興奮する
To get excited; to be stimulated or agitated.
興奮する in 30 Sekunden
- 興奮する (kōfun suru) means to get excited, stimulated, or agitated, covering both positive thrills and negative loss of composure.
- It is a suru-verb, often paired with the particle 'ni' to indicate the cause of the excitement.
- While similar to 'excited,' it is more intense and can imply physiological arousal or medical nerve stimulation.
- Commonly heard in sports, entertainment, and news, but should be used carefully to avoid sounding overly emotional.
The Japanese verb 興奮する (kōfun suru) is a versatile term that primarily translates to "to get excited," "to be stimulated," or "to become agitated." While it shares many similarities with the English word "excited," its nuance covers a broader physiological and psychological spectrum, ranging from the positive thrill of a sports match to the negative state of being overly worked up or even medically agitated. In Japanese, it is a suru-verb, combining the noun 興奮 (excitement/stimulation) with the verb する (to do). This structure allows it to function dynamically in various social and professional settings.
- Emotional Highs
- This is the most common usage, referring to the surge of adrenaline one feels during a concert, a movie, or an athletic competition. It describes a state where the heart rate increases and one's energy levels peak.
決勝戦を見て、観客全員が興奮した。 (Watching the final match, all the spectators got excited.)
- Physiological Stimulation
- In scientific or medical contexts, 興奮 refers to the activation or stimulation of nerves, cells, or organs. For instance, caffeine causes the central nervous system to enter a state of 興奮.
あまりにも興奮して、昨夜は一睡もできなかった。 (I was so excited/agitated that I couldn't sleep at all last night.)
- Loss of Composure
- When someone is arguing or panicking, they might be told 'don't get so worked up' using this word. It implies a loss of cool-headedness.
落ち着いてください。そんなに興奮しないで。 (Please calm down. Don't get so worked up.)
Understanding the dual nature of 興奮する is key to mastering it. It captures the essence of human energy—whether that energy is channeled into cheering for a team or losing one's temper in a heated debate. The word consists of two kanji: 興 (to flourish, interest, or rise) and 奮 (to stir up, exert, or rouse). Together, they paint a picture of internal energy rising to the surface, creating a state that is visible to others through one's actions, voice, or physical demeanor. It is a B1-level word because while the concept is simple, its appropriate usage depends heavily on the speaker's ability to judge the social context and the intensity of the situation.
新しいプロジェクトの話を聞いて、チーム全員が興奮している。 (Hearing about the new project, the whole team is excited.)
彼は興奮すると、早口になる癖がある。 (He has a habit of speaking fast when he gets excited.)
Using 興奮する correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a suru-verb and its relationship with particles. Most commonly, the thing causing the excitement is marked with the particle に (ni). This indicates the target or stimulus that triggers the state of excitement. For example, 'I was excited by the news' would be 'ニュースに興奮した'. Alternatively, で (de) can be used to indicate the cause or means, though 'ni' is more frequent for direct stimuli.
- The 'TE' Form for Cause
- When you want to say you did something because you were excited, use the 'te' form: 興奮して (kōfun shite). For example: 'I shouted because I was excited' becomes '興奮して叫んだ'.
彼はその知らせを聞いて、興奮して飛び上がった。 (He heard the news and jumped up in excitement.)
- The Ongoing State
- To describe someone who is currently in a state of excitement, use the continuous form: 興奮している (kōfun shite iru). This is very common when observing someone's current mood.
子供たちは遠足の前日で、とても興奮している。 (The children are very excited as it is the day before the field trip.)
- Negative Contexts
- When someone is losing control or acting irrational due to anger or stress, 'kōfun' describes that agitation. Commands like 'Don't get excited!' are often '興奮しないで!' (Kōfun shinaide!).
議論が白熱し、双方が興奮して怒鳴り合った。 (The debate heated up, and both sides got excited/agitated and shouted at each other.)
In written Japanese, particularly in novels or news reports, 興奮 may appear as a standalone noun. Phrases like '興奮のるつぼ' (a crucible of excitement/a whirl of excitement) are common when describing a stadium or a festival atmosphere. In more formal or scientific writing, you might encounter '神経の興奮' (nerve excitation). Mastering these variations allows you to transition from simple daily conversation to more complex descriptive Japanese. Remember that while 'excited' in English is almost always positive, 'kōfun' is about the intensity of the state, which can be neutral or even negative depending on why the person is 'aroused.'
