What does it mean word for word?
The expression contains ワクワク (wakuwaku), which is an onomatopoeic expression representing a heart thumping or a sense of restless excitement.
Which one should you use?
While wakuwaku shite imasu emphasizes the physical or emotional sensation of excitement, the phrase 楽しみです (tanoshimi desu) is a more common way to say 'I am looking forward to it'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form とてもワクワクしています is polite. For a more casual way to say 'I am so excited' with friends or family, you can use すごくワクワクしてる (sugoku wakuwaku shiteru). In casual settings, you might also say ワクワクが止まらない！ to mean 'I can't contain my excitement!'
How does it change in a sentence?
The form とてもワクワクしています uses the polite -te imasu construction to describe a continuous state of being excited.
How do you pronounce it?
totemo wakuwaku shite imasu
Did you know?
- While ワクワク is used for positive excitement, the similar-sounding ドキドキ (dokidoki) can mean both excitement and extreme nervousness or fear. Depending on the context, a thumping heart might mean you are terrified rather than thrilled.
- In a professional setting, using ワクワク might actually sound slightly too childish or informal, as it is often associated with the energetic sounds used in children's stories.
- The word ワクワク is written in katakana rather than hiragana to make it stand out visually. This is a common stylistic choice in Japanese to emphasize the sensory or emotional quality of the word.
Examples in context
- めっちゃテンション上がってる！絶対に楽しいだろうなぁ。I am super pumped! It's gonna be so much fun!
- 旅行の予定を聞いて、とてもワクワクしています。Ryokō no yotei o kiite, totemo wakuwaku shite imasu.I am so excited to hear the travel plans.
- 明日からキャンプなので、とてもワクワクしています。Ashita kara kyanpu na node, totemo wakuwaku shite imasu.I am so excited because the camping trip starts tomorrow.
- 新しいゲームが発売されるので、とてもワクワクしています。Atarashii gēmu ga hatsubai sareru node, totemo wakuwaku shite imasu.I am so excited because the new game is being released.
Example conversation
Hiyori and Kenta are talking about an upcoming theme park visit.
- 陽葵 Himari健太くん、来週のディズニーランド、とてもワクワクしています！Kenta-kun, raishuu no Dizunīrando, totemo wakuwaku shiteimasu!Kenta, I am so excited for Disneyland next week!
- 健太 Kenta僕もだよ。何に乗ろうか。Boku mo dayo. Nani ni norou ka.Me too. I wonder what we should ride.
- 陽葵 Himariまずは一番人気の乗り物に行きましょう。Mazu wa ichiban ninki no norimono ni ikimashou.Let's go to the most popular ride first.
- 健太 Kentaいい考えだね。楽しみだ。Ii kangae dane. Tanoshimi da.That's a great idea. I'm looking forward to it.
