Japanese Sound: Waku Waku

Japanese use a lot of onomatopoeia, even in a formal conversation. When you hear the sound ofわくわく Waku Waku /waku waku/ in Japanese, that means “existing”.

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I’m exited! (Waku Waku suru!)

For example, when planning a trip and reading a travel guide, one may become excited about the atmosphere, delicious food, and shopping streets. In such an instance, it is common to exclaim “Waku Waku suru!” to express one’s excitement.

Waku Waku

Waku Waku means “to express the feeling of being very excited and thrilled about something.” It is used when there is something enjoyable, such as before going on a trip or receiving a birthday present. Examples include “I’m so excited to go on a trip!” “I get excited when I receive a birthday present.” “I’m thrilled with new ideas that come to mind.”

Waku Waku examples

I get excited (Waku Waku) about going on trips!
I get excited (Waku Waku) when I receive a birthday present.
I get excited (Waku Waku) when new ideas come to mind.
I am excited (Waku Waku) about the progress of a new business venture.

The origin of Waku Waku

Waku Waku is believed to have originated from the word “涌く waku,” which means the emergence of things such as water coming out of the ground or suddenly appearing. The word “waku” is related to “沸く waku,” a different character of 涌く, which is used to express excitement, such as “boiling with victory,” and Waku Waku expresses emotions that vigorously emerge from one’s heart to the outside or the state of such emotions.

During the Edo period, there was a word “沸くつくwakutsuku,” which was used to mean “to feel excited.” In these days, Japanese don’t use “wakutsuku”.

Source of origin: