What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the noun 楽しみ (tanoshimi), which means pleasure, enjoyment or a fun prospect.
Which one should you use?
While 楽しみにしています is the formal version of 楽しみにしている, you can use the informal 楽しみにしている in casual settings. For even greater levels of politeness or specific emotional nuances, other variations exist.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality determines which version you should use. For polite situations, such as speaking with teachers, bosses or people you do not know well, use 楽しみにしています. Additionally, 心待ちにしております serves as a polite variation of 心待ちにしている.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 楽しみにしています uses the continuous ~te iru form. This expresses a state of looking forward to something that is currently ongoing in the speaker's mind.
How do you pronounce it?
tanoshimi ni shiteimasu
Did you know?
- In highly formal Japanese, speakers may avoid 楽しみ entirely and instead use expressions of 'humble anticipation' to avoid sounding too self-centered in their excitement.
- The phrase 心待ちにしております (kokoro-machi ni shite orimasu) uses a much more evocative imagery than the English equivalent. It literally translates to 'waiting with my heart', adding a layer of profound, patient longing.
- The adjective 待ち遠しい is used when the anticipation is so strong that the actual passage of time feels physically slow.
Examples in context
- 楽しみにしています。I look forward to it.This sentence is useful for saying "I look forward to it."Tatoeba #2041004 by bunbuku, translation #1565471 by CK
- 明日のデート、楽しみにしているI'm looking forward to our date tomorrow.
- 新しい映画を心待ちにしているI'm eagerly awaiting the new movie.
- お取引の成立を心待ちにしております。I am eagerly awaiting the conclusion of our business transaction.
- 明日の旅行を、楽しみにしています。Ashita no ryokō o, tanoshimi ni shite imasu.I am looking forward to tomorrow's trip.
- 新しいゲームを、楽しみにしています。Atarashii gēmu o, tanoshimi ni shite imasu.I am looking forward to the new game.
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are talking about a concert they will attend together.
- 蓮 Ren来週のコンサート、一緒に行きましょう。Raishū no konsāto, issho ni ikimashō.Let's go to the concert together next week.
- 美咲 Misakiはい、とても楽しみにしています！Hai, totemo tanoshimi ni shite imasu!Yes, I am really looking forward to it!
- 蓮 Ren僕も楽しみにしています。Boku mo tanoshimi ni shite imasu.I am looking forward to it too.
- 美咲 Misaki当日はよろしくお願いします。Tōjitsu wa yoroshiku onegaishimasu.I'll see you then.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
