Translation guide
Expresses a high degree of excitement, suspense, or heart-pounding intensity. Japanese uses various adjectives and phrases depending on whether the thrill is from fear, excitement, or suspense.
Describing something that makes your heart race with excitement, like a thrilling ride or game.
Direct loanword 'thrilling' with intensifier. Common and natural for modern thrills.
そのジェットコースターはとてもスリリングだった。
That roller coaster was very thrilling.
Literally 'has a lot of thrill'. Natural for describing experiences.
Describing a story or situation that keeps you on the edge of your seat with tension.
Means 'has a sense of tension/urgency'. Suitable for serious suspense.
そのドラマは緊迫感があって面白い。
That drama is very thrilling and interesting.
Describing a positive, energetic thrill, like from a fun activity.
Means 'very exciting/stimulating'. General term for excitement.
そのライブはとても興奮した。
The concert was very thrilling.
Onomatopoeia for excited anticipation. Often used for fun events.
スリリング is a direct loanword and sounds modern. ハラハラ implies suspense or worry, while ワクワク is purely positive excitement. Choose based on the nuance.
ホラー映画はハラハラする。
Horror movies are thrilling (with suspense).
遊園地はワクワクする。
Amusement parks are thrilling (with excitement).
この映画はすごくスリルがある。
This movie is very thrilling.
Idiom meaning 'gripping with sweaty palms', used for intense suspense or excitement.
手に汗握る試合だった。
It was a very thrilling match.
Onomatopoeic verb for feeling suspense or anxiety, often used for watching something risky.
ハラハラする展開だった。
It was a very thrilling development.
Combines two onomatopoeia for suspense and heart-pounding. Very expressive.
最後までとてもハラハラドキドキした。
It was very thrilling until the end.
Loanword used as an adjective. Often needs an intensifier like とても.
スリリングな展開だった。
It was a thrilling development.
旅行の計画を立てるのはワクワクする。
Planning a trip is very thrilling.