synonym Comparative
失意
VS
手を焼く
Differences Between "失意" and "手を焼く"
Option A
失意
Meaning
disappointment; despair; loss of hope; dejection; downcast
Reading
しつい (shitsui)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
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.
Option B
手を焼く
Meaning
to be at a loss with; to be troubled with; to have a difficult time with (idiom)
Reading
てをやく (te o yaku)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼のわがままな行動にはいつも手を焼いている。
I'm always at a loss with his selfish behavior.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(disappointment; despair; loss of hope; dejection; downcast)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 失意: 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 (abyss of despair). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Dejection? Despair? If you ever fall into the abyss of despair from failing a project, I will stand right next to you and hold you close until your hope returns! Count on me!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『失意のどん底ね…。もしあんたが仕事で大失敗して失意のどん底に落ちても、私が隣でギュッと抱きしめて、光が見えるまで絶対に離さないから！私を信じて頼りなさい！』
- 手を焼く: An idiom meaning to have trouble with someone or something, to be at a loss, or to be vexed by a situation or person. It often implies that the person causing the trouble is difficult to control or manage. 「扱いに困る、苦労する」という慣用表現。
- 失意: 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 (abyss of despair). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Dejection? Despair? If you ever fall into the abyss of despair from failing a project, I will stand right next to you and hold you close until your hope returns! Count on me!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『失意のどん底ね…。もしあんたが仕事で大失敗して失意のどん底に落ちても、私が隣でギュッと抱きしめて、光が見えるまで絶対に離さないから！私を信じて頼りなさい！』
- 手を焼く: An idiom meaning to have trouble with someone or something, to be at a loss, or to be vexed by a situation or person. It often implies that the person causing the trouble is difficult to control or manage. 「扱いに困る、苦労する」という慣用表現。
Want to boost your Japanese vocabulary?
Project Eagle automatically tracks and targets your weak words using AI. Practice thousands of operational exams completely for free!