Hello, I’m Kodak.
If you watch Japanese anime, read manga, or listen to everyday conversations, you may hear people say わくわくする (wakuwaku suru) when talking about an upcoming trip, a new game, a present, or something exciting.
わくわく expresses a lively feeling of positive anticipation—the feeling that something enjoyable is about to happen.
The most common English translations are:
⇒ excited
⇒ thrilled
⇒ full of anticipation
⇒ eagerly looking forward to something
⇒ unable to wait because something sounds fun
Today’s Japanese expression is わくわく (wakuwaku)!
Its core image is “positive excitement bubbling up inside you as you imagine what will happen next.”
It is often used as わくわくする = “to feel excited”.
① what わくわく means
② why it is classified as Japanese onomatopoeia
③ how to pronounce and write it
④ how to use わくわくする and related forms
⑤ its history and possible etymology
⑥ how it differs from どきどき, うきうき, 楽しみ, and 興奮する
⑦ how it is used in anime and manga
⑧ natural examples and common learner mistakes
What Does わくわく (Wakuwaku) Mean?
わくわく describes a state in which expectation or joy makes your heart feel lively and prevents you from feeling completely calm.
⇒ excited about what will happen
⇒ eagerly looking forward to something
⇒ filled with joyful anticipation
⇒ thrilled by an interesting possibility
明日の旅行が楽しみで、わくわくしている。
Ashita no ryokō ga tanoshimi de, wakuwaku shite iru.
I’m excited about tomorrow’s trip.
プレゼントを開ける前から、わくわくした。
Purezento o akeru mae kara, wakuwaku shita.
I felt excited even before opening the present.
新しいゲームの映像を見ると、わくわくする。
Atarashii gēmu no eizō o miru to, wakuwaku suru.
Watching footage of the new game gets me excited.
The Core Image of わくわく: Excitement Bubbling Up
Imagine that you are about to travel somewhere you have always wanted to visit.
You picture the places, food, people, and experiences waiting for you. The event has not happened yet, but the expectation itself makes your feelings lively.
↓
Positive expectation grows
↓
Your feelings become lively and difficult to calm
↓
わくわくする！ = “I’m getting excited!”
The feeling is usually positive and future-oriented, but it does not have to concern a distant event. You can also feel わくわく while discovering something interesting in the present.
この物語は、次に何が起こるのか分からなくてわくわくする。
Kono monogatari wa, tsugi ni nani ga okoru no ka wakaranakute wakuwaku suru.
This story is exciting because I do not know what will happen next.
Is わくわく an Onomatopoeia?
Yes. Japanese uses the broad category オノマトペ (onomatopoeia) for words that vividly represent sounds, movements, states, textures, and feelings.
わくわく does not imitate a literal sound. It represents an inner emotional state, so it may be described more specifically as a 擬情語 (gijōgo)—a mimetic word for feelings.
Words that imitate actual sounds or voices
Example: ワンワン (a dog barking)擬態語
Words that represent a state, movement, texture, or manner without imitating a sound
Example: きらきら (sparkling)
擬情語
Words that vividly represent emotions or inner states
Example: わくわく (excited anticipation), イライラ (irritation)
The repeated rhythm—わく・わく—helps create the image of a feeling that keeps rising and moving inside the speaker.
How to Pronounce and Write わくわく
Katakana: ワクワク
Romaji: wakuwaku
Mora: わ・く・わ・く (4 morae)
Kanji: Normally not written in kanji
Pronounce all four morae clearly and evenly:
wa – ku – wa – ku
The Japanese u in く may sound light in natural speech, but learners should not delete the syllable completely.
Hiragana or Katakana?
Both spellings are common, but they can create slightly different visual impressions.
Soft, ordinary, friendly spelling; common in sentencesワクワク
Visually stronger or more energetic; common in titles, advertisements, manga, and emphasis
夏休みのことを考えると、わくわくする。
Thinking about summer vacation makes me excited.
ワクワクする冒険が始まる！
An exciting adventure begins!
How to Use わくわく in Japanese
わくわく can function as an adverb-like expression, combine with する, or modify a noun through forms such as わくわくするような.
1. わくわくする: To Feel Excited
This is the basic and most useful form.
⇒ to feel excited
⇒ to become filled with anticipation
新しい町を歩くと、わくわくする。
Atarashii machi o aruku to, wakuwaku suru.
Walking around a new town excites me.
宇宙の話を聞くと、いつもわくわくします。
Uchū no hanashi o kiku to, itsumo wakuwaku shimasu.
I always get excited when I hear stories about space.
2. わくわくしている: To Be Excited
Use ～している for an ongoing state.
