Translation guide
The English word 'exciting' describes something that causes excitement, interest, or enthusiasm. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best choice depends on what is exciting and the nuance you want to convey.
Use for events, experiences, or things that are thrilling, fast-paced, or give an adrenaline rush.
A versatile verb meaning 'to get excited' or 'to be thrilling'. Can describe both the thing that excites and the person who gets excited. Often used for sports, games, or intense situations.
その試合はとても興奮した。
That game was really exciting.
His speech excited the audience.
Means 'thrilling' or 'has a thrill'. Used for experiences that are exciting in a slightly dangerous or intense way, like roller coasters or action movies.
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 exciting.
An onomatopoeic verb meaning 'to be excited' or 'to be thrilled', often with a sense of happy anticipation. Used for upcoming events or fun activities.
旅行の前はいつもわくわくする。
I always get excited before a trip.
Onomatopoeic for a pounding heart; implies nervous excitement or romantic thrill. Often used for first dates or suspenseful moments.
初めてのデートでドキドキした。
I was excited/nervous on my first date.
Use for books, movies, conversations, or ideas that hold your attention and are mentally stimulating.
The most common word for 'interesting' or 'funny'. It can also mean 'exciting' in the sense of being engaging or enjoyable. Safe for most contexts.
この本はとても面白い。
This book is really exciting/interesting.
Use for stories, movies, or situations that are full of tension and keep you on the edge of your seat.
An idiom meaning 'gripping' or 'suspenseful', literally 'sweating in your hands'. Used for thrilling matches, movies, or competitions.
手に汗握る展開だった。
It was an exciting/suspenseful development.
Onomatopoeic for feeling anxious or thrilled while watching something suspenseful. Often used for sports or danger.
最後までハラハラした。
It was exciting/suspenseful until the end.
Use for ideas, art, or experiences that provoke strong emotions or intellectual excitement.
Means 'stimulating' or 'exciting' in a provocative way. Can be used for experiences, ideas, or even people. Often implies something slightly edgy or unconventional.
刺激的な映画だった。
It was an exciting/stimulating movie.
Directly translating 'exciting' as 興奮する for all contexts can sound unnatural. For example, calling a book 興奮する might imply it's sexually arousing rather than interesting. Use 面白い for general interest, and reserve 興奮する for intense, thrilling situations.
面白い (interesting/funny) is safe for most 'exciting' things like books, movies, or conversations. 興奮する (thrilling/arousing) is better for sports, games, or events that get your heart racing. Using 興奮する for a novel might sound odd unless it's a thriller.
Means 'deeply interesting' or 'intriguing'. More formal than 面白い, often used for academic or intellectual topics.
彼の研究は非常に興味深い。
His research is very exciting/interesting.
A loanword from English, used in marketing or casual speech to sound modern. Not as natural as native words in daily conversation.
エキサイティングなニュース！
Exciting news!
Also used here for a modern, stimulating feel, especially in media or events.
エキサイティングな体験だった。
It was an exciting experience.