Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| emocionado | /emoθjoˈnado/ /emosjoˈnado/ |
| entusiasmado | /entusjasˈmado/ |
The primary way to express being excited is through the word emocionado, which describes an emotional state of being moved or stirred up. If you want to express a high level of enthusiasm or zeal for a specific project or idea, use entusiasmado. To convey excitement specifically related to anticipation or expectations, the word ilusionado is used. If you want to express a strong desire or eagerness for something, you can use the phrase tener ganas.
Which one should you use?
While both words relate to positive energy, emocionado focuses on the emotional state of being moved, whereas entusiasmado is used specifically to express high levels of enthusiasm for an idea or project.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you may hear estar emocionado/a to express excitement or the informal expression estar bien emocionado/a when someone is really excited. In Spain, people often use the informal expression estar flipando to express excitement.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because these words describe a temporary state, you should use the verb estar rather than ser. Additionally, the adjective must agree in gender with the subject. For example, use emocionada if the person being described is female.
How do you pronounce it?
/emoθjoˈnado/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the word excitado to mean 'excited'. In many Spanish-speaking contexts, excitado can carry a strong sexual connotation. Use emocionado instead.
Did you know?
- The phrase tener ganas literally translates to 'having desires', but it is the most common way to say you are 'excited to do' something in a casual setting.
- In Spain, the slang expression estar flipando is used to express being 'blown away' or extremely excited, coming from the word for 'flipping out'.
- The word entusiasmado is the past participle of the verb entusiasmar.
Examples in context
- Tom está muy emocionado.Tom is very excited.This sentence is useful for showing how to use emocionado with the subject Tom.Tatoeba #1415523 by hayastan, translation #1413632 by Spamster
- Está nervioso y emocionado.He's nervous and excited.This sentence shows how to use emocionado alongside the word nervous.Tatoeba #1690784 by marcelostockle, translation #1690565 by Spamster
- Todos están muy emocionados.Everyone's very excited.This sentence demonstrates the plural use of emocionado.Tatoeba #1901510 by hayastan, translation #1898388 by CK
- Estoy emocionado por la conferenciaI am excited about the conference.
- Estoy ilusionado con mi próximo viajeI am excited about my upcoming trip.
- Estoy entusiasmado con mi nuevo proyectoI am excited about my new project.
- Estoy emocionado como un niño/a con mis regalos de cumpleañosI am as excited as a child with my birthday presents.
- Tengo muchas ganas de ver la películaI am really looking forward to seeing the movie.
- ¡Estoy flipando con mi regalo de cumpleaños!I am so excited about my birthday present!
- Estoy entusiasmada con el proyecto que vamos a comenzar.I am excited about the project we are starting.
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are talking about an upcoming trip.
- DanielMañana empezamos el viaje, ¡estoy muy emocionado!Tomorrow we start the trip, I'm very excited!
- LucíaYo también, Lucía no puede esperar.Me too, Lucía can't wait.
- Daniel¿Estás listo para conocer la ciudad?Are you ready to see the city?
- LucíaSí, Daniel, estoy muy emocionado por verlo todo.Yes, Daniel, I'm very excited to see everything.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “excited” translations and entries emocionado, entusiasmado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries entusiasmado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
