いそいそ
いそいそ
adverb
cheerfully; eagerly; excitedly
1.
cheerfully; eagerly; excitedly
Acting with visible joy and anticipation, often when preparing for something pleasant.
いそいそと準備する。
To prepare eagerly.
いそいそ is an onomatopoeic adverb describing visible happiness and eagerness, typically when going somewhere pleasant or preparing for something enjoyable.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- いそいそと出かける: to go out cheerfully
- いそいそと準備する: to prepare eagerly
- いそいそと支度する: to get ready with excitement
- いそいそしている: to be in an eager, happy mood
GRAMMAR:
Usually followed by と: いそいそと〜する. Can also be used with している to describe a state.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- うきうき: cheerful, light-hearted (more about inner feeling)
- わくわく: excited, thrilled (stronger anticipation)
- そわそわ: restless, fidgety (nervous rather than happy)
いそいそ specifically implies physical, visible eagerness — you can see the person bustling about happily.
Related Words
Related:
わくわく (excited, thrilled)
Contrast:
そわそわ (restless (nervous))
Related:
うきうき (cheerful, light-hearted)