Entry
うずうず
uzuuzu
A feeling of being restless or impatient because you are very eager to do something right away.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes an internal state of restlessness where a person can hardly contain their excitement or desire to take action. It is often used when someone is waiting for the perfect opportunity to start something they find enjoyable or compelling.
- Strong urge to take action
- Restlessness while waiting for an opportunity
Sense Map
Activity and Action
Being extremely eager to start a new hobby, task, or game.
Having just bought a new guitar, I'm itching to play it.
Social and Communication
A strong desire to share news or a secret with someone else.
She was dying to tell him the secret since this morning.
Usage Note
How to Use
うずうずする
The basic verb form used to express the current feeling of eagerness.
うずうずしている
The progressive form describing a continuous state of being restless.
〜したくてうずうずする
The most common pattern to specify exactly what action one is eager to do.
How to Use
Common Phrases
話したくてうずうずする
Itching to talk
行きたくてうずうずしている
Dying to go
始めたくてうずうずする
Eager to start
うずうずと出番を待つ
Wait impatiently for one's turn
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hobbies or Sports | Positive | Commonly used when someone wants to get started with their favorite activity. |
| Secret or Gossip | Neutral | Highlights the difficulty of keeping something to oneself. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
むずむず むずむず / similar | Used for a physical itch or a restless feeling that something isn't right. | Uzuuzu focuses on the urge to act, while muzumuzu can be a literal physical sensation. | Feeling a tickle in the nose (muzumuzu). |
わくわく わくわく / similar | Used for a pure feeling of joy and anticipation. | Wakuwaku is about the happiness of waiting; uzuuzu includes the restless urge to start doing it. | Excited for the upcoming trip (wakuwaku). |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using uzuuzu for impatience caused by anger.
Use iraira (いらいら) for frustration. Uzuuzu is for positive or neutral eagerness.
Thinking uzuuzu means just waiting.
Uzuuzu always implies an urge to take a specific action, not just passing time.
Examples
Examples
彼は新しいゲームを始めたくてうずうずしている。
かれはあたらしいゲームをはじめたくてうずうずしている。
He is itching to start his new game.
LiteralShows a strong desire to perform an activity.
秘密を教えたくて、彼女は朝からうずうずしていた。
ひみつをおしえたくて、かのじょはあさからうずうずしていた。
She has been dying to tell the secret since this morning.
LiteralUsed when someone finds it difficult to keep a secret.
遠足の前の日の夜、子供たちはうずうずして眠れなかった。
えんそくのまえのひのよる、こどもたちはうずうずしてねむれなかった。
The night before the field trip, the children were so restless they couldn't sleep.
LiteralShows impatience waiting for a big event.
彼は舞台に立ちたくてうずうずしている様子だ。
かれはぶたいにたちたくてうずうずしているようすだ。
He seems to be itching to get on stage.
LiteralA strong desire to show one's skills.
久しぶりの旅行を前にして、家族全員がうずうずしている。
ひさしぶりのりょこうをまえにして、かぞくぜんいんがうずうずしている。
With the long-awaited trip coming up, the whole family is itching to go.
LiteralDescribes an atmosphere of collective enthusiasm.
Similar Words
ムズムズ
muzumuzu
A ticklish or crawling sensation of itchiness, or a psychological restlessness and eager urge to take action. Can refer to physical itching or a restless impatience.
わくわく
wakuwaku
Wakuwaku means to be positively excited, thrilled, and happily anticipating something. Focuses more on the pure excitement of waiting for something fun.
Questions
Can I use uzuuzu for an itchy mosquito bite?
No, for physical itching on the skin, use muzumuzu or kayu-i.
How casual is uzuuzu?
It is quite casual and expressive. You wouldn't use it in a formal report, but it's fine with friends or family.
Does it have a negative meaning?
Generally no. It mostly describes a 'good' kind of impatience or a harmless urge to speak.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1000980
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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