GAKKA-RI がっかり
Meanings
Describes feeling disappointed, let down, or dejected when reality falls short of what you had expected or hoped for.
Examples
I was disappointed because Santa’s present wasn’t what I had been hoping for.
サンタのプレゼントが期待していたのと違ってがっかり。
I’m disappointed in you—you can’t even do something this simple.
こんな簡単なこともできないなんて、君にはがっかりしたよ。
Dogmatic Opinion
GAKKA-RI is primarily psychological. You expected a particular thing or result in advance, reality came in below that expectation, and your mood suddenly sinks.
The feeling is low, but I do not imagine outright despair. It is closer to an “Oh, man…” than a “What the hell is this?!” level of reaction.
Older usage may connect GAKKA-RI with losing energy through fatigue, but that is not how I would normally use it today. However tired someone is, I would now say they are GUTTA-RI rather than GAKKA-RI or GAKKU-RI.
The image is of your feelings deflating when the hoped-for outcome fails to appear.
Proximate Expression
be disappointed
be(feel) dishearttened
feel let down
Related Words
For Japanese Learners
Disappointed is the safest translation. Let down works particularly well when a person or thing fails your expectations; disheartened may fit a somewhat heavier reaction. GAKKA-RI normally presupposes some expectation or hope that was not met.
