Translation guide
Expressing excitement, delight, or great pleasure in Japanese. The best choice depends on the intensity and context.
Expressing that you are very happy, excited, or delighted about something.
Expresses a sense of excited anticipation, like looking forward to something fun. Very common and natural.
旅行のことを考えるとワクワクする。
I get thrilled just thinking about the trip.
Simply means 'very happy'. Suitable for many situations, but less intense than 'thrilled'.
プレゼントをもらってとても嬉しい。
I'm thrilled to receive this present.
Means 'to be excited' or 'thrilled', often with a stronger, sometimes agitated nuance. Can be used for both positive and negative excitement.
初めてのコンサートで興奮した。
I was thrilled at my first concert.
Means 'to be deeply moved' or 'touched'. Used when something emotionally impactful happens, like a beautiful performance.
その映画に感動して涙が出た。
I was so thrilled by the movie that I cried.
Reacting to good news or a positive outcome with strong pleasure.
A very common way to say 'I'm really happy/thrilled' about something specific.
合格できてすごく嬉しい！
I'm thrilled that I passed!
Expresses deep gratitude and emotion, often used when receiving a favor or experiencing something wonderful.
こんな素敵な贈り物をいただいて感激しています。
I'm thrilled to receive such a wonderful gift.
Means 'to be overjoyed'. It's a bit more expressive and can sound slightly childish or very enthusiastic.
彼女はその知らせを聞いて大喜びした。
She was thrilled to hear the news.
Describing the feeling of being thrilled by an exciting or breathtaking experience.
Literally 'has thrill'. Used to describe something that gives you a thrilling sensation, like a roller coaster.
このジェットコースターは本当にスリルがある。
This roller coaster is really thrilling.
Idiom meaning 'gripping' or 'thrilling', literally 'sweating in your hands'. Used for suspenseful or exciting situations.
手に汗握る試合だった。
It was a thrilling match.
Describes a shiver of excitement or thrill, often from something scary or intensely exciting.
ホラー映画を見てゾクゾクした。
I got a thrill from watching the horror movie.
ワクワク is a positive, childlike excitement, often about future events. 興奮 can be positive or negative and implies a heightened emotional state, sometimes with loss of composure.
明日の遠足がワクワクする。
I'm thrilled about tomorrow's field trip.
サッカーの試合で興奮しすぎて声がかれた。
I got so excited during the soccer match that I lost my voice.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'thrilled'. Avoid direct translations like 'スリルされる' which is incorrect. Choose the expression that matches the specific feeling.