Translation guide
The feeling of being excited, enthusiastic, or stirred up. Japanese expresses this through nouns, adjectives, verbs, and onomatopoeia, depending on whether you're describing a state, a reaction, or an atmosphere.
Expressing a personal feeling of being excited, thrilled, or looking forward to something.
A general noun for excitement, often used for emotional or physical arousal. Can be used in formal and casual contexts.
試合の前はいつも興奮する。
I always get excited before a match.
Onomatopoeic adverb describing a light, happy excitement or anticipation, like looking forward to something fun.
旅行のことを考えるとワクワクする。
I get excited just thinking about the trip.
Onomatopoeia for a pounding heart, often from nervous excitement or romantic tension.
初めてのデートでドキドキした。
I was excited/nervous on my first date.
A more literary or formal term for an elevated, elated feeling of excitement.
成功の瞬間、高揚感に包まれた。
At the moment of success, I was filled with excitement.
Referring to something that causes excitement, like an event or news.
Can also refer to the excitement itself as a phenomenon or event.
そのニュースは大きな興奮を引き起こした。
The news caused great excitement.
Refers to a buildup of excitement or enthusiasm in a group, like at a party or event.
Literally 'heat', used for the excited atmosphere of a crowd or event.
Describing someone as excited.
The standard way to say 'I am excited' or 'he is excited' using the noun 興奮.
彼は新しいゲームに興奮している。
He is excited about the new game.
Expresses a cheerful, anticipatory excitement.
明日のコンサートが楽しみでワクワクしている。
I'm excited about tomorrow's concert.
Used when the excitement is mixed with nervousness or a racing heart.
面接の前でドキドキしている。
I'm excited/nervous before the interview.
Expressing the process of becoming excited.
Verb form meaning 'to get excited'. Can be used for any kind of excitement.
サプライズに興奮した。
I got excited by the surprise.
Intransitive verb for a group or atmosphere getting lively and excited.
ライブがだんだん盛り上がってきた。
The concert is getting more and more exciting.
Literally 'become hot', used figuratively for getting passionate or excited about something.
議論に熱くなった。
I got excited/passionate in the debate.
ワクワク is positive anticipation (like a child before Christmas). ドキドキ includes nervousness or romantic tension. 興奮 is a broader, more intense excitement that can be positive or negative (e.g., anger, agitation).
While grammatically correct, 興奮している can sound overly intense or clinical. In casual conversation, ワクワクしている or 楽しみ (looking forward) is often more natural.
子供たちは興奮して飛び跳ねていた。
The children were jumping with excitement.
興奮を抑えきれない。
I can't contain my excitement.
パーティーは最高の盛り上がりだった。
The party had the best excitement/energy.
The venue was filled with excitement.