はしゃぐ

• Reading: はしゃぐ
• Romaji: hashagu
• Pronunciation: /ha.ɕa.ɡɯ/

Meaning

To make merry; to frolic; to be in high spirits. Describes lively, exuberant behaviour.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb. Often used for children playing excitedly, but also for adults in festive or unusually joyful moods. Can carry a mild warning nuance when combined with すぎる (too much).

Examples

1. 子どもたちが公園ではしゃいでいる。 The kids are running around and having a blast at the park.
2. 久しぶりの雪にみんなではしゃいだ。 Everyone got all excited about the first snow in a while.
3. 遠足の前日、生徒たちははしゃぎすぎて眠れなかった。 The night before the field trip, the students were too hyped up to sleep.

Usage Guide

Context: children, festivities, outings

Tone: cheerful

Origin & History

The kanji 燥 (dry) is rarely used. Originally related to the idea of being dry and light, hence bouncy and energetic. The hiragana form is standard.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal