Translation guide
The English word 'enthusiastic' describes a strong, eager interest or excitement about something. In Japanese, expressing this concept depends on the context: describing a person's character, showing excitement about an activity, or expressing approval. Direct translations exist, but natural Japanese often uses phrases, adverbs, or context-specific expressions.
To say someone is an enthusiastic person by nature, full of energy and passion.
Means 'enthusiastic' or 'eager' in a dedicated, hardworking sense. Often used for students, workers, or hobbyists. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
彼は熱心な学生です。
He is an enthusiastic student.
彼女は仕事に熱心だ。
She is enthusiastic about her work.
Means 'motivated' or 'enthusiastic' with a focus on willingness and drive. Often used in professional or academic contexts.
彼は意欲的な社員だ。
He is an enthusiastic employee.
A phrase meaning 'to be full of energy and enthusiasm', often used when someone is eagerly looking forward to doing something. It's a verb phrase (te-iru form of 張り切る).
彼は新しいプロジェクトに張り切っている。
He is enthusiastic about the new project.
Means 'enthusiastic' in a passionate, almost fanatical way. Often used for fans or extreme devotion. Stronger than 熱心.
彼は熱狂的なサッカーファンだ。
He is an enthusiastic soccer fan.
To express that you are excited and eager to do something or participate in something.
Literally 'looking forward to', this is the most natural way to express enthusiasm about a future event. It conveys eager anticipation.
週末の旅行を楽しみにしています。
I'm enthusiastic about the weekend trip.
彼は新しいゲームを楽しみにしている。
He is enthusiastic about the new game.
Means 'eager' or 'keen' to do something. Often used when someone is enthusiastic about a suggestion or plan. Casual.
彼はその提案に乗り気だ。
He is enthusiastic about the proposal.
Means 'full of motivation/enthusiasm' to do something. Very colloquial and energetic.
彼はやる気満々で仕事に取り組んだ。
He tackled the work with great enthusiasm.
Means 'to be absorbed in' or 'enthusiastic about' a hobby or activity. Implies deep concentration and passion.
彼は最近ギターに熱中している。
He's been enthusiastic about guitar lately.
To express that you strongly support an idea or give an enthusiastic response.
Means 'I strongly agree' or 'I'm all for it'. A very common way to show enthusiastic approval.
そのアイデアに大賛成です！
I'm enthusiastic about that idea!
Means 'to welcome' enthusiastically. Often used for new initiatives or changes.
新しい政策を歓迎します。
We are enthusiastic about the new policy.
Literally 'applause and cheers', used figuratively to mean 'enthusiastic approval'. Somewhat dramatic.
彼の提案は拍手喝采を浴びた。
His proposal received enthusiastic applause.
To express that you are very interested in someone, often romantically or as a fan.
Means 'to be crazy about' or 'infatuated with'. Used for both romantic interest and strong admiration for celebrities or hobbies.
彼は彼女に夢中だ。
He is enthusiastic about her.
Means 'head over heels' in love. Very casual and somewhat old-fashioned.
彼は彼女に首ったけだ。
He's totally enthusiastic about her.
The English word 'enthusiastic' is often overused in direct translation. In Japanese, it's more natural to use specific phrases like 楽しみにしている (looking forward to) or 熱心 (diligent) depending on context. Using 熱狂的 (passionate) for everyday situations can sound exaggerated.
熱心 emphasizes dedication and earnestness, often in learning or work. 意欲的 emphasizes motivation and proactive attitude, common in business settings. For a student who studies hard, use 熱心; for an employee who takes initiative, use 意欲的.