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.
早く行きたい。
I'm eager to go.
彼は手伝いたがっている。
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.
早く帰りたい。
I'm eager to go home soon.
新しいプロジェクトを始めたい。
I'm eager to start the new project.
Expresses an unbearable desire to do something. Stronger than 〜たい alone.
彼に会いたくてたまらない。
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.
旅行に行きたくてしょうがない。
I'm dying to go on a trip.
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.
彼はその提案に乗り気だ。
He is eager about the proposal.
彼女は乗り気じゃなさそうだ。
She doesn't seem eager.
A na-adjective meaning 'enthusiastic' or 'eager', often used for diligent interest in studies or work.
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.
週末を楽しみにしている。
I'm eagerly looking forward to the weekend.
Means 'I can't wait for ~'. Expresses impatient eagerness.
夏休みが待ちきれない。
I can't wait for summer vacation.
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.
子供たちは外で遊びたがっている。
The children are eager to play outside.
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.
彼は熱心に勉強している。
He is studying eagerly.
Means 'full of motivation/eagerness'. Very colloquial and positive.
新人はやる気満々だ。
The new employee is raring to go.