その歌手が登場すると、会場は興奮の渦に包まれた。 (When the singer appeared, the venue was engulfed in a whirlpool of excitement.)
コーヒーを飲みすぎると、脳が興奮して眠れなくなる。 (If you drink too much coffee, your brain gets stimulated and you can't sleep.)
You will encounter 興奮する in a wide variety of real-life situations in Japan. From the high-energy environment of a stadium to the serious atmosphere of a doctor's office, this word is a staple of the Japanese language. In media, sports commentators use it constantly to describe the energy of the crowd or the intensity of a play. In daily life, parents might use it to describe their children's behavior before a big event like a trip to Disneyland. Understanding these contexts helps you grasp the 'vibe' of the word beyond its dictionary definition.
- Sports and Entertainment
- This is the primary domain for the word. Whether it is an anime character realizing their hidden power or a real-life baseball fan watching a home run, 'kōfun' is the go-to word for that rush of blood to the head.
「今のプレー、本当に興奮しましたね!」 (That play just now was truly exciting, wasn't it!)
- News and Journalism
- News reports use 'kōfun' to describe public reactions to major events, elections, or celebrity arrivals. It is also used in a negative sense to describe a suspect who was 'agitated' (興奮状態) during an arrest.
犯人は逮捕時、非常に興奮していたという。 (It is said that the culprit was extremely agitated at the time of the arrest.)
- Medical and Scientific Contexts
- Doctors use it to describe a patient's state or the effect of a drug. 'Kōfun-zai' (興奮剤) refers to stimulants. This usage is purely clinical and lacks the emotional 'fun' aspect of the word.
この薬には神経を興奮させる作用があります。 (This medicine has the effect of stimulating the nerves.)
If you visit a theme park like Tokyo DisneySea or Universal Studios Japan, you will hear 'kōfun' everywhere. Teenagers will shout 'Yabai, kōfun suru!' when they see a parade or a favorite character. In contrast, in a business meeting, if someone becomes too loud or aggressive, a colleague might pull them aside and say 'Chotto kōfun shisugi desu yo' (You're getting a bit too worked up). This range makes it a fascinating word to observe in the wild. It acts as a barometer for the 'temperature' of a situation—whenever things get 'hot' or 'high-energy,' 興奮 is the word that Japanese speakers reach for.
パンダの赤ちゃんを一目見ようと、ファンが興奮気味に集まった。 (Fans gathered in an excited manner to catch a glimpse of the baby panda.)
お祭りの太鼓の音を聞くと、血が騒いで興奮する。 (Hearing the sound of the festival drums makes my blood stir and I get excited.)
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with 興奮する is using it as a direct replacement for 'I'm excited' in every context. In English, 'I'm excited' is the standard way to say you are looking forward to something (e.g., 'I'm excited for dinner'). However, in Japanese, 興奮する is much more intense. If you use it for a simple dinner, it might sound like you are experiencing a massive adrenaline rush or a physiological reaction, which can be confusing or even slightly humorous to native speakers.
- Mistake: 'Looking Forward to'
- Instead of 興奮する, use 楽しみにしています (tanoshimi ni shite imasu) for things you are looking forward to. 'Kōfun' is for when the excitement is already happening or is very intense.
❌ 明日のデートに興奮しています。
✅ 明日のデートを楽しみにしています。
- Mistake: Sexual Nuance
- In some contexts, 興奮する can imply sexual arousal. While it is a perfectly normal word for sports or news, saying 'I'm excited' about a person using 'kōfun' without careful context can lead to awkward misunderstandings. Be mindful of who you are talking about.
- Mistake: Over-agitation
- Using 'kōfun' when you are just 'happy' or 'glad' is another common error. If you say you are 'kōfun' because you found a lost wallet, it sounds like you are hyperventilating. Use 'ureshii' (happy) instead.
❌ 合格して興奮しました。
✅ 合格してとても嬉しいです。
Another nuance to watch out for is the difference between 興奮 (the state) and 感動 (kandō - being moved). If you watch a beautiful sunset or a touching movie, you are 'kandō' (moved), not 'kōfun' (excited). 'Kōfun' is high-energy; 'kandō' is emotional depth. Using 'kōfun' for a sad but beautiful scene would feel out of place. Finally, remember that 'kōfun' is a suru-verb. You cannot say 'kōfun na' or 'kōfun da' to mean 'I am excited' in the same way you use an i-adjective or na-adjective. It must be 'kōfun shite iru' or 'kōfun shita'.
