Translation guide
How to express the idea of making someone interested in something in Japanese, ranging from sparking curiosity to capturing attention.
To cause someone to become interested in a topic, idea, or activity, often in a general or intellectual sense.
A common and natural way to say 'arouse interest'. Literally 'pull interest'. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
その話は彼の興味を引いた。
That story aroused his interest.
The new project is arousing the employees' interest.
Literally 'make someone have interest'. A causative form that emphasizes inducing interest. Slightly more deliberate than 興味を引く.
子供に科学の興味を持たせる方法を考えている。
I'm thinking of ways to arouse children's interest in science.
Specifically means 'to arouse curiosity'. Often used when something is intriguing or mysterious.
その映画の予告編は好奇心をそそる。
The movie trailer arouses curiosity.
Means 'to attract attention/interest'. More formal and often used in news or reports. 関心 implies a broader concern or attention.
環境問題が人々の関心を呼んでいる。
Environmental issues are arousing people's interest.
To strongly attract someone's attention, often in a way that is captivating or enchanting.
Literally 'capture the heart/mind'. Implies a deep, emotional fascination. Common in descriptions of art, music, or stories.
彼女の歌声は聴衆の心を捉えた。
Her singing voice captured the audience's hearts (aroused their interest).
Literally 'pull the eye'. Means to catch someone's eye or attract visual attention. Often used for designs, advertisements, or appearances.
そのポスターはとても目を引く。
That poster really catches the eye (arouses interest).
Means 'to fascinate' or 'captivate'. Stronger than just arousing interest; implies being completely charmed.
その景色は訪れる人々を魅了する。
The scenery captivates (arouses the interest of) visitors.
To actively encourage someone to take an interest in something, often through deliberate effort.
Means 'to stir up interest'. Stronger than 興味を引く, implying a more active stimulation. Often used in marketing or education.
その広告は消費者の興味をかき立てた。
The advertisement stirred up consumers' interest.
Means 'to raise interest/awareness'. Often used in contexts of social issues or campaigns.
このイベントは環境問題への関心を高めることを目的としている。
This event aims to raise interest in environmental issues.
興味 (きょうみ) is interest in something enjoyable or personally engaging, like a hobby. 関心 (かんしん) is more about concern or attention, often for serious matters. Use 興味 for curiosity and 関心 for awareness.
彼は歴史に興味がある。
He is interested in history (as a hobby).
彼は政治に関心がある。
He is interested in politics (as a concerned citizen).
Do not directly translate 'arouse' as 起こす (おこす) or 刺激する (しげきする) in most contexts. Phrases like 興味を起こす are possible but less natural than 興味を引く or 興味をかき立てる.