったら今すぐ這ってでも来なさい！』.
On the other hand, 失望 (しつぼう (shitsubō)) maps to "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！』. A literal translation of "disappointment" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "残念"
楽しみにしていた遠足が雨で中止になってしまい、弟はとても_______そうな顔をしていました。
The excursion he was looking forward to was canceled due to rain, and my younger brother had a very disappointed look on his face.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "楽しみにしていた遠足が雨で中止になってしまい、弟はとても_______そうな顔をしていました。" (Meaning: "The excursion he was looking forward to was canceled due to rain, and my younger brother had a very disappointed look on his face.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "残念" fits here because it means "disappointment; regret; pity; unfortunate" in the context of: "The excursion he was looking forward to was canceled due to rain, and my younger brother had a very disappointed look on his face.". "失望" represents "disappointment; despair; loss of hope".