Japanese word

熱心

Pronunciation

Romajinesshin

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveenthusiastic

Example

彼は勉強に熱心です。kare wa ben kyō ni nes shin de su

He is enthusiastic about studying.

Illustration for 熱心 (enthusiastic)

More examples

その店員はお客さんの話を熱心に聞いています。so no ten in wa o kyaku sa n no hanashi o nes shin ni ki i te i ma su

The clerk is listening attentively to the customer's story.

Core concept

Expresses wholehearted interest in an activity together with a willingness to keep working at it.

Common phrases

  • 熱心に聞くnes shin ni ki ku

    listen attentively

  • 熱心な教師nes shin na kyō shi

    enthusiastic teacher

Similar words

一生懸命isshōkenmei: Shows wholehearted effort and a strong wish to do something well.
真剣shinken: Shows serious commitment and a focused attitude toward a task.
夢中muchū: Shows complete absorption in an activity, with attention focused almost entirely on it.

Definition in Japanese

一つの事に心を集中させ、進んで努力するさま。hito tsu no koto ni kokoro o shū chū sa se susu n de do ryoku su ru sa ma

Word origin

熱心 (nesshin) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 熱 (netsu, "heat") and 心 (shin, "heart"), suggesting a heart filled with intensity toward a pursuit.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 熱心な (nesshin na) describes an enthusiastic person, while 熱心に (nesshin ni) describes how that person studies, works, or pursues a hobby.

Other meanings

  • eagerna-adjective
  • diligentna-adjective

Opposites

  • 無関心mukanshinindifferentna-adjective

Related words

  • 熱心さnesshinsaenthusiasmnoun

Word lists with this word