If you always translate “I’m looking forward to it” as 楽たのしみにしています, you’re not wrong—but Japanese speakers use several expressions depending on the situation and how excited they are.

Here are some of the most natural ones.

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1. 楽たのしみにしています

Meaning: I’m looking forward to it.

楽たのしみにしています。

This is the safest and most versatile expression.

Examples

• 日本旅行にほんりょこうを楽たのしみにしています。
  I’m looking forward to my trip to Japan.
• またお会あいできるのを楽たのしみにしています。
  I’m looking forward to seeing you again.

Use it when:

• Talking politely
• Writing emails
• Speaking with teachers, coworkers, or clients

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2. 楽たのしみです

Meaning: I’m excited. / I’m looking forward to it.

A shorter version that’s very common in everyday conversation.

Examples

• 明日あしたが楽たのしみです。
  I’m looking forward to tomorrow.
• 新あたらしいカフェ、楽たのしみ！
  I can’t wait to try the new cafe!

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3. 待まちきれません

Meaning: I can’t wait!

Use this when you’re extremely excited.

Examples

• コンサートが待まちきれません！
  I can’t wait for the concert!
• 新あたらしいゲームが待まちきれない！
  I can’t wait for the new game.

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4. 待まち遠どおしいです

Meaning: I can’t wait.

Unlike 待まちきれません, this expresses a pleasant feeling that something can’t come soon enough.

Examples

• 春はるが待まち遠どおしいです。
  I can’t wait for spring.
• 夏休なつやすみが待まち遠どおしいです。
  I’m looking forward to summer vacation.

This is often used for seasons, holidays, or events that are still some time away.

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5. ワクワクしています

Meaning: I’m excited.

This emphasizes the emotion you’re feeling.

Examples

• 初はじめての海外旅行かいがいりょこうでワクワクしています。
  I’m excited about my first trip abroad.
• 明日あしたのイベント、ワクワク！
  I’m excited for tomorrow’s event!

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Quick Comparison

Japanese	Natural English	Nuance
楽たのしみにしています	I’m looking forward to it.	Polite and standard
楽たのしみです	I’m excited. / Looking forward to it.	Casual and everyday
待まちきれません	I can’t wait.	Very excited
待まち遠どおしいです	I can’t wait.	Something feels far away
ワクワクしています	I’m excited.	Focuses on your feelings

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Tip

If you’re ever unsure, 楽たのしみにしています is almost always the right choice. It’s natural in conversations, emails, and messages, and you’ll hear native speakers use it all the time.

Once you’re comfortable with it, try adding expressions like 待まち遠どおしいです or ワクワクしています to sound more expressive and natural.

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