❌ あの映画はとても興奮でした。
✅ あの映画にはとても興奮しました。
❌ 彼はいつも興奮な人だ。
✅ 彼はいつも興奮しやすい人だ。 (He is a person who gets excited easily.)
Japanese is rich in words that describe various levels and types of excitement. While 興奮する is the most clinical and intense, other words might be more appropriate depending on whether you are happy, nervous, or looking forward to something. Choosing the right synonym can make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.
- ワクワクする (Wakuwaku suru)
- This is the best word for positive, happy excitement. It implies anticipation and a 'fluttering' heart. Use this for trips, parties, or opening presents. It is much softer and more common in daily speech than 'kōfun'.
- ドキドキする (Dokidoki suru)
- This mimics the sound of a beating heart. It is used for excitement mixed with nervousness, such as before a speech, a first date, or a scary movie. It is more about the physical sensation of the heart racing.
- 感動する (Kandō suru)
- Use this when you are deeply moved or impressed. If a performance was 'exciting' because it was beautiful and skillful, 'kandō' is often the better choice. It focuses on the heart being touched rather than the nerves being stimulated.
- 熱狂する (Nekkyō suru)
- This means 'to be wild about' or 'to be fanatical.' It is a stronger version of 'kōfun' often used for fan behavior. If a whole stadium is 'kōfun,' they are likely 'nekkyō' (wildly enthusiastic).
旅行のことを考えると、ワクワクします。 (I get excited thinking about the trip.)
告白する前は、心臓がドキドキしました。 (My heart was pounding before I confessed my feelings.)
In summary, while 興奮する is the most direct translation of 'to get excited,' it is often too heavy for lighthearted situations. If you want to sound like a native, lean toward onomatopoeic expressions like ワクワク for happy things and ドキドキ for nervous things. Reserve 興奮する for when the energy is truly high, physiological, or potentially out of control. By differentiating these, you demonstrate a deep understanding of the emotional landscape of the Japanese language.
観客はスターの登場に熱狂した。 (The audience went wild at the star's appearance.)
素晴らしい演奏に、会場中が感動の渦に包まれた。 (The whole venue was moved by the wonderful performance.)
How Formal Is It?
"聴衆の皆様が、この新発見に興奮しておられるのが分かります。"
"試合の結果に、選手たちは興奮していました。"
"やばい、めっちゃ興奮する!"
"あしたはえんそくだから、みんなこうふんしてるね。"
"これ、マジで興奮案件だわ。"
Wusstest du?
The kanji 奮 (fun) depicts a bird (隹) spreading its wings over a field (田), symbolizing the exertion of energy and power.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing 'u' as 'oo' like in 'moon' (it should be shorter and less rounded).
- Stressing the second syllable too hard.
- Mixing up 'ko' and 'kou' (the long 'o' is crucial).
- Pronouncing 'f' with teeth on lips (Japanese 'f' is blown between lips).
- Rolling the 'r' too much.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Kanji are common but require attention to strokes.
The kanji 興 and 奮 are complex to write by hand.
Easy to pronounce once the 'suru' structure is understood.
Distinct sound makes it easy to catch in speech.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Suru-verbs (N+する)
勉強する、散歩する、興奮する
Te-form for cause (~て)
興奮して叫んだ (Shouted because I was excited)
Ongoing state (~ている)
子供が興奮している (The child is excited)
Noun modification (Past form + N)
興奮した観客 (Excited spectators)
Negative Request (~ないで)
興奮しないでください (Please don't get excited)
Beispiele nach Niveau
私はサッカーを見て興奮しました。
I watched soccer and got excited.
Simple past tense of a suru-verb.
彼はとても興奮している。
He is very excited.
Continuous form (~te iru) showing current state.
プレゼントを開けて、興奮した。
I opened the present and got excited.
Connecting actions with the te-form.
犬が興奮して走っています。
The dog is excited and running.
Adverbial use of the te-form (excitedly).
映画は興奮しましたか?
Was the movie exciting? (Did you get excited by the movie?)
Question form in the past tense.
パーティーでみんな興奮した。
Everyone got excited at the party.
Subject 'everyone' (minna).
興奮しないでください。
Please don't get excited.
Negative request form (~naide kudasai).
新しいおもちゃに興奮する。
To get excited about a new toy.
Using particle 'ni' for the object of excitement.
興奮して、昨日はあまり眠れませんでした。
I was so excited I couldn't sleep much yesterday.
Te-form used to show cause/reason.
