How to say, "I'm Excited" in Korean | 설레 vs 신나다 vs 기대되다

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Did you know there are a handful of ways to say, "I'm excited" or "I can't wait" in Korean? As some of you may already know, some words are more.. "appropriate" than others. Let's break it down!

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신나다

Meaning:

• Feeling lively, pumped up, and very happy.

• Used for fun activities, events, or when you're in a super good mood.

Note: this wordcan be used as a standalone phrase to say "i'm excited".

Examples:

1. 놀이공원에 가서 신났어요! (I had so much fun at the amusement park!)

2. 좋은 노래를 들으면 신나요. (I feel excited when I hear good music.)

3. 친구들이랑 놀아서 신났어요. (I was excited playing with my friends.)

4. 드디어 방학이라서 신나요! (I'm excited because it's finally vacation!)

5. 게임에서 이겨서 신났어요. (I'm excited because I won the game!)

   
   

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설레다

Meaning:

• Feeling fluttery, heart-fluttering excitement.

• Often used for love, dates, special events, or emotional moments.

• It's not as "hard" to conjugate as you may be thinking. Just add “요” for casual endings or nothing at all for informal endings. (설렙니다, 설레요, 설레)

Examples:

1. 첫 데이트를 앞두고 설레요. (I'm fluttering before my first date.)

2. 새 학기 시작이라 설레요. (I'm excited and nervous because a new semester is starting.)

3. 고백하려고 하니까 마음이 설레요. (My heart flutters because I'm about to confess.)

4. 여행을 생각하면 설레요. (Thinking about the trip makes me flutter.)

5. 새로운 친구를 만나서 설렜어요. (I was fluttery because I met a new friend.)

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기대되다

Meaning:

• To look forward to something that hasn't happened yet.

• It's positive, but a little calmer than 신나다.

• Usually translated as "can't wait" or "looking forward to"

• Translators will give you something like, "못 기다려요” for "can't wait", which is too literal and is unnatural.

Examples:

1. 내일 생일 파티가 기대돼요. (I'm looking forward to the birthday party tomorrow.)

2. 새로운 영화가 기대돼요. (I'm excited for the new movie.)

3. 이번 주말 여행이 기대돼요. (I'm looking forward to this weekend's trip.)

4. 크리스마스가 기대돼요. (I'm excited for Christmas.)

5. 첫 직장에 출근하는 게 기대돼요. (I'm looking forward to starting my first job.)

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두근두근

Meaning:

• The feeling or sound of your heart pounding ("thump thump"). This is called a "mimetic word"

• Used when you are nervous, scared, or excited before something important.

• It's usually paired with a verb (하다) when used in sentences like you see below .

• Memetic Words = Onomatopoeias

• Learn More Mimetic Words Here

Examples:

1. 발표하기 전에 심장이 두근두근했어요. (My heart was pounding before the presentation.)

2. 시험 결과를 기다리면서 두근두근했어요. (While waiting for the test results, my heart was racing.)

3. 데이트 장소에 가는 길에 두근두근했어요. (On the way to the date, my heart was pounding.)

4. 처음 비행기를 타서 두근두근했어요. (I was nervous because it was my first time flying.)

5. 고백할 때 두근두근했어요. (My heart pounded when I confessed.)

   
   
   
   

두근거리다 — "to have your heart race"

• Similar to 두근두근, but used more like a verb.

Example:

새로운 일을 시작하려니까 두근거려요. (Starting a new job makes my heart race.)

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About the "Inappropriate" Way to Say "I'm Excited"

In English, "I'm excited" is normal. But in Korean, you have to be careful! if you say:

흥분돼요

it can sound sexual — like you're "sexually excited" rather than just "happy excited."흥분하다 means to be agitated, thrilled, or aroused depending on the situation — not safe for everyday "I'm excited!"

Instead, when you want to say "I'm excited" safely, use:

• 신나요! (I'm excited!)

• 기대돼요! (I'm looking forward to it!)

• 설레요! (My heart flutters!)

Avoid 흥분돼요 unless you really know what you're doing — it can sound awkward or very wrong!

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Do you want to sound even more fluent? Try using this expression:

손꼽아 기다리다

"to count down the days"

• Super strong way to say "I'm dying to..." or "I can't wait."

Literal meaning: Counting on your fingers while waiting.

Example:

방학을 손꼽아 기다리고 있어요. (I'm counting down the days until vacation.)