わくわく

わくわく
adverb
excited; thrilled; with anticipation
1. excited; thrilled
Describes a feeling of excitement and pleasant anticipation, often before something enjoyable is about to happen.
旅行(りょこう)のことを考(かんが)えるとわくわくする。
I get excited when I think about the trip.
子供(こども)たちはクリスマスをわくわくしながら待(ま)っている。
The children are excitedly waiting for Christmas.
わくわくするような冒険(ぼうけん)小説(しょうせつ)を読(よ)んだ。
I read an exciting adventure novel.
わくわくするような = exciting (adj. use)

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:

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)

Related Words

Related: どきどき (heart pounding)
Related: そわそわ (restless, fidgety)
Related: はらはら (anxious, worried)
Related: うずうず (itching to do)
general
Added 2026.1.16 12:15 · Revised 2026.6.8 11:21
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