22 Japanese ways to say “I’m looking forward to it”

Looking forward to something in Japanese is more than just a phrase—it’s a way to share excitement and positive vibes with friends, family, or colleagues.

Whether it’s a casual hangout, a formal meeting, or a heartfelt promise, Japanese offers many colorful ways to express anticipation.

In this list, you’ll discover 22 warm and useful expressions to say “I’m looking forward to it” in Japanese.

From polite phrases perfect for work to casual expressions you can use with close friends, this guide will help you connect more deeply with the language and culture.

Learning these phrases not only boosts your vocabulary but also helps you sound more natural and relatable in conversations.

Ready to add some excitement to your Japanese? Let’s dive right in!

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

Casual expressions are perfect for chatting with friends or family. They’re relaxed, friendly, and full of personality.

These phrases can be used naturally in everyday situations and are great for learners aiming to sound approachable and warm.

Here are some easy and fun ways to say “I’m looking forward to it” casually.

If you want a bit more help, check out this beginner phrasebook for handy phrases and tips.

Using casual phrases is a great way to build confidence and make your conversations flow more naturally.

Try these out and see how easily you connect with native speakers!

1. 行けたら行く (Iketara iku) – “I’ll come if I can.”

This phrase literally means “If I can go, I’ll go,” but it’s often used to casually express that you’re looking forward to something but aren’t 100% sure yet.

It’s easy to use and sounds natural among friends or acquaintances when you want to show interest without fully committing.

Great for those times you want to stay open but positive.

It’s a soft way to keep plans flexible while still showing enthusiasm.

Related phrases include “時間があれば行く (Jikan ga areba iku)” meaning “I’ll go if I have time.”

Using this keeps your tone friendly and approachable, perfect for casual invites.

2. 楽しみだね (Tanoshimi da ne) – “I’m excited!”

“楽しみ (Tanoshimi)” means “looking forward to” or “excitement,” and adding “だね (da ne)” makes it casual and friendly.

It’s super easy to remember because it’s just one main word plus a casual sentence ending.

You can use it when you’re talking about upcoming events with friends.

Be careful not to sound too formal—this phrase is best kept for close relationships.

For example: “来週の旅行、楽しみだね！” (“I’m excited for next week’s trip!”)

It’s a warm and genuine way to share your enthusiasm.

3. ワクワクしてる (Waku waku shiteru) – “I’m excited!” (on the inside)

This phrase uses “ワクワク (Waku waku),” an onomatopoeia for excitement or anticipation, paired with “してる” to mean “I’m feeling excited.”

It’s a fun, expressive way to convey that you’re really looking forward to something.

Perfect for casual chats and social media posts.

It’s more emotional and playful than just saying “楽しみ.”

Try saying it when something fun is coming up, like “明日のライブ、ワクワクしてる！” (“I’m so excited for tomorrow’s concert!”)

This phrase adds a lively, youthful vibe to your language.

4. 期待してるよ (Kitai shiteru yo) – “I’m looking forward to it!”

“期待 (Kitai)” means “expectation” or “hope,” so “期待してる” means “I’m expecting/looking forward to it.”

Adding “よ (yo)” makes it friendly and a bit more emphatic.

This phrase works well to express positive anticipation in informal situations.

It’s a bit more mature but still casual enough for friends or coworkers.

Example: “新しい映画、期待してるよ！” (“I’m looking forward to the new movie!”)

It’s a great phrase to show you’re genuinely eager.

5. 楽しみにしてるよ (Tanoshimi ni shiteru yo) – “I’m looking forward to it!”

This phrase literally means “I have been looking forward to it” and is very common in spoken Japanese.

It uses “楽しみ (Tanoshimi)” meaning “fun” or “looking forward to” plus “にしてる” to express ongoing anticipation.

Adding “よ (yo)” makes it warm and friendly.

This is a go-to phrase for showing excitement about plans or events.

For example: “週末のパーティー、楽しみにしてるよ！” (“I’m looking forward to the weekend party!”)

Simple and effective, it’s perfect for everyday use.

6. 待ち遠しい (Machidōshii) – “I can’t wait!”

“待ち遠しい (Machidōshii)” is a neat word that means “so long-awaited that you almost can’t wait anymore.”

It’s a strong expression of eager anticipation, usually used for exciting events or reunions.

This word feels a bit nostalgic and heartfelt, perfect for emotional moments.

