わくわく

わくわく is a 擬態語(ぎたいご) (mimetic word) expressing positive excitement and eager anticipation. It always carries a pleasant, forward-looking feeling — never anxiety.

Common patterns

• わくわくする: to feel excited
• わくわくしながら待(ま)つ: to wait excitedly
• わくわくするような〜: exciting ~, thrilling ~
• わくわく感(かん): a feeling of excitement

Usage

Used with する to form a verb. Can modify nouns with するような or した. Common in both spoken and written Japanese across all registers.

Similar words

• どきどき: heart pounding (excitement or nervousness — broader)
• うきうき: cheerful, buoyant (lighter mood, less intense)
• そわそわ: restless, fidgety (often negative — anxious waiting)
• いきいき: lively, vibrant (about appearance or manner, not anticipation)