わくわくしています
wakuwaku shite imasu
In Japanese, "I am excited" can be expressed as わくわくしています (wakuwaku shite imasu).
This phrase is used to express a feeling of eager anticipation for something coming in the future. While the English word "excited" can sometimes imply being agitated or worked up, the Japanese term わくわく specifically carries a positive connotation of joyful anticipation.
What does it mean word for word?
The term わくわく is an onomatopoeic expression representing the sound of a heart throbbing or the feeling of excitement and anticipation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The standard polite form is わくわくしています, which is suitable for speaking to strangers, teachers or colleagues. For formal contexts, you may also use Tanoshimi desu! or Kōfun shiteimasu! In informal situations, you can say Chō dokidoki suru! to mean "I am extremely excited".
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form of the verb is わくわくする, meaning "to become excited" or "to feel anticipation". To express the state of being excited informally, you can use わくわくしている, which replaces the polite imasu with the plain form iru.
How do you pronounce it?
wakuwaku shite imasu
Did you know?
- In professional settings, expressing excitement with わくわく can sometimes be seen as too childlike, leading adults to prefer the more reserved 楽しみにしています.
- Japanese has an entire category of words called 'gitaigo' that describe states of being or emotions, like わくわく, which are treated as if they are sounds even though they cannot be heard.
- While わくわく is strictly positive, the similar-sounding phrase どきどき is ambiguous and can mean either heart-pounding excitement or intense nervousness.
Examples in context
- 明日、旅行に行くのでわくわくしています。Ashita, ryokou ni iku node wakuwaku shiteimasu.I am excited because I am going on a trip tomorrow.
- コンサートが楽しみで、わくわくしています。Konsaato ga tanoshimi de, wakuwaku shiteimasu.I am excited because I am looking forward to the concert.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are talking about an upcoming concert.
- 健太 Kenta来週のコンサート、楽しみだね。Raishuu no konsaato, tanoshimi dane.I'm looking forward to the concert next week.
- 陽葵 Himariうん、私もわくわくしています！Un, watashi mo wakuwaku shiteimasu!Yeah, I am excited too!
- 健太 Kentaチケットはもう買った？Chiketto wa mou katta?Did you already buy the tickets?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、準備万端です。Hai, junbi mantan desu.Yes, I am all ready.
