Japanese word

面白い

Pronunciation

Romajiomoshiroi

Meaning

  • i-adjectiveinteresting

Example

この本は面白いです。ko no hon wa omo shiro i de su

This book is interesting.

Illustration for 面白い (interesting)

More examples

この絵本は面白いです。ko no e hon wa omo shiro i de su

This picture book is interesting.

旅行先で面白い店を見つけました。ryo kō saki de omo shiro i mise o mi tsu ke ma shi ta

I found an interesting shop while traveling.

Core concept

Marks a response in which curiosity and enjoyment arise from something seen, heard, or experienced.

Common phrases

  • 面白い人omo shiro i hito

    an interesting person

  • 面白い話omo shiro i hanashi

    an interesting story

  • 面白い映画omo shiro i ei ga

    an interesting movie

  • 面白い本omo shiro i hon

    an interesting book

  • 面白い番組omo shiro i ban gumi

    an interesting program

Similar words

楽しいtanoshii: Creates a pleasant feeling during an activity or experience.
おかしいokashii: Makes people laugh because it is funny or seems strange.
興味深いkyōmibukai: Creates strong interest because it offers something worth noticing or thinking about.

Definition in Japanese

物事に関心を持ち、楽しさや興味を感じさせるさま。mono goto ni kan shin o mo chi tano shi sa ya kyō mi o kan ji sa se ru sa ma

Word origin

面白い (omoshiroi, "interesting") is the modern form of 面白し (omoshiroshi, "pleasant"); the older word linked a brightened face with a pleasing experience.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 面白そう (omoshirosō, "seems interesting or fun") uses the same adjective with そう (sō, "seems") to describe an apparent impression.

Other meanings

  • funnyi-adjective
  • entertainingi-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 面白さomoshirosainterestnoun
  • 面白がるomoshirogarufind amusingverb
  • 面白みomoshiromiappealnoun

Word lists with this word