Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Feel" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "feel", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
がっくり
がっくり (gakkuri)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
しゅんとする
しゅんとする (shun to suru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "feel" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between がっくり and しゅんとする.
In Japanese, がっくり (がっくり (gakkuri)) is typically associated with "feel dejected; lose heart; slump; collapse" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 期待外れやショックで、がっかりと気落ちする様子や、体が一気に崩れ落ちる様子を表す。/ Expresses a sudden feeling of disappointment, shock, or despair, often accompanied by a physical slump or drop. Can also describe a sudden collapse..
On the other hand, しゅんとする (しゅんとする (shun to suru)) maps to "to feel dejected, to look crestfallen, to droop" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An onomatopoeic expression describing a sudden feeling of sadness, disappointment, or dejection, often visible in one's posture, expression, or mood. It can also describe plants drooping.. A literal translation of "feel" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "がっくり"
試験に落ちて、彼はがっくりと肩を落とした。
He failed the exam and slumped his shoulders in disappointment.
Bilingual Context for "しゅんとする"
先生に叱られて、子供はしゅんとしてしまった。
The child became crestfallen after being scolded by the teacher.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "試験に落ちて、彼は ＿＿＿ と肩を落とした。" (Meaning: "He failed the exam and slumped his shoulders in disappointment.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "がっくり" fits here because it means "feel dejected; lose heart; slump; collapse" in the context of: "He failed the exam and slumped his shoulders in disappointment.". "しゅんとする" represents "to feel dejected, to look crestfallen, to droop".