試合の最後は、本当に興奮しましたね。
The end of the match was really exciting, wasn't it?
Sentence ending particle 'ne' for agreement.
子供たちが興奮して騒いでいる。
The children are excited and making a lot of noise.
Describing a scene with multiple verbs.
そんなに興奮すると、体に良くないですよ。
If you get that excited/agitated, it's not good for your health.
Conditional 'to' (if/when).
彼は興奮すると早口になります。
He speaks fast when he gets excited.
Habitual 'to' (whenever).
ニュースを聞いて、みんなが興奮した。
Everyone got excited/stirred up after hearing the news.
Cause indicated by the te-form of 'kiku' (to hear).
興奮したファンが空港に集まった。
Excited fans gathered at the airport.
Using the past form as an adjective to modify a noun.
旅行の計画を立てるだけで興奮する。
Just making plans for the trip makes me excited.
Focus particle 'dake' (just).
その素晴らしい演技に、観客は興奮の渦に包まれた。
The audience was engulfed in a whirlpool of excitement by that wonderful performance.
Metaphorical noun usage in a formal sentence.
彼は少し興奮気味だったので、落ち着かせた。
He seemed a bit excited/agitated, so I calmed him down.
Suffix '~gimi' meaning 'a touch of' or 'seeming like.'
新製品の発表会は、興奮に満ちていた。
The new product launch was filled with excitement.
Noun 'kōfun' followed by 'ni michite ita' (was full of).
あまり興奮しすぎないように注意してください。
Please be careful not to get too excited.
Negative 'yō ni' to show a goal or instruction.
勝った瞬間、彼は興奮を抑えきれなかった。
The moment they won, he couldn't suppress his excitement.
Compound verb 'osae-kirenai' (cannot completely suppress).
興奮して叫びたい気持ちはわかりますが、静かにしてください。
I understand the feeling of wanting to shout in excitement, but please be quiet.
Noun phrase 'shabitai kimochi' (feeling of wanting to shout).
その発見は、科学界を興奮させた。
That discovery excited the scientific world.
Causative form 'saseru' (made them excited).
興奮が冷めるまで、少し待ちましょう。
Let's wait a bit until the excitement cools down.
Verb 'sameru' (to cool down) used with 'kōfun'.
彼は興奮状態にあり、話を聞ける状態ではない。
He is in a state of agitation and is in no condition to listen.
Compound noun 'kōfun jōtai' (state of excitement/agitation).
カフェインは中枢神経を興奮させる作用がある。
Caffeine has the effect of stimulating the central nervous system.
Technical/scientific usage of 'kōfun saseru.'
その政治家の演説は、聴衆を激しく興奮させた。
The politician's speech intensely stirred up the audience.
Adverb 'hageshiku' (intensely) modifying the verb.
興奮のあまり、彼は自分のバッグを忘れてしまった。
In his excitement, he ended up forgetting his bag.
Grammar pattern '~no amari' (so much... that).
映画のクライマックスシーンで、会場の興奮は最高潮に達した。
At the movie's climax, the excitement in the theater reached its peak.
Idiomatic phrase 'saikōchō ni tassuru' (reach a climax).
興奮を鎮めるために、深呼吸をしてください。
Please take a deep breath to calm your excitement/agitation.
Verb 'shizumeru' (to calm/suppress).
彼は興奮すると、周りの状況が見えなくなるタイプだ。
He is the type who loses sight of his surroundings when he gets excited.
Describing a personality type with 'taipu da.'
未曾有の事態に、国民の間で興奮と不安が広がっている。
In this unprecedented situation, excitement and anxiety are spreading among the citizens.
Using 'kōfun' to describe a general social atmosphere.
その学説は、当時の学会に大きな興奮と論争を巻き起こした。
That theory sparked great excitement and controversy in the academic society of the time.
Verb 'maki-okosu' (to stir up/spark).
興奮した細胞が電気信号を発し、情報が伝達される。
Excited cells emit electrical signals, and information is transmitted.
Scientific description of cellular excitation.
彼の語り口は、聞く者を否応なしに興奮させる力を持っていた。
His way of speaking had the power to inevitably excite those who heard him.
Adverbial phrase 'ina-ō-nashi ni' (whether one likes it or not/inevitably).
祭りの前夜、町全体が静かな興奮に包まれている。
On the eve of the festival, the entire town is wrapped in a quiet excitement.
Oxymoron 'shizuka na kōfun' (quiet excitement).
