挫折

• Reading: ざせつ
• Romaji: zasetsu
• Kanji breakdown: 挫 (za) — crush, break; 折 (setsu/o) — break, snap, fold
• Pronunciation: /za.se.tsɯ/

Meaning

Setback; frustration; being daunted; giving up partway through.

A する verb (挫折する) describing the experience of having one's plans or ambitions crushed by obstacles, leading to discouragement or abandonment. Stronger than simply 'failing,' it implies emotional defeat. Often used when discussing personal growth, as overcoming 挫折 is seen as character-building.

Examples

1. 何度挫折しても諦めずに挑戦し続けた。 No matter how many setbacks I faced, I kept challenging myself without giving up.
2. 留学中に言葉の壁で挫折しそうになった。 While studying abroad, I nearly gave up because of the language barrier.
3. 大きな挫折を経験したことで人間的に成長した。 Going through a major setback helped me grow as a person.

Usage Guide

Context: personal development, education, career

Tone: negative

Origin & History

Compound of 挫 (za, to break/crush) + 折 (setsu, to break/snap). Both kanji convey breaking, creating an emphatic image of having one's spirit or plans shattered.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal