Entry
がっかり
gakkari
To feel disappointed or lose spirit when things don't turn out as expected.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term describes a sudden loss of energy or mood caused by unmet expectations or a failure. It captures the feeling of being 'deflated' mentally or physically.
- Feeling sad or low because a plan or hope failed.
- A sudden drop in energy or spirit due to bad news.
Sense Map
Emotional Disappointment
A sense of sadness when reality falls short of expectations.
I was がっかり because of the bad test results.
Physical Dejection
Dropping one's posture or feeling drained of energy from bad news.
He dropped his shoulders in がっかり.
Usage Note
How to Use
がっかりする
The standard verb form meaning to be disappointed.
がっかりした + noun
Used to describe a noun that is disappointing or dejected.
がっかりさせる
The causative form meaning to disappoint someone else.
がっかり（と）する
The addition of the particle と emphasizes the state of dejection.
How to Use
Common Phrases
がっかりする
To be disappointed
がっかりさせる
To disappoint someone
がっかりと肩を落とす
To drop one's shoulders in dejection
がっかりな結果
A disappointing result
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Results | Negative | Reflects the sadness of failure or low scores. |
| Cancelled Appointment | Negative | Reflects the loss of enthusiasm when plans fall through. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
がっくり がっくり / similar | Used when the disappointment is so sudden or heavy that it causes a physical collapse or sharp drop. | Gakkuri is more about the physical 'snap' or sudden drop, while gakkari focuses on the feeling of disappointment. | The knee-joint snapped がっくり. |
うきうき うきうき / opposite | Used when one is cheerful and excited about something pleasant ahead. | This is the polar opposite of gakkari; feelings are rising rather than falling. | Going on a trip with a うきうき feeling. |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using gakkari for just any type of sadness.
Gakkari specifically requires that there was an expectation that was not met.
Confusing it with gennari.
Gennari means to be fed up or sick of something, whereas gakkari is about disappointment.
Examples
Examples
試験の結果が悪くて、がっかりした。
しけんのけっかがわるくて、がっかりした。
I was disappointed because the test results were bad.
LiteralDisappointment due to unmet score expectations.
楽しみにしていた旅行が中止になり、がっかりしている。
たのしみにしていたりょこうがちゅうしになり、がっかりしている。
I am disappointed because the trip I was looking forward to was cancelled.
LiteralLoss of spirit after a big plan fails.
彼はがっかりと肩を落とした。
かれはがっかりとかたをおとした。
He dropped his shoulders in dejection.
VisualShows the physical reaction to disappointment.
期待していた料理が美味しくなくて、がっかりした。
きたいしていたりょうりがおいしくなくて、がっかりした。
I was disappointed because the food I expected wasn't delicious.
LiteralDisappointment because the taste didn't meet expectations.
負けてしまって、がっかりして座り込んだ。
まけてしまって、がっかりしてすわりこんだ。
Having lost, he sat down in dejection.
VisualLoss of energy leading to sitting down.
Similar Words
がっくり
gakkuri
Describes a sudden and profound drop in spirit or physical posture caused by sharp disappointment or exhaustion. Emphasizes a more drastic physical reaction.
げっそり
gessori
Describes looking very thin or emaciated (especially in the face), or feeling completely drained and discouraged after a shock.
げんなり
gennari
A state of losing energy, motivation, or patience due to exhaustion or tediousness.
うきうき
ukiuki
Describes a buoyant, cheerful mood or the feeling of happy anticipation for something pleasant. Feeling cheerful and full of hope.
Questions
What is the difference between gakkari and gakkuri?
Gakkari focuses on emotional disappointment, while gakkuri emphasizes a sudden physical drop or collapse due to shock or disappointment.
Can I use gakkari to say I disappointed my parents?
Yes, you would say 'Ryoushin wo gakkari saseta' (I disappointed my parents).
When should I use the katakana version?
Katakana ガッカリ is often used in informal writing or manga to give the word a more impactful or objective 'sound' feel.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1003170
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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