I'm excited
Use this if you are female. Adjectives for feelings must match your gender.
An exclamation meaning 'How exciting!' used to react to exciting news.
Literally 'I have a lot of desire to...', this means 'I'm really looking forward to...'
A direct translation of 'I can't wait to...', used to show strong anticipation.
I'm excited about our trip to Colombia.
My daughter is very excited because she is going to get a puppy.
—Are we going to the movies tomorrow? —Yes, how exciting!
I'm really looking forward to starting my Spanish classes.
I can't wait to see my family at Christmas.
'Estoy emocionado/a' is the standard and universally understood phrase for being excited.
While 'estoy emocionado/a' is understood, it's very common to say 'Me hace mucha ilusión' or 'Tengo mucha ilusión' to express excitement or anticipation for a future event.
'Estoy emocionado/a' is the most common phrase. '¡Qué padre!' or '¡Qué chido!' (How cool!) can also be used to react to exciting news in casual conversation.
'Estoy emocionado/a' and 'Tengo muchas ganas' are very common. A popular slang term is 'estar manija', which means to be extremely excited or anxious for something, but this is informal.
Using 'excitado/a' instead of 'emocionado/a'. — Incorrect: 'Estoy excitado por el viaje.' Correct: 'Estoy emocionado por el viaje.' — This is a classic false friend. In most of Spanish America, 'excitado/a' means sexually aroused. To express general excitement or enthusiasm, always use 'emocionado/a'.
Using the wrong gender. — Incorrect (for a woman): 'Estoy emocionado.' Correct: 'Estoy emocionada.' — Adjectives that describe feelings must agree in gender with the person. If you are female, you must use the '-a' ending.
Using 'ser' instead of 'estar'. — Incorrect: 'Soy emocionado.' Correct: 'Estoy emocionado.' — Excitement is a temporary feeling or state, not a permanent characteristic. Always use the verb 'estar' for emotions.
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