興奮を煽るような報道は、社会の混乱を招きかねない。
Reporting that incites excitement/agitation could potentially lead to social chaos.
Verb 'aoru' (to fan/incite) and '~kaneyai' (might lead to).
その名演奏に、聴衆はしばし言葉を失うほどの興奮を覚えた。
The audience felt an excitement so great they were momentarily speechless at the masterful performance.
Verb 'oboeru' used in the sense of 'to feel/experience.'
興奮の極みに達した群衆を制御するのは不可能だった。
It was impossible to control the crowd that had reached the height of excitement/agitation.
Noun phrase 'kōfun no kiwami' (the height of excitement).
彼は、常に新しい知識を求めて知的な興奮を追い求めている。
He is always seeking new knowledge and pursuing intellectual excitement.
Abstract noun 'chiteki kōfun' (intellectual excitement).
大衆の興奮を巧みに操るその弁論術は、危うい魅力を放っていた。
His rhetoric, which skillfully manipulated the excitement of the masses, exuded a dangerous charm.
Complex sentence structure with multiple modifiers.
神経細胞の興奮と抑制のバランスが崩れると、精神疾患の原因となることがある。
When the balance between the excitation and inhibition of neurons is disrupted, it can cause mental illness.
Academic medical terminology.
その文学作品は、読者に根源的な興奮を呼び起こす力強い文体で書かれている。
The literary work is written in a powerful style that evokes a primal excitement in the reader.
Adjective 'kongen-teki' (primal/fundamental).
革命の足音が近づく中、首都は異様な興奮に包まれていた。
As the footsteps of revolution drew near, the capital was enveloped in an eerie excitement.
Metaphorical '足音' (footsteps) and '異様な' (strange/eerie).
興奮のあまり理性を失った彼の行動は、後に大きな波紋を広げた。
His actions, having lost his reason in his excitement, later caused a great stir.
Idiom 'hamon o hirogeru' (to cause ripples/stir).
市場の過熱による狂乱的な興奮は、バブル崩壊の予兆であった。
The frenzied excitement caused by market overheating was a harbinger of the bubble's burst.
Adjective 'kyōran-teki' (frenzied/frantic).
興奮を媒介とした集団心理のダイナミズムは、社会学の重要な研究対象である。
The dynamism of group psychology mediated by excitement is an important research subject in sociology.
Highly academic sentence structure.
静寂の中にこそ、真の興奮が潜んでいると彼は語った。
He said that true excitement lies hidden within silence itself.
Philosophical usage with emphasis particle 'koso.'
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
興奮しちゃう
興奮を鎮める
興奮のるつぼ
異常な興奮
興奮冷めやらぬ
見て興奮する
興奮させる
一時の興奮
興奮を誘う
興奮が頂点に達する
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Used for looking forward to something in the future, whereas 'kōfun' is the state of arousal.
Used for being emotionally moved/touched; 'kōfun' is more about high energy/adrenaline.
A lighter, more positive onomatopoeia for excitement/anticipation.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
"興奮のるつぼ"
A state of extreme excitement involving a large group of people.
会場は興奮のるつぼと化した。
Literary"血が騒ぐ"
One's blood stirs; to get excited or restless for action.
祭りの音を聞くと血が騒ぐ。
Idiomatic"手に汗を握る"
Sweaty palms; a state of intense excitement or suspense.
手に汗を握る試合展開に興奮した。
Common"胸が躍る"
Heart dancing; to be excited with joy and anticipation.
新しい冒険に胸が躍る。
Literary"有頂天になる"
To be in seventh heaven; to be besides oneself with joy/excitement.
合格して有頂天になっている。
Common"我を忘れる"
To lose oneself; to be so excited or angry that one forgets everything.
興奮して我を忘れて叫んだ。
Literary"浮き足立つ"
To be fickle or waver due to excitement or fear.
勝利を前にチームが浮き足立った。
Literary"色めき立つ"
To become lively or stirred up with excitement (often news-related).
スクープに編集部が色めき立った。
Journalistic"興奮を禁じ得ない"
Cannot help but feel excited.
その知らせに興奮を禁じ得なかった。
Formal"熱を上げる"
To get worked up about something (often a hobby or person).
彼は新しい趣味に熱を上げている。
InformalLeicht verwechselbar
Both involve strong feelings.
Kangeki is deep gratitude or being deeply impressed; Kōfun is high arousal/excitement.
親切に感激した (Touched by kindness) vs. 試合に興奮した (Excited by the game).