It’s often used alone or in sentences like “夏休みが待ち遠しい！” (“I can’t wait for summer vacation!”)

Because it’s a single word, it’s easy to remember and very expressive.

Use this when you want to show real excitement.

7. ドキドキしてる (Dokidoki shiteru) – “I’m thrilled/nervous in a good way.”

“ドキドキ (Dokidoki)” is an onomatopoeia for a pounding heart, often meaning excitement mixed with a little nervousness.

It’s a lively way to say you’re looking forward to something with butterflies in your stomach.

Great for first dates, performances, or big announcements.

Try: “明日の発表でドキドキしてる” (“I’m nervous and excited about tomorrow’s presentation.”)

The phrase adds a cute and emotional flair to your anticipation.

Perfect for close friends or informal chats.

8. 楽しみでしょうがない (Tanoshimi deshō ganai) – “I’m so looking forward to it, I can’t help it!”

This phrase ups the excitement level by saying you’re so excited you can’t contain it.

“でしょうがない” is a way to emphasize you can’t help feeling that way.

It’s fun and expressive, great for sharing big anticipation with friends.

For example: “コンサート、楽しみでしょうがない！” (“I’m so looking forward to the concert, I can’t stand it!”)

It’s a bit longer but super natural and enthusiastic.

Use it when you want to sound genuinely thrilled.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

When speaking in professional or formal settings, it’s important to sound respectful and polished.

These polite phrases will help you express anticipation without being too casual.

They’re perfect for work emails, meetings, or when speaking with people you’re not very close to yet.

For more formal vocabulary, consider exploring this Japanese phrasebook focused on polite expressions.

Master these phrases to sound confident and respectful in your professional conversations.

Let’s look at some great options.

9. 楽しみにしております (Tanoshimi ni shite orimasu) – “I’m looking forward to it (very polite).”

This is the humble, polite form of “楽しみにしている,” used in formal emails or conversations.

“おります” is a humble verb form, showing respect to the listener.

It’s great for business contexts and official events.

Example: “来週の会議を楽しみにしております。” (“I’m looking forward to next week’s meeting.”)

It’s a respectful way to express your positive anticipation.

Using this phrase can impress colleagues and clients alike.

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

“心待ち (Kokoro machi)” means “eager expectation,” and paired with the humble “しております” it’s very polite.

This phrase conveys deep anticipation with a formal tone.

It’s rarely used in casual talk but perfect for letters or emails.

Example: “お返事を心待ちにしております。” (“I eagerly await your reply.”)

It sounds sincere and professional.

Use it when you want to show genuine respect and excitement simultaneously.

11. ご期待ください (Go kitai kudasai) – “Please look forward to it.”

This phrase is used to invite someone to anticipate something, like a product launch or event.

“ご期待” adds honorific respect, and “ください” is a polite request.

It’s a professional and encouraging way to build excitement.

Example: “新サービスにご期待ください。” (“Please look forward to our new service.”)

Great for marketing or formal announcements.

It positions you as polite and professional.

12. 楽しみにしておりますので、よろしくお願いいたします (Tanoshimi ni shite orimasu node, yoroshiku onegai itashimasu) – “I’m looking forward to it, so thank you in advance.”

This is a full polite sentence often used in business emails.

It combines anticipation with a humble thank-you, showing respect and enthusiasm.

Easy to use in formal writing once you know the components.

Example: “ご連絡を楽しみにしておりますので、よろしくお願いいたします。” (“I’m looking forward to your contact, thank you in advance.”)

It’s very useful for professional communication.

Using this phrase shows excellent etiquette and warmth.

13. 期待しております (Kitai shite orimasu) – “I am expecting (very polite).”

A humble and polite way to say you’re looking forward to something or expecting positive results.

It’s formal and respectful, suitable for professional emails and conversations.

Example: “プロジェクトの成功を期待しております。” (“I am looking forward to the success of the project.”)

It’s concise and professional.

Great for showing confidence and respect.

Use it when you want to sound both eager and polite.

14. 近々お会いできるのを楽しみにしております (Chikajika oaidekiru no o tanoshimi ni shite orimasu) – “I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.”

This polite phrase is perfect for business or formal social situations when you anticipate meeting someone.

It’s a respectful way to express excitement about an upcoming meeting.

Example: “来週の会議でお会いできるのを楽しみにしております。” (“I’m looking forward to seeing you at next week’s meeting.”)