子どもたちは遠足を前にわくわくしている。
Kodomotachi wa ensoku o mae ni wakuwaku shite iru.
The children are excited about the field trip.
初めての海外旅行なので、わくわくしています。
Hajimete no kaigai ryokō na node, wakuwaku shite imasu.
I’m excited because this will be my first trip abroad.
3. ～にわくわくする: To Be Excited by or About Something
The particle に can mark the thing that causes the excitement.
新しい可能性にわくわくしている。
Atarashii kanōsei ni wakuwaku shite iru.
I’m excited by the new possibilities.
未知の世界にわくわくする。
Michi no sekai ni wakuwaku suru.
The unknown world fills me with excitement.
4. ～を考えるとわくわくする: Excited When Thinking About Something
来年の計画を考えると、わくわくする。
Rainen no keikaku o kangaeru to, wakuwaku suru.
Thinking about next year’s plans makes me excited.
みんなに会えると思うと、わくわくします。
Minna ni aeru to omou to, wakuwaku shimasu.
I get excited when I think that I will be able to see everyone.
5. わくわくしてきた: I’m Starting to Get Excited
～てきた shows that the feeling has begun or grown as the event approaches.
出発の日が近づいて、わくわくしてきた。
Shuppatsu no hi ga chikazuite, wakuwaku shite kita.
As the departure date gets closer, I’m starting to get excited.
予告編を見たら、わくわくしてきた！
Yokokuhen o mitara, wakuwaku shite kita!
Watching the trailer has gotten me excited!
6. わくわくさせる: To Excite Someone
The causative form describes something that creates excitement in another person.
この物語は読者をわくわくさせる。
Kono monogatari wa dokusha o wakuwaku saseru.
This story excites its readers.
彼の発見は世界中の人々をわくわくさせた。
Kare no hakken wa sekaijū no hitobito o wakuwaku saseta.
His discovery thrilled people around the world.
7. わくわくするような + Noun: An Exciting…
わくわくするような話
wakuwaku suru yō na hanashi
an exciting story
わくわくするような未来
wakuwaku suru yō na mirai
an exciting future
8. わくわくが止まらない: I Can’t Contain My Excitement
In casual modern language, わくわく may be treated like a noun.
明日のライブを考えると、わくわくが止まらない。
Ashita no raibu o kangaeru to, wakuwaku ga tomaranai.
I can’t contain my excitement about tomorrow’s concert.
Useful Conjugations of わくわくする
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | わくわくする | feel excited |
| Polite | わくわくします | feel excited |
| Ongoing | わくわくしている | am/is excited |
| Polite ongoing | わくわくしています | am/is excited |
| Past | わくわくした | felt excited |
| Negative | わくわくしない | do not feel excited |
| Beginning/change | わくわくしてきた | am starting to get excited |
| Causative | わくわくさせる | excite someone |
| Adverbial | わくわくしながら | while feeling excited |
わくわくしながら箱を開けた。
Wakuwaku shinagara hako o aketa.
I opened the box excitedly.
最初は興味がなかったけど、話を聞くうちにわくわくしてきた。
Saisho wa kyōmi ga nakatta kedo, hanashi o kiku uchi ni wakuwaku shite kita.
I was not interested at first, but I started getting excited as I listened.
How to Say “I’m Excited” in Japanese
English “I’m excited” has several possible Japanese translations. The best one depends on whether you emphasize energetic anticipation, looking forward to an event, or intense emotional arousal.
I’m excited.
⇒ Lively positive anticipation楽しみにしている。
I’m looking forward to it.
⇒ Calm or general anticipation
すごく楽しみ！
I can’t wait! / I’m really looking forward to it!
⇒ Very natural casual response
興奮している。
I’m excited / emotionally aroused.
⇒ Stronger, more formal, physical, or intense excitement
わくわく vs 楽しみ: What Is the Difference?
Both can express anticipation, but they focus on different aspects of the feeling.
Your feelings are lively, energized, and difficult to calm.
⇒ feel excited楽しみだ / 楽しみにしている
You expect an event with pleasure.
⇒ look forward to something
I’m looking forward to next week’s trip.
⇒ A neutral and widely usable statement of anticipation.来週の旅行を考えると、わくわくします。
Thinking about next week’s trip makes me excited.
⇒ Emphasizes the lively feeling inside you.
The expressions often appear together:
旅行が楽しみで、今からわくわくしている。
Ryokō ga tanoshimi de, ima kara wakuwaku shite iru.
I’m looking forward to the trip, and I’m already excited.
See also: Tanoshii vs Ureshii: Difference Between 楽しい and うれしい
わくわく vs どきどき: What Is the Difference?