Both involve a fast heartbeat.
Kinchō is nervousness/tension; Kōfun can be positive or negative arousal.
スピーチで緊張する (Nervous for a speech) vs. ライブで興奮する (Excited at a concert).
Surprise can lead to excitement.
Odoroku is the instant reaction to something unexpected; Kōfun is the sustained state of arousal.
ニュースに驚いた (Surprised by news) vs. ニュースに興奮した (Excited/stirred up by news).
Both involve high focus/energy.
Netchū is being absorbed in an activity; Kōfun is the emotional/physical state.
読書に熱中する (Absorbed in reading) vs. 本の内容に興奮する (Excited by the book's content).
Excited people often make noise.
Sawagu is the outward action of making noise/commotion; Kōfun is the internal state.
教室で騒ぐ (Make noise in class) vs. 興奮して騒ぐ (Make noise because of excitement).
Satzmuster
私は [Noun] に興奮しました。
私は映画に興奮しました。
興奮して [Verb]。
興奮して踊りました。
[Noun] を見て、興奮を隠せなかった。
景色を見て、興奮を隠せなかった。
あまり興奮しないでください。
落ち着いて、あまり興奮しないでください。
興奮のあまり、[Verb-ta]。
興奮のあまり、鍵を失くした。
彼は興奮すると、[Habit]。
彼は興奮すると、顔が赤くなる。
そのニュースは、[Group] を興奮させた。
そのニュースは、全米を興奮させた。
[Noun] は、興奮のるつぼと化した。
スタジアムは、興奮のるつぼと化した。
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Very common in media and sports; moderately common in daily life.
-
Using 'kōfun suru' for 'looking forward to'.
→
楽しみにしています。
Kōfun is the state of being worked up; tanoshimi is the mental state of anticipation.
-
Saying 'Kōfun na'.
→
興奮している / 興奮した。
Kōfun is a noun/suru-verb, not a na-adjective.
-
Using 'kōfun' for being 'moved' by a sad movie.
→
感動しました。
Kōfun implies high energy/adrenaline; Kandō implies emotional depth.
-
Using 'kōfun' in a business intro like 'I'm excited to work here'.
→
頑張りたいと思います / 楽しみにしています。
Kōfun sounds too physically worked up for a professional introduction.
-
Confusing 'kōfun' with 'odoroku' (surprise).
→
驚きました。
Odoroku is the shock; kōfun is the high-energy state that might follow.
Tipps
Context Matters
Always check if you are describing anticipation (tanoshimi) or actual arousal (kōfun). Using the wrong one can change the meaning of your sentence entirely.
Suru-Verb Rule
Remember that since it is a suru-verb, you can use all standard suru-verb conjugations like 'kōfun saseru' (causative) or 'kōfun sareru' (passive).
Collective Excitement
In Japan, 'kōfun' is often used to describe the mood of a group (like a crowd or a nation) rather than just an individual.
Learn the Kanji
興 (rise/interest) and 奮 (stir up) are very useful kanji. 興 is also in 'kyōmi' (interest) and 奮 is in 'funtō' (struggle).
Adverbial Use
Use 'kōfun shite' as an adverb to describe how someone did something (e.g., 'Kōfun shite hanasu' - to speak excitedly).
Noun Phrases
Using '興奮のあまり' (in the excess of excitement) is a great B2-level grammar point for your writing.
Anime Cues
Listen for characters saying 'Kōfun shite kita!' when a battle gets intense. It means 'I'm starting to get excited!'
Calming Others
Knowing 'Kōfun shinaide' is useful for de-escalating tense situations or calming down children.
Clinical Usage
If you see 'kōfun' in a medical context, it's about nerve firing, not 'having fun.'
Wakuwaku vs Kōfun
If you want to sound 'cute' or 'friendly,' use 'wakuwaku.' If you want to sound 'intense' or 'serious,' use 'kōfun.'
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of a 'CO-FOUNDer' (Kōfun) of a startup getting super 'excited' about their new business idea.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a stadium crowd rising (興) and a bird flapping its wings wildly (奮) to take flight.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to use 'kōfun suru' to describe a movie scene to a friend, then use 'tanoshimi' to describe your plans for the weekend.
Wortherkunft
The word comes from the combination of two kanji: 興 (kō) and 奮 (fun). 興 originally meant to rise or flourish, and 奮 meant to stir up or flap wings (like a bird).
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To rise up and stir oneself into action.
