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.
The excitement is building.
For events or group energy
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.
I always get excited before a match.
Onomatopoeic adverb describing a light, happy excitement or anticipation, like looking forward to something fun.
Onomatopoeia for a pounding heart, often from nervous excitement or romantic tension.
A more literary or formal term for an elevated, elated feeling of excitement.
Referring to something that causes excitement, like an event or news.
Describing someone as excited.
The standard way to say 'I am excited' or 'he is excited' using the noun 興奮.
Expressing the process of becoming excited.
Verb form meaning 'to get excited'. Can be used for any kind of excitement.
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.
The children were jumping with excitement.
旅行のことを考えるとワクワクする。
I get excited just thinking about the trip.
初めてのデートでドキドキした。
I was excited/nervous on my first date.
At the moment of success, I was filled with excitement.
Can also refer to the excitement itself as a phenomenon or event.
The news caused great excitement.
Refers to a buildup of excitement or enthusiasm in a group, like at a party or event.
The party had the best excitement/energy.
Literally 'heat', used for the excited atmosphere of a crowd or event.
The venue was filled with excitement.
He is excited about the new game.
Expresses a cheerful, anticipatory excitement.
I'm excited about tomorrow's concert.
Used when the excitement is mixed with nervousness or a racing heart.
I'm excited/nervous before the interview.
I got excited by the surprise.
Intransitive verb for a group or atmosphere getting lively and excited.
The concert is getting more and more exciting.
Literally 'become hot', used figuratively for getting passionate or excited about something.
I got excited/passionate in the debate.
興奮を抑えきれない。
I can't contain my excitement.