These two words often overlap because both can describe heightened emotion.
Focuses on positive expectation and joyful excitement.
⇒ excited / full of anticipationどきどき
Focuses on the heart beating strongly because of excitement, nervousness, fear, surprise, romance, or physical effort.
⇒ heart pounding / nervous / thrilled
Compare the emotional focus
遊園地に行く前からわくわくしていた。
I was excited even before going to the amusement park.
⇒ Positive anticipation.
ジェットコースターに乗る直前、胸がどきどきした。
My heart was pounding just before I got on the roller coaster.
⇒ Physical heartbeat mixed with excitement or fear.
わくわく vs うきうき: What Is the Difference?
Attention points toward an exciting possibility or what will happen next.うきうき
A cheerful mood makes your heart feel light, buoyant, and visibly happy.
新しいプロジェクトの話を聞いて、わくわくした。
Atarashii purojekuto no hanashi o kiite, wakuwaku shita.
Hearing about the new project made me excited.
デートの日なので、朝からうきうきしている。
Dēto no hi na node, asa kara ukiuki shite iru.
It is the day of the date, so I have been in a cheerful mood since morning.
わくわく vs ぞくぞく: What Is the Difference?
ぞくぞく represents a shivering or tingling sensation. It may come from cold, fear, suspense, or powerful excitement.
Bright and eager expectationぞくぞく
A physical thrill, shiver, chill, or intense excitement
新しい冒険を想像すると、わくわくする。
Imagining a new adventure makes me excited.
その演奏を聞いて、ぞくぞくした。
Listening to that performance gave me chills.
わくわく vs うれしい: What Is the Difference?
Excitement about an interesting possibility or experience
⇒ excitedうれしい
Joy or gladness caused by a welcome fact, result, or kind action
⇒ happy / glad / pleased
I’m happy that I get to go on the trip.
⇒ The decision or result makes you glad.旅行の予定を立てながら、わくわくしている。
I’m getting excited while planning the trip.
⇒ Imagining the coming experience creates anticipation.
For a detailed explanation, see What Does うれしい (Ureshii) Mean?
Does わくわく Always Have a Positive Meaning?
In modern Japanese, わくわく is overwhelmingly associated with positive anticipation, joy, curiosity, and excitement.
However, older dictionaries and historical examples show that the word could also describe an unsettled heart caused by worry or anxiety.
The heart is restless and stirred up by strong feeling.Modern dominant image
The heart is lively because of positive expectation or joy.
Modern speakers normally choose words such as どきどき, 不安, そわそわ, or 胸騒ぎ when the feeling is mainly negative.
The Origin and History of わくわく
The exact origin of mimetic words can be difficult to prove because they often develop through sound symbolism and spoken usage.
One commonly proposed explanation connects わくわく with the verb 湧く, meaning that water, an idea, interest, courage, or another feeling emerges from within.
Possible origin image
湧く — to spring up, emerge, or well up
↓
A feeling repeatedly rises from inside
↓
わく + わく
↓
Excitement wells up and keeps stirring the heart
This explanation matches the modern core image, but it should be treated as a plausible etymological theory rather than an absolutely proven word division.
A dictionary citation records わくわく in a 1714 jōruri work. Another example from 1778 describes someone so delighted that their feelings were わくわく. These examples show that the word was already established in the Edo period.
Natural Example Sentences with わくわく
明日の試合を考えると、わくわくする。
Ashita no shiai o kangaeru to, wakuwaku suru.
Thinking about tomorrow’s game makes me excited.
新しい本を開く瞬間は、いつもわくわくする。
Atarashii hon o hiraku shunkan wa, itsumo wakuwaku suru.
Opening a new book is always exciting.
子どもたちはクリスマスを前にわくわくしている。
Kodomotachi wa Kurisumasu o mae ni wakuwaku shite iru.
The children are excited about Christmas.
結果を待ちながら、少し不安だけどわくわくもしている。
Kekka o machinagara, sukoshi fuan da kedo wakuwaku mo shite iru.
While waiting for the results, I’m a little nervous but excited too.
どんな人に会えるのかと思うと、わくわくします。
Donna hito ni aeru no ka to omou to, wakuwaku shimasu.
I get excited when I think about what kind of people I might meet.
その計画を聞いて、急にわくわくしてきた。
Sono keikaku o kiite, kyū ni wakuwaku shite kita.
Hearing that plan suddenly got me excited.
わくわくしながら、招待状を開けた。
Wakuwaku shinagara, shōtaijō o aketa.
I opened the invitation excitedly.