Sino-Japanese (Kango).Kultureller Kontext
Be aware of the potential sexual connotation in intimate contexts; use 'wakuwaku' for innocent excitement.
English speakers use 'excited' much more casually than Japanese speakers use 'kōfun suru.'
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Sports
- 逆転ゴールに興奮した。
- スタジアムが興奮に包まれた。
- 興奮する試合展開。
- サポーターが興奮している。
Entertainment
- ライブで興奮しすぎた。
- 映画の結末に興奮する。
- 新曲の発表に興奮した。
- 俳優の登場に興奮する。
Science/Medical
- 神経の興奮を抑える。
- 細胞が興奮する。
- 興奮剤を投与する。
- 脳の興奮状態。
Daily Life
- 興奮して眠れない。
- 落ち着いて、興奮しないで。
- 旅行の前で興奮している。
- 興奮して早口になる。
News/Police
- 犯人は興奮していた。
- 現場は興奮状態だった。
- 国民の興奮を煽る。
- 興奮を鎮める警察。
Gesprächseinstiege
"最近、何か興奮したことはありますか? (Have you been excited about anything lately?)"
"スポーツを見て興奮するタイプですか? (Are you the type to get excited watching sports?)"
"興奮して眠れなかったことがありますか? (Have you ever been so excited you couldn't sleep?)"
"どんな映画を見ると一番興奮しますか? (What kind of movies make you most excited?)"
"興奮したとき、どうやって落ち着きますか? (How do you calm down when you're excited?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
今日、一番興奮した瞬間について書いてください。 (Write about the moment you were most excited today.)
あなたが興奮する趣味は何ですか?その理由も教えてください。 (What is a hobby that excites you? Explain why.)
興奮しすぎて失敗した経験はありますか? (Do you have an experience where you failed because you were too excited?)
「興奮」と「感動」の違いについて、あなたの考えを書いてください。 (Write your thoughts on the difference between 'excitement' and 'being moved.')
将来、どんなことに興奮する人生を送りたいですか? (What kind of things do you want to be excited about in your future life?)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, that would sound very strange and possibly creepy. Use 'O-ai dekiru no o tanoshimi ni shite imasu' (I'm looking forward to meeting you).
No. It can describe someone who is angry, agitated, or medically unstable. Context is key.
'Wakuwaku' is light, happy, and usually about looking forward to something. 'Kōfun' is intense, physiological, and can be used in serious or scientific contexts.
You can say 'Sonna ni kōfun shinaide kudasai.'
Yes, if the movie is high-action or very stimulating, you can say 'Kōfun shimashita.'
Yes, '興奮' (kōfun) is the noun meaning 'excitement' or 'stimulation.'
Not usually. To describe someone who gets excited easily, say 'Kōfunしやすい人' (Kōfun shiyasui hito).
Only if describing a very successful event or a market trend. Avoid using it to describe your own professional feelings unless you want to sound very emotional.
Usually 'ni' for the thing that caused it (e.g., 'Game ni kōfun suru').
Yes, in certain contexts it can mean sexual arousal. Use it carefully in one-on-one situations.
Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen
Translate to Japanese: 'I was so excited I couldn't sleep.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'Please don't get excited.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'The match was very exciting.' (Use kōfun)
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Translate to Japanese: 'He is an easily excited person.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'The stadium was filled with excitement.'
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Write a sentence using '興奮のあまり'.
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Translate to Japanese: 'Caffeine stimulates the brain.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'I felt intellectual excitement.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'The crowd went wild at the news.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'Wait until the excitement subsides.'
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Describe your favorite hobby and why it makes you 'kōfun'.
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Write a short dialogue where one person is 'kōfun' and the other tells them to calm down.
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Translate to Japanese: 'I can't hide my excitement.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'It was a state of extreme excitement.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'The discovery sparked excitement in the world.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'I spoke excitedly.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'The concert reached its peak of excitement.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'Don't be moved by temporary excitement.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'The city was engulfed in excitement.'
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Translate to Japanese: 'The nerves are excited.'
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Describe a time you were very excited (kōfun shita).
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Talk about a movie that made you 'kōfun'.
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How do you calm down (kōfun o shizumeru) when you are stressed?
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Explain the difference between 'tanoshimi' and 'kōfun' in your own words.
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Do you think it's good for a leader to be 'kōfun'? Why or why not?
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Describe the atmosphere of a festival you've been to using 'kōfun'.
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What kind of news makes you 'kōfun suru'?
