Korean word

실망

Pronunciation

Romanizationsilmang

Meaning

  • noundisappointment

Example

그의 행동에 실망을 했어요.keu ui haeng dong e sil mang eul hae sseo yo

I was disappointed by his behavior.

Illustration for 실망 (disappointment)

More examples

그의 거짓말이 모두에게 실망을 줬다.keu ui keo jin ma ri mo du e ge sil mang eul chwot tta

His lies disappointed everyone.

Core concept

A hoped-for result fails to happen, leaving someone feeling let down and discouraged.

Common phrases

  • 실망을 주다sil mang eul chu da

    cause disappointment

  • 실망을 느끼다sil mang eul neu kki da

    experience disappointment

Similar words

아쉬움aswium: A lingering sense of loss comes from getting less than hoped for or missing a chance.
서운함seounham: A person's heart feels heavy when another person's behavior causes hurt or loneliness.
좌절chwajeol: An unsuccessful effort can cause deep discouragement and reduce motivation to continue.
낙담nakttam: A fading wish or expectation can leave someone feeling defeated in spirit.

Definition in Korean

미리 기대하던 일이 뜻대로 되지 않아 낙담하거나 서운한 감정을 이르는 명사.mi ri ki dae ha deon i ri tteut ttae ro toe ji a na nak ttam ha geo na seo un han kam jeong eul i reu neun myeong sa

Word origin

The Sino-Korean compound combines meanings linked to losing and hope, creating the image of hopes falling away when reality does not match expectations.

Usage tips

  • English-speaking learners can use this word for everyday let-downs, including feeling hurt by someone's behavior, not only for major failures.

Other meanings

  • discouragementnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 실망감silmanggamdisappointmentnoun
  • 실망스럽다silmangseureopttadisappointingadjective
  • 실망시키다silmangsikidadisappointverb

Word lists with this word