この博物館には、大人もわくわくする展示がたくさんある。
Kono hakubutsukan ni wa, otona mo wakuwaku suru tenji ga takusan aru.
This museum has many exhibits that excite adults too.
新しい挑戦には、いつも少しわくわくする。
Atarashii chōsen ni wa, itsumo sukoshi wakuwaku suru.
A new challenge always excites me a little.
次のページをめくるのが楽しみで、わくわくが止まらなかった。
Tsugi no pēji o mekuru no ga tanoshimi de, wakuwaku ga tomaranakatta.
I could not contain my excitement about turning the next page.
How わくわく Is Used in Anime and Manga
わくわく is common in anime, manga, games, children’s media, advertisements, and adventure stories because it communicates curiosity and positive energy very quickly.
Nandaka, wakuwaku shite kita!
I’m starting to get excited!未知の世界って、わくわくするな。
Michi no sekai tte, wakuwaku suru na.
The unknown is exciting, isn’t it?
次はどんな敵が出てくるんだろう。わくわくする！
Tsugi wa donna teki ga dete kuru n darō. Wakuwaku suru!
I wonder what kind of enemy will appear next. This is exciting!
この先に何があるのか、考えるだけでワクワクする。
Kono saki ni nani ga aru no ka, kangaeru dake de wakuwaku suru.
Just thinking about what lies ahead excites me.
オラ、わくわくすっぞ！
Ora, wakuwaku suzzo!
I’m getting excited!
⇒ Highly characterful, rough fictional speech—not a general model for polite conversation.
Can わくわく Be Used in Business Japanese?
Yes, especially in casual workplace conversation, marketing, presentations, creative projects, recruitment, and discussions about future possibilities.
お客様がわくわくするようなサービスを作りたいです。
Okyakusama ga wakuwaku suru yō na sābisu o tsukuritai desu.
We want to create a service that excites customers.
この企画には、未来をわくわくさせる可能性があります。
Kono kikaku ni wa, mirai o wakuwaku saseru kanōsei ga arimasu.
This project has the potential to make the future exciting.
However, in highly formal reports or conservative business documents, a more objective expression may be preferable.
わくわくする企画
an exciting projectMore formal / objective
期待が高まる企画
a project that raises expectations
Formal and analytical
将来性のある企画
a project with future potential
Common Mistakes with わくわく
Mistake 1: Using It for Pure Fear or Anxiety
This sounds as though the test is exciting in a positive way.○ 試験が不安で、どきどきしている。
I’m nervous about the exam.
Mistake 2: Translating Every “Looking Forward To” as わくわく
わくわく is emotionally lively. For a calm, polite, or neutral statement, 楽しみにしています may be better.
I look forward to meeting you next week.
⇒ Appropriate for formal communication.来週会えると思うと、わくわくします。
Thinking about seeing you next week makes me excited.
⇒ Personal and emotionally expressive.
Mistake 3: Saying わくわくだ
Unlike a standard な-adjective, わくわく normally combines with する.
△ 私はわくわくだ。
○ 私はわくわくしている。
I am excited.
○ 考えるだけでわくわくする。
Just thinking about it makes me excited.
In casual advertising or creative language, you may encounter noun-like forms such as わくわくがある or わくわくを届ける, but learners should master わくわくする first.
Mistake 4: Confusing “Excited” and “Exciting”
私はわくわくしている。The story is exciting.
その物語はわくわくする。
その物語は読者をわくわくさせる。
Mistake 5: Writing 湧く湧く
The standard modern spellings are わくわく and ワクワク, even when discussing the possible connection with 湧く.
Natural Dialogue with わくわく
Situation 1: Planning a Trip
A: 来月、北海道に行くんだ。
Raigetsu, Hokkaidō ni iku n da.
I’m going to Hokkaido next month.
B: いいな！ 初めて？
Ii na! Hajimete?
Lucky you! Is it your first time?
A: うん。今からわくわくしてる。
Un. Ima kara wakuwaku shiteru.
Yeah. I’m already excited.
Situation 2: Watching a Trailer
A: この予告編、見た？
Kono yokokuhen, mita?
Did you see this trailer?
B: 見た！ どんな世界なのか、わくわくするね。
Mita! Donna sekai na no ka, wakuwaku suru ne.
I did! It’s exciting to wonder what kind of world it will be.
Situation 3: Excited and Nervous
A: 明日が初舞台だね。緊張してる？
Ashita ga hatsubutai da ne. Kinchō shiteru?
Tomorrow is your first performance. Are you nervous?
B: ちょっとどきどきしてるけど、それ以上にわくわくしてる。
Chotto dokidoki shiteru kedo, sore ijō ni wakuwaku shiteru.
