decepcionarse
verbCEFR B1
What does “decepcionarse” mean in English?
to be disappointed / to feel let down
to be disappointed / to feel let down (decepcionarse con + person or por + reason; reflexive experiencer; false friend: decepción ≠ deception)
Example sentences
Se decepcionó mucho con él cuando descubrió que había tomado esa decisión sin consultarle, porque siempre habían acordado hablar las cosas importantes entre los dos.
She was very disappointed with him when she found out he had made that decision without consulting her, because they had always agreed to talk through important things together.
Me decepcionó bastante la reacción de mi familia cuando les conté la noticia — esperaba más apoyo del que recibí.
My family's reaction when I told them the news disappointed me quite a lot — I expected more support than I received.
No te decepciones si al principio cuesta — las relaciones nuevas siempre necesitan tiempo para asentarse.
Don't be disappointed if it feels difficult at first — new relationships always need time to settle.
How to use it
Decepcionarse means 'to be disappointed / to feel let down'. The reflexive marker se is obligatory; the transitive counterpart decepcionar a alguien means 'to disappoint someone'. The person or thing causing disappointment is introduced by con: decepcionarse con alguien / con algo. The reason can be introduced by por or a relative clause. This is a mild false cognate: decepción does NOT mean 'deception' — it means disappointment. 'Deception' in English is engaño or decepción only in very formal use.
Common mistake
Decepción / decepcionarse does NOT mean deception. It means disappointment. 'Deception / to deceive' = engaño / engañar. The reflexive construction (decepcionarse con alguien) is the experiencer form; the transitive (decepcionar a alguien) makes the person or thing the cause. Do not confuse them.