22 Japanese ways to say “I’m counting the days”

There’s something truly special about looking forward to a moment with excitement, isn’t there?

Whether it’s a reunion, a trip, or a personal milestone, “counting the days” captures that warm feeling perfectly. In Japanese, this sentiment can be expressed in so many beautiful ways!

Learning different phrases not only broadens your vocabulary but also helps you connect deeper with the culture and emotions behind the words.

In this article, we’ll explore 22 heartfelt and casual Japanese expressions that mean “I’m counting the days.” These phrases range from polite to very casual, giving you options for any situation.

Each phrase is explained simply, with pronunciation guides so you can say them with confidence.

Ready to dive in and find your favorite way to say it? Let’s get started!

Warm-Up: Why So Many Ways?

Japanese is full of nuance, so naturally, there are many ways to express anticipation and excitement.

From formal to casual, subtle to direct, each phrase has its own flavor and context. Understanding this variety helps you sound more natural and expressive.

Plus, it’s fun to see how language reflects culture, especially when it comes to feelings!

For a great comprehensive boost, consider checking out a Japanese language learning book to deepen your understanding.

Now, let’s jump into the phrases!

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. 待ち遠しい (Machidōshii) – “I’m eagerly waiting.”

This word is perfect for expressing that sweet feeling of eager waiting.

“待ち (machi)” means “waiting,” and “遠しい (dōshii)” adds the sense of something feeling far away or delayed.

Use it when you’re really excited about something coming soon.

It’s a simple, common phrase that feels warm and personal.

For example, “夏休みが待ち遠しい！” (Natsuyasumi ga machidōshii!) means “I’m counting the days until summer vacation!”

Try it out next time you’re looking forward to something fun.

2. 日が待ちきれない (Hi ga machikirenai) – “I can’t wait for the day.”

This phrase literally means “the day is too much to wait for.”

“日 (hi)” means “day,” and “待ちきれない (machikirenai)” means “can’t wait.”

It’s casual but carries strong excitement and impatience.

A common mistake is overusing it in formal contexts—best keep it with friends or family.

For example, “イベントの日が待ちきれない！” (Ibento no hi ga machikirenai!) means “I can’t wait for the event day!”

Perfect for when you just can’t hide your excitement!

3. もうすぐだね (Mō sugu da ne) – “It’s almost here, right?”

This phrase is a casual way to say that the awaited day is near.

“もうすぐ (mō sugu)” means “soon,” and “だね (da ne)” is a friendly tag like “right?”

It’s a gentle way to share anticipation with someone else.

Use it to bond over shared excitement.

For example, “旅行はもうすぐだね！” (Ryokō wa mō sugu da ne!) means “The trip is almost here, right?”

It’s great for casual conversations and building connection.

4. 待ちきれないよ (Machikirenai yo) – “I just can’t wait!”

This phrase is a step up in energy from “日が待ちきれない.”

“待ちきれない (machikirenai)” means “can’t wait,” and “よ (yo)” adds emphasis.

It’s great for expressing strong excitement.

A common mistake is using it too formally; it’s best for friends or peers.

For example, “新しいゲームが待ちきれないよ！” (Atarashii gēmu ga machikirenai yo!) means “I just can’t wait for the new game!”

Use it to share your excitement loud and clear!

5. 待ってるよ (Matteru yo) – “I’ll be waiting.”

This is a casual, warm way to say you’re looking forward to something or someone.

“待ってる (matteru)” is the casual form of “待っています (matteimasu)” meaning “waiting,” and “よ (yo)” adds friendliness.

It’s often used in conversation to reassure the other person.

For example, “あなたをずっと待ってるよ。” (Anata o zutto matteru yo.) means “I’ll be waiting for you.”

Great for heartfelt moments or casual plans.

6. 待ち遠しくてたまらない (Machidōshikute tamaranai) – “I’m so excited I can’t stand it.”

This phrase adds an emotional punch to “待ち遠しい.”

“たまらない (tamaranai)” means “unbearable,” emphasizing strong feelings.

