Gakkuri (がっくり) Meaning in Japanese: Real-life Usage & Nuance Guide

April 10, 2026

What Does “Gakkuri (がっくり)” Mean?

👉 To suddenly slump, drop, or collapse due to loss of physical strength or energy.

👉 To suddenly feel deeply disappointed, dejected, or disheartened; to have one's spirits sink.

🧠 Real-life Impression

When someone uses 'がっくりきた,' it conveys a strong, immediate sense of defeat or exhaustion, like watching someone's posture or spirit visibly give way. It often elicits empathy and understanding of a profound emotional or physical blow.

⚠️ Usage Warning

This word carries a strong emotional or physical weight. It is generally not used for trivial matters. Its usage for inanimate objects is rare unless personified or describing an object's complete failure (e.g., 'a bridge *giving way*'), but primarily applies to living beings or their states.

Social Perception: Expressing 'がっくり' can be seen as an honest admission of being deeply affected by an event, indicating a moment of vulnerability or profound discouragement. Others might perceive it as a natural reaction to significant setbacks and may offer comfort or support.

Nuance & Depth

Describes a sudden, distinct, and often heavy movement of giving way, either physically (e.g., a head dropping, shoulders slumping) or emotionally (e.g., one's hope or motivation collapsing). It implies a significant and abrupt loss of vigor, often accompanied by a sense of defeat or profound sadness.

Gakkuri vs Suddenly slump, give way, collapse (physical); feel deflated, heart sank, be disheartened, deeply discouraged (emotional).: An adverbial onomatopoeia often used with 'と' (to) as がっくりと to describe the manner of an action, or with 'する' (suru) as がっくりする (to slump, to be disheartened). The 'がっ' sound suggests a heavy, sudden impact or yielding, while 'くり' indicates a quick, conclusive action.

Imagine This Situation

👉 A student receiving a failing grade on a crucial exam they studied intensely for, causing their spirits to suddenly drop. An old man's head suddenly dropping as he falls asleep. A structure giving way unexpectedly.

Example Sentences & Audio

1. 努力が報われず、彼はがっくりと肩を落とした。

（His efforts went unrewarded, and he suddenly slumped his shoulders GAKKURI (がっくり, suddenly slumped).）

2. プロジェクトの中止を聞いて、チーム全体ががっくりきた。

（Upon hearing the project cancellation, the entire team was deeply disheartened GAKKURI (がっくり, deeply disheartened).）

3. 眠気に襲われ、がっくりと頭が机に落ちた。

（Overcome by sleepiness, his head suddenly dropped GAKKURI (がっくり, suddenly dropped) onto the desk.）

Summary

👉 がっくり describes a sudden, significant slump, either physically (dropping, collapsing) or emotionally (deep disappointment, dejection), conveying an abrupt loss of vigor or hope.