幻滅

• Reading: げんめつ
• Romaji: genmetsu
• Kanji breakdown: 幻 (gen/maboroshi) — illusion, phantom; 滅 (metsu) — extinguish, destroy
• Pronunciation: /ɡen.me.t͡sɯ/

Meaning

Disillusionment; disenchantment. The shattering of an illusion or ideal.

A noun describing the feeling when reality fails to match one's expectations or ideals. Often used in political, romantic, or professional contexts when trust or admiration collapses. Pairs naturally with する to form a verb meaning 'to become disillusioned'.

Examples

1. 政治家の汚職事件が明るみに出て、多くの国民が幻滅を感じた。 When the politician's corruption was brought to light, many citizens felt a profound sense of disillusionment.
2. 憧れていた業界に入ったが、現実とのギャップに幻滅した。 She joined an industry she had long admired, only to become disillusioned by the gap between her expectations and reality.
3. 彼女の言動のあまりの落差に、深い幻滅を覚えた。 The sheer disparity between what she had said and how she had acted left him feeling a deep disenchantment.

Usage Guide

Context: emotions, politics, relationships, career

Tone: negative

Origin & History

Compound of 幻 (gen, illusion/phantom) and 滅 (metsu, extinguishing/destruction). Literally 'the destruction of illusions,' the word emerged in the Meiji era as Japan encountered gaps between modern ideals and reality.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal