失望

• Reading: しつぼう
• Romaji: shitsubou
• Kanji breakdown: 失 (shitsu) — to lose; 望 (bou) — hope, desire, look afar
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.tsɯ.boː/

Meaning

Disappointment; despair. A feeling of lost hope or expectation.

A する verb (失望する — to be disappointed). Stronger than がっかりする (to be let down), carrying a sense of deep disappointment or loss of hope. Often used with に to mark the cause (結果に失望する — to be disappointed with the result). Common in formal writing, news, and literary contexts.

Examples

1. 選挙の結果に多くの人が失望した。 Many people were disappointed by the election results.
2. 親の失望を感じて、彼は黙ってしまった。 Sensing his parents' disappointment, he fell silent.
3. 何度も失望しても、諦めないことが大切だ。 Even after repeated disappointments, it's important not to give up.

Usage Guide

Context: emotions, news, literature

Tone: somber

Origin & History

Compound of 失 (shitsu, to lose) and 望 (bou, hope/desire). Literally 'losing hope' — the feeling when expectations are dashed.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal