synonym Comparative
残念
VS
興ざめ
Differences Between "残念" and "興ざめ"
Option A
残念
Meaning
disappointment; regret; pity; unfortunate
Reading
ざんねん (zannen)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
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.
Option B
興ざめ
Meaning
anticlimax, dampening of enthusiasm/excitement, disappointment
Reading
きょうざめ (kyōzame)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼の無神経な一言で、パーティーはすっかり興ざめした。
His insensitive remark completely spoiled the party.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(disappointment; regret; pity; unfortunate)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 残念: 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！』
- 興ざめ: Used when something spoils the fun, excitement, or atmosphere; a 'buzzkill'. Often used as 興ざめする (to be disappointed/have one's enthusiasm dampened) or 興ざめな (disappointing).
- 残念: 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！』
- 興ざめ: Used when something spoils the fun, excitement, or atmosphere; a 'buzzkill'. Often used as 興ざめする (to be disappointed/have one's enthusiasm dampened) or 興ざめな (disappointing).
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!