Meaning and Usage
The verb '실망하다' means 'to be disappointed' or 'to feel let down.' It is commonly used when expectations are not met, whether in personal relationships, results, or experiences.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '실망하다' in contexts involving promises, results, or performances. For example, when someone fails to keep a promise or when an outcome is worse than expected.
Collocations and Patterns
- '실망하다 + 에/에서' (to be disappointed in/at): Used to specify the cause of disappointment.
- '많이 실망하다' (to be very disappointed): Emphasizes the degree of disappointment.
- '실망시키다' (to disappoint someone): The causative form, meaning to cause disappointment.
Register and Politeness
'실망하다' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Politeness is adjusted by sentence endings, not the verb itself.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '실망하다' with '실패하다' (to fail). Remember, '실망하다' expresses an emotional reaction, while '실패하다' refers to an action or result of failing.
Use '실망하다' when talking about feelings of disappointment, not failure itself.