Feeling discouraged with 気を落とす

The expression 気(き)を落(お)とす is used to describe a state of being discouraged, depressed, or disheartened. It conveys the feeling of losing one’s spirit or motivation when faced with setbacks, disappointments, or difficult situations. Similar expressions in English include “lose heart”, “feel down”, “be discouraged”, “be dejected”, and “feel disheartened”.

Literal Meaning

This expression literally translates as “to drop one’s spirit/energy”. The word 気(き) represents one’s spirit, energy, or mood, while 落(お)とす means to drop or let fall.

Usage

It is commonly used when someone experiences a setback, receives bad news, or faces a situation that dampens their enthusiasm or confidence. The phrase often appears in expressions like 気を落とさないで (“don’t be discouraged” or “cheer up”), which is used to encourage someone who is feeling down. The nuance emphasizes the emotional impact of disappointment and the loss of positive energy or motivation.

Examples

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Feeling discouraged after being turned down for a job with 気を落とす

Hakumei hoped to help with a stone wall restoration, but the repair guild’s chairman refused her, saying she wasn’t needed for the project.

イワシ:

「なあ　ハクメイ。　そんなに気(き)を落(お)とすなよ」

“Hey, Hakumei. Don't be so down.”

Literal: “Hey, Hakumei. Don't drop your spirits that much.”

ハクメイ:

「落(お)としてない」

“I'm not down.”