Ever felt so let down after expecting something great?
Or realized things didn’t turn out as you hoped, leaving you deflated?
That’s when Japanese speakers might use “Gakkari” (がっかり) — and here’s the twist:
It sounds like an onomatopoeia, but it’s not technically one!
Before we dive in, hear how it sounds in Japanese conversation!
What is “Gakkari” (がっかり)?
“Gakkari” is a Japanese expression meaning “disappointed,” “let down,” or “discouraged.”
It expresses the emotional drop when expectations fail to match reality.
After failing an exam → “Gakkari” (I was disappointed I failed.)
After a canceled trip → “Gakkari” (I’m so let down about the cancellation.)
Pronunciation
gak-kah-ree
(Say it with a falling tone, as if your energy is dropping down.)
Categories
Emotion / Feeling
Not an Onomatopoeia!
Although it sounds like an onomatopoeia, “gakkari” is actually a conventional adverb/adjectival expression.
It doesn’t mimic sound or texture — instead, it conveys an emotional state of disappointment.
This makes it different from classic onomatopoeia like “shiin” (silence).
What if we express “Gakkari” as an onomatopoeia?
In Japanese, there’s actually an onomatopoeia that captures the same feeling as “gakkari” (disappointed).
That word is “shun”.
“Shun” expresses the look and feel of someone slumping their shoulders, losing energy, or quietly deflating with disappointment.
What Does “Gakkari” Feel Like?
It feels like a balloon slowly deflating.
Like slumping into your chair after hearing bad news.
Like expecting a gift but opening an empty box.
How Do You Say It?
Say it with a sigh, letting your energy fall:
Gak… kari…
Like your spirit just dropped after something let you down.
Example in Daily Life
Example: Missed concert
She couldn’t get tickets to her favorite band’s show,
and walked home saying —
「がっかり…」 (So disappointed…)
Cultural Note
In English, similar expressions include:
- “I’m disappointed.”
- “That’s a letdown.”
- “Such a bummer.”
But “gakkari” has a sound-symbolic punch that feels more vivid — it makes the disappointment sound heavier and more emotional.
Watch & Feel the “Gakkari” World!
Feel the sigh, the falling energy
It’s not playful like an onomatopoeia — but it’s expressive!
Try Using It!
When you fail a test…
When a fun event is canceled…
When reality doesn’t match your expectations…
Say it with a sigh:
Gakkari〜
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