1.
sense of desolation; feeling of loneliness
A deep, literary feeling of loneliness or emptiness, often tinged with melancholy. More poetic and profound than simple loneliness.
寂寥感に包まれる。
To be enveloped in a sense of desolation.
秋の夕暮れは寂寥感を誘う。
Autumn evenings evoke a feeling of desolation.
友人が引っ越してから、言いようのない寂寥感を感じている。
Since my friend moved away, I've been feeling an indescribable sense of desolation.
A compound of 寂寥 (loneliness, desolation) and 感 (feeling, sense). This is a literary, elevated word that conveys a deeper, more existential loneliness than everyday words like 寂しさ.
USAGE:
Appears primarily in written language — literature, essays, film criticism, and poetic descriptions. It suggests not just being alone, but a profound awareness of emptiness or transience. Often associated with autumn, twilight, and endings.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 寂寥感に包まれる — to be enveloped in desolation
- 寂寥感を感じる — to feel a sense of desolation
- 寂寥感を誘う — to evoke a feeling of desolation
- 寂寥感が漂う — desolation drifts in the air
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 孤独感 — sense of isolation; focuses on being alone or cut off from others
- 寂しさ — loneliness; the most common everyday word
- 哀愁 — pathos, melancholy; a romantic sadness, less desolate