Translation guide
Expressing eagerness in Japanese depends on whether you are describing a strong personal desire, a keen interest, or an enthusiastic willingness to do something. Common patterns include 〜たい, 〜たがっている, 〜たくてたまらない, and 乗り気.
I'm eager to go.
He is eager to help.
Expressing a strong personal desire to do something.
Attach to the masu-stem of a verb to express 'I want to do X'. This is the most direct way to express eagerness for an action.
I'm eager to go home soon.
I'm eager to start the new project.
Expresses an unbearable desire to do something. Stronger than 〜たい alone.
I'm so eager to see him I can't stand it.
Similar to 〜たくてたまらない, meaning 'can't help wanting to'. Very colloquial.
Describing someone who is very interested or enthusiastic about something.
A noun/na-adjective meaning 'eagerness' or 'enthusiasm', often used when someone is keen on an idea or plan.
Expressing that you are looking forward to something with eagerness.
Literally 'I am looking forward to ~'. This is the standard way to express eager anticipation.
Talking about a third person's desire or eagerness.
Used to describe someone else's apparent desire to do something. Based on 〜たい but for third person.
In Japanese, you cannot directly say 'He wants to do X' using 〜たい because it expresses internal feelings. Use 〜たがっている or add そうだ (e.g., 〜たそうだ) to report what you've heard.
乗り気 (noriki) is about being keen on a specific plan or suggestion, while やる気 (yaruki) is general motivation or willingness to do something. やる気満々 means 'full of eagerness' in a proactive sense.
I'm dying to go on a trip.
He is eager about the proposal.
She doesn't seem eager.
A na-adjective meaning 'enthusiastic' or 'eager', often used for diligent interest in studies or work.
He is studying eagerly.
Means 'full of motivation/eagerness'. Very colloquial and positive.
The new employee is raring to go.
I'm eagerly looking forward to the weekend.
Means 'I can't wait for ~'. Expresses impatient eagerness.
I can't wait for summer vacation.
The children are eager to play outside.