いそいそ

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(で)かける: to go out cheerfully
• いそいそと準備(じゅんび)する: to prepare eagerly
• いそいそと支度(したく)する: to get ready with excitement
• いそいそしている: to be in an eager, happy mood

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.