How to say "excite" in Japanese

• そそる
  godan verb, transitive verbCovers 'excite' in the sense of stimulating or arousing emotion or interest. It is a less common word, usually written in kana alone, and carries a nuance of drawing out or inciting a feeling in someone.
  彼女かのじょの話はなしは子供こどもたちの好奇心こうきしんをそそった。↗

  Her story excited curiosity in the children.
• 沸かすわかすJLPT N4approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbCovers 'excite' in the sense of rousing or stirring people up, as when a speech or event gets a crowd worked up. This is the common word for this meaning and the one you will usually want.
  相手あいてチームがあまり闘志とうしをわかしていなかったので、我々われわれは楽勝らくしょうした。↗

  The opposing team did not put up much of a fight, so we won hands down.

For 'excite' in the sense of stirring up feelings or interest, 「沸かす」 is the common everyday choice; 「そそる」 also means to excite or arouse but is less common and often written in kana.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• そそるto excite
• 沸かすわかすto excite
• 乗せるのせるto excite (someone)