It’s a vivid way to express deep eagerness.

Use it when your excitement feels overwhelming.

Example: “次のコンサートが待ち遠しくてたまらない！” (Tsugi no konsāto ga machidōshikute tamaranai!) means “I’m counting the days to the next concert and can’t stand it!”

Perfect for moments of intense anticipation.

7. 待ってる間も楽しい (Matteru aida mo tanoshii) – “Even the waiting is fun.”

This phrase puts a positive spin on waiting.

“待ってる間 (matteru aida)” means “while waiting,” and “楽しい (tanoshii)” means “fun.”

It’s a great way to show you enjoy the whole experience, not just the arrival.

Use it to express optimism or close bonds.

Example: “君と待ってる間も楽しいよ。” (Kimi to matteru aida mo tanoshii yo.) means “Even waiting with you is fun.”

A lovely phrase to keep spirits high.

8. 待ちわびている (Machiwabite iru) – “I’m anxiously waiting.”

This phrase has a poetic and slightly formal feel.

“待ちわびる (machiwabiru)” means to long for or await eagerly.

It’s great for writing or when you want to sound a bit more expressive.

Example: “あなたの返事を待ちわびている。” (Anata no henji o machiwabite iru.) means “I’m anxiously waiting for your reply.”

Use it for heartfelt messages or letters.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. お待ちしております (O-machi shite orimasu) – “I am awaiting (politely).”

This phrase is very polite and humble.

“お (o)” is an honorific prefix, “待ちしております” is the humble form of “waiting.”

It’s used in business or formal invitations.

Don’t use it casually; it’s reserved for respectful contexts.

Example: “ご来店をお待ちしております。” (Go raiten o o-machi shite orimasu.) means “We are looking forward to your visit.”

Perfect for formal emails or announcements.

10. 心待ちにしております (Kokoro machi ni shite orimasu) – “I am eagerly awaiting.”

This is a polite phrase with a poetic touch.

“心待ちにする” literally means “to wait in the heart,” expressing deep anticipation.

It’s often used in formal letters or speeches.

Example: “お返事を心待ちにしております。” (Ohenji o kokoro machi ni shite orimasu.) means “I eagerly await your reply.”

Use it to sound sincere and respectful.

11. 楽しみにしております (Tanoshimi ni shite orimasu) – “I am looking forward (politely).”

This phrase is polite, common in business or formal personal settings.

“楽しみ (tanoshimi)” means “looking forward to,” and the phrase is humble and respectful.

It’s a safe go-to for formal anticipation.

Example: “お会いできるのを楽しみにしております。” (Oai dekiru no o tanoshimi ni shite orimasu.) means “I’m looking forward to meeting you.”

Use this to keep things professional and warm.

12. 待ち遠しく存じます (Machidōshiku zonjimasu) – “I am eagerly awaiting (very formal).”

This is a very formal and old-fashioned expression.

“存じます (zonjimasu)” is a humble form of “to think” or “to know.”

It’s best for letters or speeches requiring high respect.

Example: “皆様のご参加を待ち遠しく存じます。” (Minasama no go-sanka o machidōshiku zonjimasu.) means “We eagerly await everyone’s participation.”

Use it sparingly for formal occasions.

13. お目にかかるのを楽しみにしております (O-me ni kakaru no o tanoshimi ni shite orimasu) – “I look forward to meeting you.”

This phrase is respectful and polite, often used in business correspondence.

“お目にかかる” is a humble way to say “to meet.”

It’s excellent for formal meetings or first introductions.

Example: “来週お目にかかるのを楽しみにしております。” (Raishū o-me ni kakaru no o tanoshimi ni shite orimasu.) means “I look forward to meeting you next week.”

Use it to sound courteous and professional.

14. 近日中にお会いできるのを楽しみにしております (Kinjitsu-chū ni o-ai dekiru no o tanoshimi ni shite orimasu) – “I look forward to seeing you soon.”

This phrase is polite and slightly formal.

“近日中に” means “soon,” emphasizing near future.

