Translation guide
The feeling of wanting to do or have something very much, often with enthusiasm and impatience.
Expressing a strong desire and enthusiasm to do something or for something to happen.
A common word for eagerness, enthusiasm, or zeal. Often used to describe someone's attitude towards a hobby, study, or work.
彼は勉強に熱心だ。
He is eager to study.
彼女の熱心な態度が評価された。
Her eager attitude was appreciated.
Refers to motivation, willingness, or eagerness to do something, often used in contexts of work, learning, or personal growth.
彼は新しいプロジェクトに意欲を見せている。
He is showing eagerness for the new project.
学習意欲が高い学生が多い。
There are many students with high eagerness to learn.
A very common, slightly casual term for motivation or eagerness to do something. Often used in everyday conversation.
やる気があれば何でもできる。
If you have the eagerness, you can do anything.
最近、仕事にやる気が出ない。
Lately, I haven't felt eager about work.
Eagerness and determination, often before starting a new endeavor. Implies a strong, spirited resolve.
彼の意気込みが伝わってきた。
His eagerness was palpable.
Expressing a restless, sometimes impatient, desire for something to happen or to obtain something.
An adjective meaning 'can't wait' or 'eagerly impatient'. Used when you are very excited about something upcoming.
夏休みが待ちきれない。
I can't wait for summer vacation. (I'm eager for summer vacation.)
彼女に会うのが待ちきれない。
I'm eager to see her.
A pattern meaning 'I want to do ~ soon', expressing eagerness and impatience.
早く家に帰りたい。
I'm eager to go home soon.
早く結果を知りたい。
I'm eager to know the results.
A formal, strong word for 'longing' or 'eager desire'. Often used in written or formal contexts.
Showing that you are ready and willing to do something, often in response to a request or opportunity.
Literally 'with pleasure', used to express eagerness to help or accept an invitation. Very common and polite.
喜んでお手伝いします。
I'll be happy to help. (I'm eager to help.)
「一緒に来ない？」「喜んで！」
"Won't you come with us?" "With pleasure! (I'd love to!)"
Means being keen or enthusiastic about a suggestion or plan. Often used in casual conversation.
Describing a negative nuance of eagerness where someone is too forward or aggressive in pursuing something.
A slang verb meaning to be overly eager or greedy, often for food, money, or opportunities. Can have a negative connotation of being desperate or pushy.
彼は出世にがっついている。
He's overly eager for promotion.
An adverb describing the state of being busily and eagerly engaged in something, often with a nuance of restlessness or being driven.
熱心 (nesshin) describes a steady, enthusiastic attitude, often observable by others. 意欲 (iyoku) is a more internal drive or willingness, common in formal contexts like education or business. やる気 (yaruki) is the most casual and common, referring to one's motivation or 'get-up-and-go' feeling.
There is no single Japanese noun that covers all uses of 'eagerness'. Translating it directly as 熱心さ or 意欲 may not always fit. Often, it's better to use an adjective or verb phrase like 待ちきれない (can't wait) or 喜んで (with pleasure) depending on the context.
彼女の手伝いたいという熱心な気持ちに感動した。
Her eagerness to help was touching.
あなたの意欲に感謝します。
I appreciate your eagerness.
彼は平和を切望している。
He is eagerly desiring peace.
He's not very eager about the plan.
彼女が乗り気なら、一緒にやろう。
If she's eager, let's do it together.
彼は金儲けにあくせくしている。
He is eagerly toiling away to make money.