1.
anticlimax; letdown; disappointment
the feeling of disappointment when something turns out to be less exciting, difficult, or significant than expected
拍子抜けした。
It was anticlimactic.
試験が簡単で拍子抜けした。
The exam was so easy it was anticlimactic.
相手があっさり謝ったので拍子抜けだった。
It was a letdown when the other person apologized so easily.
拍子抜け describes the deflated feeling when anticipation is unmet.
KANJI BREAKDOWN:
- 拍子 (rhythm, beat, timing)
- 抜け (to be missing, to fall out)
ETYMOLOGY:
Literally "missing the beat" - when you're prepared for something but the expected moment doesn't come.
USAGE:
- 拍子抜けする (to feel let down, to be anticlimactic - suru verb)
- 拍子抜けだ (it's anticlimactic)
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 肩透かし (disappointment - originally a sumo technique)
- あっけない (anticlimactic, disappointing)
- がっかり (disappointed)
NOTE:
Often used when something you prepared for or worried about turns out to be much easier or less significant than expected.
Related Words
Synonym:
肩透かし (letdown)