Japanese word

興味

Pronunciation

Romajikyōmi

Meaning

  • nouninterest

Example

音楽に興味があります。on gaku ni kyō mi ga a ri ma su

I am interested in music.

Illustration for 興味 (interest)

More examples

妹は絵に興味があります。imōto wa e ni kyō mi ga a ri ma su

My sister is interested in art.

子どもたちは宇宙に興味を持っています。ko do mo ta chi wa u chū ni kyō mi o mo tte i ma su

The children are interested in space.

Core concept

Describes a subject that draws a person's attention and creates a wish to know more or take part.

Common phrases

  • 興味があるkyō mi ga a ru

    be interested in ___

  • 興味を持つkyō mi o mo tsu

    take an interest in ___

  • 興味を引くkyō mi o hi ku

    attract interest

Similar words

関心kanshin: A person's attention or concern toward a particular subject.

Definition in Japanese

ある物事に心を引かれ、もっと知りたい、または関わりたいと思う気持ち。a ru mono goto ni kokoro o hi ka re mo tto shi ri ta i ma ta wa kaka wa ri ta i to omo u ki mo chi

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 興味 (kyōmi, "interest") combines 興 (kyō, "arise") and 味 (mi, "taste"), whose figurative sense gives a subject its appeal.

Usage tips

  • The common pattern 興味がある (kyōmi ga aru) expresses English "interested in" with が (ga), not を (o).

Other meanings

  • curiositynoun

Opposites

  • 無関心mukanshinindifferencenoun

Word lists with this word