Feeling discouraged with 気を落とす
The expression 気を落とす 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 represents one’s spirit, energy, or mood, while 落とす 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.
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.Examples
Feeling discouraged after being turned down for a job with 気を落とす