I’m a little nervous, but even more than that, I’m excited.
Practice Quiz: Which Expression Fits?
Choose from わくわく, どきどき, うれしい, or 楽しみ.
来月お会いできるのを（ ）にしています。2. Thinking about the adventure makes me excited.
冒険のことを考えると、（ ）する。
3. My heart was pounding before the interview.
面接の前は胸が（ ）した。
4. I’m glad that you remembered.
覚えていてくれて（ ）。
5. The departure date is getting closer, and I’m starting to get excited.
出発の日が近づいて、（ ）してきた。
Answers
1. 楽しみ
楽しみにしています is the standard “look forward to.”
2. わくわく
The adventure creates positive anticipation.
3. どきどき
The focus is the pounding heart and nervousness.
4. うれしい
Remembering is a welcome action that causes happiness.
5. わくわく
The excitement is beginning to grow.
FAQ About わくわく
What does wakuwaku mean in Japanese?
わくわく means feeling lively positive excitement or anticipation. It is commonly translated as “excited,” “thrilled,” or “eagerly looking forward to something.”
How do you use wakuwaku?
The most common form is わくわくする, meaning “to feel excited.” Use わくわくしている for “to be excited” and わくわくしてきた for “to start getting excited.”
Is wakuwaku an adjective?
No. It is a mimetic expression that commonly combines with する. Say わくわくしている, not normally わくわくだ.
Is wakuwaku an onomatopoeia?
Yes, in the broad Japanese sense of オノマトペ. More specifically, it represents an emotional state rather than imitating a literal sound.
How do you say “I’m excited” in Japanese?
Say わくわくしている or politely わくわくしています. When you simply mean “I’m looking forward to it,” 楽しみにしています may be more natural.
What is the difference between wakuwaku and dokidoki?
わくわく emphasizes joyful anticipation. どきどき emphasizes a pounding heartbeat caused by excitement, nervousness, fear, romance, surprise, or physical activity.
What is the difference between wakuwaku and tanoshimi?
わくわく is the lively emotional feeling of excitement. 楽しみ means that an event is something you look forward to.
What is the difference between wakuwaku and ukiuki?
わくわく points toward an exciting possibility or what comes next. うきうき describes a cheerful, light, buoyant mood.
Does wakuwaku always have a positive meaning?
In modern Japanese, it is mainly positive. Historically, it could also describe an unsettled heart caused by worry, but that use is uncommon today.
How do you write wakuwaku in kanji?
It is normally written わくわく in hiragana or ワクワク in katakana. Do not normally write it as 湧く湧く.
What does wakuwaku mean in anime?
It usually means that a character is excited, curious, or eagerly anticipating an adventure, discovery, battle, meeting, or other interesting event.
Does wakuwaku sound childish?
No. Children use it often, but it is also natural for adults. It sounds vivid and friendly rather than highly formal.
Can I use wakuwaku in business Japanese?
Yes, especially in creative, marketing, presentation, and casual workplace contexts. In highly formal writing, expressions such as 期待が高まる may sound more objective.
Summary: The Meaning, Origin, and Usage of わくわく
わくわく expresses lively positive excitement and anticipation.● Core image
Excitement repeatedly bubbles or wells up inside as you imagine what will happen next.
● Writing
Hiragana: わくわく
Katakana: ワクワク
Romaji: wakuwaku
Mora: わ・く・わ・く
● Basic grammar
わくわくする — feel excited
わくわくしている — be excited
わくわくしてきた — start getting excited
わくわくさせる — excite someone
● Important differences
わくわく — joyful anticipation
どきどき — pounding heart, nervousness, or excitement
楽しみ — something you look forward to
うきうき — a light and cheerful mood
うれしい — happiness caused by something good
● Origin
A commonly proposed theory connects the word with 湧く, “to spring up or well up,” but this should be treated as a plausible theory rather than a proven spelling or certain decomposition.
Remember the core image:
Something interesting is coming.
You imagine the possibilities.
Excitement keeps rising inside you.
That feeling is わくわく!
References
- Kotobank: わくわく — modern definition, older negative use, and historical examples from デジタル大辞泉 and 精選版 日本国語大辞典.
- The Japan Foundation: Learning Communicative Onomatopoeia — explanation of Japanese onomatopoeia and a teaching example using わくわく.
- Irodori, The Japan Foundation — classification of わくわく as an expression of feeling and examples of Japanese onomatopoeia.
- Kotobank: どきどき — definition and historical examples used for the comparison.
- Gogen Yurai Jiten: わくわく — the proposed etymological connection with 湧く.