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Describe a situation where someone was too 'kōfun' and it was a problem.
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Roleplay: You are at a stadium and your team just won. Express your 'kōfun'.
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Du hast gesagt:
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Talk about a scientific discovery that would make you 'kōfun'.
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How does coffee affect you? Use 'kōfun saseru'.
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Describe a concert you attended using 'nekkyō' and 'kōfun'.
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What makes children 'kōfun suru' the most?
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Talk about a time you couldn't sleep because of 'kōfun'.
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Discuss the 'kōfun' of a historical event.
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Is 'kōfun' a positive or negative word to you?
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Describe an 'exciting' (kōfun suru) place to visit in your city.
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What is 'intellectual excitement' to you?
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Tell someone to calm down because they are too 'kōfun'.
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Describe a person you know who is 'kōfun shiyasui'.
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Listen and identify the emotion: 'Yatta! Saiko da! Kōfun shichau!'
Listen and identify the instruction: 'Motto ochitsuite. Kōfun shisugi da yo.'
Listen for the cause: 'Kono hon, sugoku kōfun suru yo!'
Listen for the state: 'Kare wa ima, kōfun jōtai ni arimasu.'
Listen for the effect: 'Kōfun shite, nani o itte iru ka wakaranai.'
Listen for the medical context: 'Shinkei o kōfun saseru kusuri desu.'
Listen for the group: 'Stadium wa kōfun no rutsubo deshita.'
Listen for the time: 'Kōfun ga sameru made mate.'
Listen for the manner: 'Kare wa kōfun-gimi ni hanashita.'
Listen for the intensity: 'Hageshiku kōfun shite iru.'
Listen and identify: 'Wakuwaku suru ne!' vs 'Kōfun suru ne!'
Listen for the past: 'Kinō wa kōfun shite neremasen deshita.'
Listen for the question: 'Sonna ni kōfun shite, dō shita no?'
Listen for the object: 'Kono game, kōfun suru ne!'
Listen for the negation: 'Kōfun shite wa ikenai.'
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
興奮する is your go-to word for high-intensity arousal. Use it when your adrenaline is pumping, but remember to use 'tanoshimi ni suru' for simply looking forward to something. Example: 試合を見て興奮した (I got excited watching the match).
- 興奮する (kōfun suru) means to get excited, stimulated, or agitated, covering both positive thrills and negative loss of composure.
- It is a suru-verb, often paired with the particle 'ni' to indicate the cause of the excitement.
- While similar to 'excited,' it is more intense and can imply physiological arousal or medical nerve stimulation.
- Commonly heard in sports, entertainment, and news, but should be used carefully to avoid sounding overly emotional.
Context Matters
Always check if you are describing anticipation (tanoshimi) or actual arousal (kōfun). Using the wrong one can change the meaning of your sentence entirely.
Suru-Verb Rule
Remember that since it is a suru-verb, you can use all standard suru-verb conjugations like 'kōfun saseru' (causative) or 'kōfun sareru' (passive).
Collective Excitement
In Japan, 'kōfun' is often used to describe the mood of a group (like a crowd or a nation) rather than just an individual.
Learn the Kanji
興 (rise/interest) and 奮 (stir up) are very useful kanji. 興 is also in 'kyōmi' (interest) and 奮 is in 'funtō' (struggle).
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr emotions Wörter
ぼんやり
B1Verschwommen; geistesabwesend. Wird verwendet, um eine unklare Sicht oder einen unkonzentrierten Geisteszustand zu beschreiben.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1Etwas (z.B. einen Ball) auffangen oder eine Situation/Kritik ernsthaft annehmen.
達成感
B1Das Gefühl der Zufriedenheit und des Stolzes, wenn Sie eine Aufgabe erfolgreich abgeschlossen oder ein Ziel erreicht haben. Es ist die Belohnung für Ihre Bemühungen.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1Sich an eine neue Umgebung anzupassen ist der Schlüssel zum Erfolg.
健気な
B2Beschreibt jemanden, der trotz Schwäche oder schwieriger Umstände bewundernswerten Mut und Einsatz zeigt.
感心な
B1Bewundernswert; lobenswert. 'Er ist ein bewundernswerter Junge, der fleißig lernt.' 'Ihre Einstellung ist wirklich bewundernswert.'
感心
B1Bewunderung oder beeindruckt sein von der Leistung oder dem Verhalten einer Person.
感心する
B1Von den Fähigkeiten oder dem Verhalten einer Person beeindruckt sein.