Korean Dictionary
How to say "Disappointed" in Korean
“Disappointed” in Korean is 실망하다 (pronounced "Silmanghada").
실망하다
Silmanghada
Usage & Context
Describes the feeling when reality doesn't meet expectations. Very common in Korean conversations about failed plans, bad movies, or unmet hopes. 실망시키지 마세요 means 'don't disappoint me' and is used both seriously and playfully.
Example Sentence
기대했는데 결과가 너무 실망스러웠어요.
I had high hopes, but the result was so disappointing.
How to use 실망하다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Disappointed” is 실망하다, romanized as Silmanghada.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 실망하다.
Pronunciation Guide
실 (sil) sounds like 'sill' in 'silly'. 망 (mang) sounds like 'mahng' in 'mango'. 하 (ha) sounds like 'ha' in 'haha'. 다 (da) sounds like 'da' in 'data'. Put it together: 'Sil-mahng-ha-da'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
실망해요
Silmanghaeyo
Common polite form.
Casual (반말)
실망해
Silmanghae
Common casual form.
More Example Sentences
Disappointment after watching a highly anticipated movie.
그 영화는 너무 기대했는데, 보고 나니 실망스러웠어요.
I had high expectations for that movie, but after watching it, I was disappointed.
Feeling let down by a broken promise (casual).
네가 약속을 어겨서 정말 실망했어.
I was really disappointed that you broke your promise.
Determined effort to avoid disappointment.
이번 프로젝트 결과에 실망하지 않도록 최선을 다할 거예요.
I will do my best so as not to be disappointed with the results of this project.
Cultural Context
실망하다 is a strong emotion in Korean culture, often implying a breach of trust or unmet expectations, especially in relationships. Saying '실망했어' (I'm disappointed) to a friend or family member can carry significant weight. It's also frequently used in K-pop to describe fans' feelings when idols are involved in scandals, or in K-dramas when characters face betrayal or failure. The related adjective '실망스럽다' (silmangseureopda) is also very common.
Editorial note
We review entries like 실망하다 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
실망시키다
To disappoint someone
실망이 크다
To be greatly disappointed
실망하지 마
Don't be disappointed (casual encouragement)
Related Expressions
낙담하다
Nakdamhada
To be discouraged, disheartened
좌절하다
Jwajeolhada
To be frustrated, despair
기대하다
Gidaehada
To expect, anticipate (antonym)
만족하다
Manjokhada
To be satisfied (antonym)
More Emotions Words
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