It’s warm yet professional.

Use it to build rapport before a formal event.

This phrase leaves a positive impression.

15. 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 (very polite).”

This is a very polite and humble way to say “looking forward to meeting you.”

“お目にかかる” is a humble verb for “to meet,” making this phrase ideal for formal introductions.

Example: “次回の会合でお目にかかるのを楽しみにしております。” (“I look forward to meeting you at the next meeting.”)

It’s often used in written communications.

This phrase shows both respect and eagerness.

Perfect for high-level professional contexts.

16. 今から楽しみです (Ima kara tanoshimi desu) – “I’m looking forward to it already.”

A polite yet simple way to say you’re already excited about what’s coming.

“今から” means “from now,” showing your anticipation is starting early.

It’s versatile enough for both formal and informal use.

Example: “旅行が今から楽しみです。” (“I’m already looking forward to the trip.”)

Easy to remember and polite.

Shows genuine excitement without being overly casual.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

These expressions are often used by native speakers in informal, comfortable settings.

They add flavor and authenticity to your Japanese, perfect for close friends or casual texts.

Feel free to play around with these to sound more natural and relaxed.

Want to hear how native speakers chat? Check this casual phrasebook for real-life examples.

These expressions often use slang or contractions, so they’re great for immersion.

17. まじ楽しみ (Maji tanoshimi) – “Really looking forward to it!”

“まじ” is slang for “really” or “seriously,” making this phrase super casual and enthusiastic.

Native speakers use this a lot among friends to show strong excitement.

It’s short, punchy, and easy to say.

Example: “明日のライブまじ楽しみ！” (“I’m really looking forward to tomorrow’s concert!”)

Great for text messages or casual talks.

Just be careful to use it only with people you’re close to.

18. めっちゃ楽しみ (Meccha tanoshimi) – “Super excited!”

“めっちゃ” is Kansai dialect slang meaning “very” or “super.”

Combined with “楽しみ,” it expresses high excitement casually.

It’s very common in spoken Japanese, especially in western regions.

Example: “旅行めっちゃ楽しみ！” (“I’m super excited for the trip!”)

Fun, casual, and full of energy.

If you want to sound like a native, this is a must-know phrase.

19. 待ってたよ！ (Matteta yo!) – “I’ve been waiting for this!”

“待ってた” is the casual past progressive of “wait,” meaning “I was waiting.”

It’s used to show excitement that something anticipated has finally arrived.

Example: “新しいゲーム、待ってたよ！” (“I’ve been waiting for the new game!”)

Great for expressing eagerness once news or plans drop.

It conveys enthusiasm with a native touch.

Use it with friends or in informal chats.

20. 超楽しみ (Chō tanoshimi) – “Super looking forward to it.”

“超 (Chō)” means “super” or “extremely,” so this phrase is very casual and enthusiastic.

It’s similar to “めっちゃ楽しみ” but used more broadly across Japan.

Example: “パーティー超楽しみ！” (“I’m super looking forward to the party!”)

Perfect for lively conversations.

Just keep it casual—it’s informal slang.

Easy to say and memorable.

21. 早く来ないかな (Hayaku konai kana) – “I wish it would come soon!”

This phrase literally means “I wonder if it will come soon,” expressing eager anticipation.

It’s casual and often used when you can’t wait for an event or person.

Example: “夏休み、早く来ないかな！” (“I wish summer vacation would come soon!”)

It’s a natural, conversational way to share excitement.

Good for chatting with friends or family.

It adds a hopeful tone to your anticipation.

22. それ楽しみ！ (Sore tanoshimi!) – “That sounds fun, I’m looking forward to it!”

“それ (Sore)” means “that,” so this phrase is a quick, casual way to say you’re excited about something just mentioned.

It’s a simple and friendly expression used often in conversation.

Example: “旅行に行くんだって？それ楽しみ！” (“You’re going on a trip? I’m looking forward to it!”)

Easy to use and very natural sounding.

Great for keeping conversations light and positive.

This phrase makes your excitement clear and relatable.

Concluding Thought

Exploring these 22 Japanese ways to say “I’m looking forward to it” opens up a world of expressive possibilities.

Whether you prefer casual, polite, or native-like expressions, there’s a phrase here for every situation and personality.

Keep practicing, have fun with these phrases, and watch your Japanese conversations bloom with warmth and anticipation!