Ever received bad news and felt your shoulders slump?
Or missed a big chance and dropped your head in regret?
That’s when the Japanese word “Gakkuri” fits perfectly —
a vivid word that captures the physical drop of disappointment.
It sounds like an onomatopoeia, but it’s not officially one — it’s an almost onomatopoeia that expresses emotion through movement and feeling.
Before we dive in, hear what it sounds like!
What is “Gakkuri” (がっくり)?
“Gakkuri” describes a sudden loss of strength or spirit —
like when you feel deeply let down, discouraged, or shocked by disappointment.
It’s often paired with the verb kuru or suru as in:
がっくりくる / がっくりする (to feel deeply disappointed)
Pronunciation
gak-ku-ri
(Sharp “gak” followed by a quiet fall — like a sigh that pulls your body down.)
Categories
Emotion
What Does “Gakkuri” Look Like?
It looks like a bowed head.
Like someone collapsing onto their knees in defeat.
Like a heavy sigh as your energy slips away.
How Do You Say It?
Say it with a drop in your voice, like letting go:
Gakkuri…
As in:
Gakkuri shita.
“I was so disappointed.”
Examples in Daily Life
Example 1: Test score shock
He checked his exam result…
and it was far below what he expected.
Gakkuri.
Example 2: Cancelled plans
She had been looking forward to the trip for weeks…
but it was suddenly cancelled.
Gakkuri kita…
Cultural Note
While “Gaku” is a true onomatopoeia that represents a sharp, momentary movement (like a sudden nod or jolt),
“Gakkuri” conveys a longer, deeper emotional drop — often physical, too.
Because it expresses feeling through body language, and is often used with verbs, it’s not a pure sound-based onomatopoeia —
but it’s very close. That’s why we treat it as an almost onomatopoeia.
In English, it might be:
“Heart sank.” / “Totally crushed.” / “Slumped in disappointment.”
Watch & Feel the “Gakkuri” World!
Feel the “Gakkuri” — Missing the Bus
Try Using It!
Missed a train by one second?
Got rejected for something you hoped for?
Dropped your snack on the ground?
Say it with a sigh:
Gakkuri…
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