How to say "eager" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 懸命けんめいna-adjective, nounCovers eager as earnest, strenuous effort: someone applying themselves wholeheartedly to a task. It is the word for working or trying with all one's might, as in studying or training hard.
- 切せつna-adjective, nounSeldom the word you want for plain eagerness: it expresses earnest, ardent feeling, as in a heartfelt plea or wish. Think of intense, sincere longing rather than enthusiasm.
- 熱心ねっしんna-adjective, nounFor eager as keen, enthusiastic dedication to an activity, this is the word: an avid student or devoted worker who throws themselves into what they do with zeal.
- 躍起やっきna-adjective, nounEager to the point of desperation: getting worked up or frantic about doing or obtaining something, often with a hint of going overboard. Not calm enthusiasm but overwrought keenness.
- adverb (with と), suru verbEager as in itching to do something: a restless, impatient urge to get started that one can barely contain. Suits someone sorely tempted to jump in, for instance on seeing others already enjoying themselves.
Use 熱心 for keen enthusiasm and dedication, 懸命 for earnest hard effort, 「うずうず」 for itching impatience, 躍起 for frantic desperation, and 切 for ardent, heartfelt intensity.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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