Great for emails or invitations.

Example: “近日中にお会いできるのを楽しみにしております。” means “I look forward to seeing you soon.”

Use it to convey warm anticipation professionally.

15. お楽しみにしていてください (O-tanoshimi ni shite ite kudasai) – “Please look forward to it.”

This phrase invites someone to anticipate something happily.

It’s polite but friendly, often used in announcements or invitations.

Example: “新商品をお楽しみにしていてください。” (Shin shōhin o o-tanoshimi ni shite ite kudasai.) means “Please look forward to the new product.”

Use it to build excitement politely.

16. 心よりお待ち申し上げております (Kokoro yori o-machi mōshiagete orimasu) – “I sincerely await.”

This is an ultra-polite and humble phrase perfect for formal invitations or messages.

“心より (kokoro yori)” means “from the heart,” adding sincerity.

Example: “ご出席を心よりお待ち申し上げております。” (Go-shusseki o kokoro yori o-machi mōshiagete orimasu.) means “We sincerely await your attendance.”

Use for very respectful communication.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. もう待てない！ (Mō matenai!) – “I can’t wait anymore!”

This is a super casual, emphatic way to say you’re bursting with excitement.

“もう (mō)” means “already,” and “待てない (matenai)” means “can’t wait.”

Best used with close friends or in informal texts.

Example: “ライブまで、もう待てない！” (Raibu made, mō matenai!) means “I can’t wait until the concert!”

Perfect for sharing high energy feelings.

18. ワクワクしてる！ (Waku waku shiteru!) – “I’m so excited!”

“ワクワク (waku waku)” is an onomatopoeia for excitement or anticipation.

“してる” is casual for “doing.”

This phrase vividly conveys joyful anticipation.

Example: “明日の旅行、ワクワクしてる！” (Ashita no ryokō, waku waku shiteru!) means “I’m so excited for tomorrow’s trip!”

Use it when you want to sound lively and friendly.

19. 早く来てほしい！ (Hayaku kite hoshii!) – “I want it to come soon!”

This phrase expresses a wish for something to arrive quickly.

“早く (hayaku)” means “quickly,” “来て (kite)” is “come,” and “ほしい (hoshii)” means “want.”

It’s casual and direct.

Example: “夏休みが早く来てほしい！” (Natsuyasumi ga hayaku kite hoshii!) means “I want summer vacation to come soon!”

Great for texting or chatting informally.

20. 待ちきれなーい！ (Machikirenāi!) – “I just can’t wait!”

This is a stretched, informal version of “待ちきれない.”

The elongated ending adds playful emphasis.

Use it to sound youthful and excited.

Example: “新しいゲーム、待ちきれなーい！” (Atarashii gēmu, machikirenāi!) means “I just can’t wait for the new game!”

Perfect for casual chats and social media.

21. ずっと楽しみにしてた！ (Zutto tanoshimi ni shiteta!) – “I’ve been looking forward to it all along!”

“ずっと (zutto)” means “all along” or “for a long time.”

This phrase shows long-term anticipation.

It’s casual and heartfelt.

Example: “この日のためにずっと楽しみにしてた！” (Kono hi no tame ni zutto tanoshimi ni shiteta!) means “I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time!”

Great for sharing deep excitement.

22. 待ち遠しいなあ (Machidōshii nā) – “I’m really looking forward to it.”

This adds a soft, dreamy nuance to “待ち遠しい.”

The “なあ (nā)” ending adds a gentle, affectionate tone.

Use it to sound natural and warm.

Example: “春が待ち遠しいなあ。” (Haru ga machidōshii nā.) means “I’m really looking forward to spring.”

A lovely phrase for casual conversation or self-reflection.

Concluding Thought

Exploring all these ways to say “I’m counting the days” shows just how rich the Japanese language is when it comes to expressing feelings.

Whether you want to sound casual, polite, or heartfelt, there’s a phrase here for every occasion.

So go ahead, try them out, and let your excitement shine through your words. Counting down has never been this fun!