Entry
うきうき
ukiuki
Describes a buoyant, cheerful mood or the feeling of happy anticipation for something pleasant.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term is used when someone's heart feels light and bouncy due to happiness or looking forward to an upcoming event, such as a trip or a date.
- Excitement due to anticipation
- Lighthearted and cheerful mood
Sense Map
Anticipation
The feeling of being unable to sit still because of an upcoming fun event.
デートの前でうきうきしている
Cheerfulness
A light and airy state of mind caused by something good happening.
うきうきした気分で歩く
Usage Note
How to Use
うきうきする
うきうきしている
Used to express that someone is currently in a buoyant and excited mood.
うきうきした
Uses the past tense form to modify a noun, describing the cheerful atmosphere or mood.
うきうき（と）して
How to Use
Common Phrases
うきうきした気分
a buoyant mood
うきうきしながら歩く
walking excitedly/cheerfully
心がうきうきする
heart feels buoyant/happy
うきうきして眠れない
too excited to sleep
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Social plans | Informal/Neutral | Very common when discussing upcoming trips or parties. |
| Children's behavior | Neutral | Used to describe a child who is clearly happy and restless before a fun event. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
わくわく わくわく / similar | Use wakuwaku for strong, high-energy excitement or anticipation. | Ukiuki is about feeling light and 'floating,' while wakuwaku is about the heart pounding with expectation. | 遠足が楽しみでわくわくする |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ukiuki for nervous excitement.
Use dokidoki if the excitement includes a racing heart from being nervous.
Using it to describe a physical object floating.
Ukiuki describes human emotions. Use pukapuka for objects floating on water.
Examples
Examples
明日、彼は初めて彼女とデートするそうでうきうきしている。
あした、かれははじめてかのじょとデートするそうでうきうきしている。
Tomorrow he is going on a date with his girlfriend for the first time, and he is very excited.
LiteralShows excitement overflowing due to the anticipation of a date.
夫は今日、何かいいことがあったのかうきうきしている。
おっとはきょう、なにかいいことがあったのかうきうきしている。
My husband is excited because something good happened to him today.
LiteralDescribes a cheerful mood after a positive event.
息子は明日の遠足が楽しみでうきうきしている。
むすこはあしたのえんそくがたのしみでうきうきしている。
My son is excited because he is going on a field trip tomorrow.
LiteralTypical excitement of a child before a school event.
新しい靴を履いて、うきうきした気分で外に出た。
あたらしいくつをはいて、うきうきしたきぶんでそとにでた。
I put on my new shoes and went out in a buoyant mood.
LiteralHappiness arising from a simple thing like new items.
来週から海外旅行なので、心がうきうきする。
らいしゅうからかいがいりょこうなので、こころがうきうきする。
Since I'm going on an overseas trip next week, my heart feels buoyant.
LiteralLong-term anticipation for a major event.
Similar Words
Questions
Can I use ukiuki in business settings?
It is generally too casual for formal business. Use terms like 'tanoshimi ni shite orimasu' instead.
What is the physical image of ukiuki?
The image is something light floating up (uku) in the air or on water, representing the heart rising with joy.
Is it different from wakuwaku?
Yes, wakuwaku is more active and energetic, while ukiuki is more lighthearted and 'floaty.'
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 902919477
- Source
- Internal
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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