How to say "frantic" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 必死ひっしna-adjective, no-adjectiveCovers 'frantic' as desperate, frenetic effort: someone trying their hardest under pressure, as when searching for lost documents or racing a deadline. It stresses the all-out exertion behind the frantic activity.
- 躍起やっきna-adjective, nounCovers 'frantic' as worked up or excitedly eager — a person frantic to get or achieve something. For plain frantic activity or effort, 必死 is the word you want; 躍起 describes the worked-up state itself.
Use 必死 for frantic, desperate effort or activity under pressure; use 躍起 when 'frantic' means worked up or excitedly eager about something, often with a hint of being overly keen.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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