Translation guide
The English phrase 'look forward to' expresses anticipation of a future event. In Japanese, this is most commonly conveyed with the phrase 楽しみにする (tanoshimi ni suru), but there are also more formal expressions and other nuances depending on the context.
Expressing that you are excited about or eagerly awaiting something in the future.
The most common and natural way to say 'look forward to' in Japanese. It can be used in casual and polite contexts. Often used in the form 楽しみにしています (tanoshimi ni shite imasu) for politeness.
週末を楽しみにしています。
I'm looking forward to the weekend.
I'm looking forward to seeing you.
A more casual, statement-like way to say you're looking forward to something. Often used as a standalone comment.
明日のパーティーが楽しみだ。
I'm looking forward to tomorrow's party.
An adjective meaning 'can't wait for' or 'long-awaited'. It conveys a stronger sense of impatience and eagerness than 楽しみ.
夏休みが待ち遠しい。
I can't wait for summer vacation.
Expressing anticipation in a polite, formal, or business setting, such as in emails or meetings.
The humble form of 楽しみにしています, used in business or very polite contexts. It shows respect to the listener.
ご連絡を楽しみにしております。
I look forward to hearing from you.
A more literary or heartfelt way to say 'look forward to', often used in formal writing or speeches. It implies waiting with anticipation in one's heart.
皆様のお越しを心待ちにしております。
We are looking forward to your visit.
Specifically expressing anticipation of a reply or contact, common in correspondence.
Standard polite phrase used in emails or letters to say you look forward to a reply.
お返事を楽しみにしています。
I look forward to your reply.
A very polite, humble expression meaning 'I am waiting for your contact'. Slightly more formal than 楽しみにしています.
ご連絡をお待ちしております。
I look forward to hearing from you.
Do not translate 'look forward to' literally as 前を見る (mae o miru) or similar. That means 'to look ahead' physically and does not convey anticipation.
When you want to say 'I look forward to [verb]ing', use the dictionary form of the verb + の + を楽しみにしています. For example, 会うのを楽しみにしています (I look forward to meeting).